bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Importance of Family Support in Successful Treatment Adherence of Schizophrenic Patient
Authors: Jessica Lia , Fithriyah Izzatul , Ardani I Gusti Ayu Indah
Published: September 2021

Background: Schizophrenia is a treatable disease  but requires patient’s high adherence to treatment. Family support of a schizophrenic patient plays an important role in encouraging the patient to continue his treatment. This report aims to enhance the importance of family support of schizophrenic patient in patient’s adherence to achieve a good mental health for all family member.Case: A hospitalized male paranoid schizophrenic patient who was admitted and observed in Dr. Soetomo General Hospital from September 15th-25th, 2020. Patient came to the hospital with chief complaint could not stop talking (rambling) since 1 day before admission. Patient could neither eat nor sleep for that day. Patient relapsed after stopping taking medication from the psychiatrist.Discussions: The patient in this case suffered a relapse of his paranoid schizophrenia because he stopped taking medication. Lack of support from family is the most important factor in a schizophrenia patient. Psychoeducation to patient’s family about schizophrenia and the importance of medication would be a great help for patient’s adherence to treatment.Conclusions: Schizophrenia needs a long-life treatment. High adherence to treatment could improve schizophrenia’s symptoms and prevent relapse. Family support is important to make sure the patient keeps taking his medicine regularly.
Contributions de la génétique animale à la transition agroécologique des systèmes d’élevage
Authors: DUCOS Alain , DOUHARD Frédéric , SAVIETTO Davi , SAUTIER Marion , FILLON Valérie , GUNIA Mélanie , RUPP Rachel , MORENO-ROMIEUX Carole , MIGNON-GRASTEAU Sandrine , GILBERT Hélène , FORTUN-LAMOTHE Laurence
Published: September 2021

Les filières et systèmes d’élevage ont considérablement évolué au cours du XXe siècle. La recherche en génétique animale et la mise en place des programmes d’amélioration génétique ont joué un rôle important dans cette évolution. Aujourd’hui, le modèle dominant, caractérisé par une utilisation intensive d’intrants, une très grande spécialisation des systèmes et la recherche de coûts de production toujours plus bas, est remis en cause. Un objectif désormais largement partagé est de contribuer à l’émergence de systèmes alimentaires durables, équitables, sains et respectueux de l’environnement. L’agroécologie est un moyen pour atteindre cet objectif et guider la nécessaire transition des systèmes d’élevage, à laquelle la génétique animale doit contribuer. Des exemples de contributions passées, actuelles et potentielles sont présentés et positionnés selon cinq principes d’agroécologie proposés pour guider l’évolution des systèmes d’élevage. La plupart, telles que la sélection d’animaux résistants à différentes maladies infectieuses ou valorisant de façon plus efficace leur alimentation, correspondent à des niveaux de transition agroécologique faible, dans la mesure où elles ne remettent pas en cause les fondements, les composantes ou la conception générale des systèmes. De nouvelles contributions, visant une transition forte, fondée sur une reconception en profondeur des systèmes d’élevage, sont à développer à l’avenir.
Vibration Analysis of Axially Functionally Graded Non-Prismatic Euler-Bernoulli Beams Using the Finite Difference Method
Authors: Fogang Valentin
Published: September 2021

This paper presents an approach to the vibration analysis of axially functionally graded (AFG) non-prismatic Euler-Bernoulli beams using the finite difference method (FDM). The characteristics (cross-sectional area, moment of inertia, elastic moduli, and mass density) of AFG beams vary along the longitudinal axis. The FDM is an approximate method for solving problems described with differential equations. It does not involve solving differential equations; equations are formulated with values at selected points of the structure. In addition, the boundary conditions and not the governing equations are applied at the beam’s ends. In this paper, differential equations were formulated with finite differences, and additional points were introduced at the beam’s ends and at positions of discontinuity (supports, hinges, springs, concentrated mass, spring-mass system, etc.). The introduction of additional points allowed us to apply the governing equations at the beam’s ends and to satisfy the boundary and continuity conditions. Moreover, grid points with variable spacing were also considered, the grid being uniform within beam segments. Vibration analysis of AFG non-prismatic Euler-Bernoulli beams was conducted with this model, and natural frequencies were determined. Finally, a direct time integration method (DTIM) was presented. The FDM-based DTIM enabled the analysis of forced vibration of AFG non-prismatic Euler-Bernoulli beams, considering the damping. The results obtained in this paper showed good agreement with those of other studies, and the accuracy was always increased through a grid refinement.
Quality of Alcohol Based Hand Sanitizers Marketed in the Nairobi Metropolis
Authors: Abuga Kennedy , Nyamweya Nasser , King’ondu Obed
Published: September 2021

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has propelled the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers to the fore as a SARS-CoV-2 control measure. To be effective these products must comply with relevant quality parameters such as alcohol concentration, methanol limits and purity. The current study was designed to determine the quality of alcohol-based hand sanitizer products in the Nairobi metropolitan area. For this purpose, 74 commercially marketed samples were collected and subjected to analysis by gas chromatography. Only three samples (4.1%) complied with the regulatory specifications for alcohol content, methanol limits and pH. Five samples (6.8%) complied with the specification for alcohol content but did not meet methanol or pH limits. A total of 44 (59.5%) samples had methanol levels that exceeded threshold limits. Eleven samples (14.9%) were found with methanol substitution (i.e., methanol, instead of ethanol or isopropanol, was the main alcohol component). The results show that users of alcohol-based hand sanitizers are being exposed to substandard and falsified products which in addition to being non-efficacious pose harm due to unacceptable levels of toxic impurities. Regular, routine post-market surveillance is needed to prevent such products from reaching the market.
The Effect of Job Satisfaction and Work-life Balance on Employee Turnover Intention in Real Estate Industry
Authors: Nadira Fasya Herliana  , Agung Wahyu Handaru  , Widya Parimita
Published: September 2021

This study aims to: 1) To find out the description of job satisfaction, work-life balance, and turnover intention of generation Y employees in the real estate industry in Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta, 2) To find out the effect of job satisfaction on turnover intention of generation Y employees in the real estate industry in Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta, 3) To find out the effect of work-life balance on turnover intention of generation Y employees in the real estate industry in Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta, 4) To find out how much the contribution of job satisfaction and work-life balance to turnover intention of generation Y employees in the real estate industry in Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta. This research was conducted on 104 generation Y employees in the real estate industry in Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta. Data collection technique using survey methods by distributing questionnaire which then processed with SPSS software version 25. This research used descriptive and explanatory analysis. The result of this study shows that the level of job satisfaction and work-life balance of generation Y employee in the real estate industry in Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta are low, the level of turnover intention of generation Y employees in the real estate industry in Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta is high, job satisfaction has a negative and significant effect on turnover intention, work-life balance has a negative and significant effect on turnover intention, and the model of job satisfaction and work-life balance can predict turnover intention of generation Y employee in the real estate industry in Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta.
Using ESP Permanent Magnet Motor Technology in High-Temperature Geothermal Applications
Authors: Lykova Natalia , Martiushev Danila
Published: September 2021

Geothermal energy is one of the more efficient renewable energy sources. It uses heat from the Earth's interior to produce electricity in geothermal power plants. In binary cycle power plants, geothermal water can often be produced naturally from high-pressure wells. But when reservoir pressure drops, these power plants need to add artificial lift to continue to produce needed quantities of hot water. The geothermal industry is looking at electrical submersible pumping (ESP) systems as a way to improve geothermal fluid production. But ESPs were designed for the conditions in oil wells and are subject to severe complicating factors in geothermal conditions that significantly reduce runlife, such as temperatures up to 200°C (390°F), highly corrosive fluid, and salt deposition (scale). At the same time, production rates need to be higher than those typical of oil production.

The most commonly used geothermal pumps are driven by a transmission shaft and drive on the surface, or they use a submersible asynchronous induction motor. Surface-driven pumps, commonly called line-shaft pumps, have significant depth limitations. Submersible asynchronous induction motors cannot provide a sufficient volume of fluid supply and tend to overheat in high-temperature conditions. To compensate for the heat, induction motors must operate underloaded. Even so, they are subject to frequent premature failures with operating times of between 30 and 100 days. To solve the problem of cost-effective exploitation of geothermal fields, Novomet used its expertise with permanent magnet motors and high-speed pumps to develop an electrical submersible pumping system that would offer more reliability and runlife in geothermal conditions.

A 254-mm (10-in.) geothermal submersible pumping (GSP) system was designed, manufactured, and tested with a production output of up to 12,000 m3/d (75,477 bbl/d, 139 l/s, 2201 gpm,). It featured new generation, high-efficiency pump stages and a permanent magnet motor with a capacity of up to 1.5 MW. The GSP system design was field tested in Turkey. Improvements to early system designs include the use of a heat-conducting filler in the materials used to compound the permanent magnet motor, the adoption of various high-temperature-rated components (AFLAS rubber elements, RYTON motor terminals, and heat-resistant motor oil), and the development of metal-to-metal sealing in the motor lead extension.

One of the early GSP systems installed in the field performed reliably for 470 days at a frequency of 90 Hz, significantly exceeding the target runtime. More than thirty units with a total flow rate of 190,000 m3/d (1,195,000 bbl/d, 2199 l/s, 34,856 gpm) are currently in operation in Turkey. The electrical consumption savings average 25% for each GSP system with a permanent magnet motor compared to systems using asynchronous induction motors.

While designed for geothermal applications, GSPs can also be used in oil and gas operations.
Permanent Magnet Motor Safety
Authors: Nicholson Barry , Yicon Carlos , Harris Dennis , Delaloye Richard
Published: September 2021

As Permanent Magnet Motors (PMMs) become more widely used because of their many benefits, awareness of the potential safety hazards arising from their differences from Induction Motors (IMs) is important. Due to their construction, the magnetic field presence is always "on" with PMM – even when not under energized electrical energy. PMMs are AC generators when freely rotating forward or backward. Elevated safety consciousness is needed to avoid serious injury or fatality when working with PMMs. This paper presents operational procedures for installing, pulling, troubleshooting, and handling PMMs with a focus upon safety. Hazards have been identified, and some mitigations are recommended to eliminate the potential danger and bring awareness to the petroleum industry (and others) to ensure that all workers go home safely. The observations presented in this paper came directly from field experience with operators, equipment manufacturers, and service providers.
Lessons Learned from Analyzing the Runlife Statistics of ESPs Using Kaplan Meier Analysis for North American Unconventional Plays
Authors: Bryan Chris , Nasir Ehsaan
Published: September 2021

Evaluating Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESPs) [SS1] [NA2] run-lives and performance in unconventional well environments is challenging due to many different factors -including the reservoir, well design, and production fluids. Moreover, reviewing the run-lives of ESPs in a field can be rather complex since the run-life data is incomplete. Often ESPs are pulled while they are still operational, or the ESP has not been allowed to run until failure. These are some of the complications that arise when gauging ESP performance.

A large dataset of ESP installs was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for the North American unconventional application to better understand those factors that may affect ESP run lives. The factors were studied including but are not limited to the following:

Basin and producing formation Comparing different ESP component types such pumps and motors, and new or used ESP components Completion intensity of the frac job (lb/ft of proppant)

Kaplan-Meier survival analysis is one of the commonly used methods to measure the fraction or probability of group survival after certain time periods because it accounts for incomplete observations. Using Kaplan-Meier analysis generates a survival curve to show a declining fraction of surviving ESPs over time. Survival curves can be compared by segmenting the runlife data into buckets (based on different factors), therefore to analyze the statistical significance of each and how they affect ESP survivability.

Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed on the aforementioned dataset to answer these questions in order to better understand the factors that affect ESP runlives in North American unconventional plays.

This work uses a unique dataset that encompasses several different ESP designs, with the ESPs installed in different North American plays. The observations and conclusions drawn from it, by applying survival analysis, can help in benchmarking ESP runtimes and identifying what works in terms of prolonging ESP runlife. The workflow is also applicable to any asset in order to better understand the drivers behind ESP runlife performance.
An Overview of Surmont SAGD ESP Gas Handling Project to Mitigate Production Effects of NCG Co-Injection
Authors: Nespor Kristian , Walters Roger , Goulet Curtis , Coates Bryan , Studer Daine
Published: September 2021

NCG (Non-Condensable Gas) co-injection with steam has been in operation at Surmont SAGD field since 2017. After a significant number of operational attempts to mitigate ESP no flow events (deadheading) suspected to be instigated by increased production of gas (typical SAGD GOR 5-10 m3/m3) a strategy was developed to focus on completion adjustments to the ESP on candidate SAGD producers. These changes were completed in late 2019 to help reduce the loss of production, which could impact viability of NCG co-injection at Surmont. Three separate completion adjustments were made: an inverted shroud installation, a larger OD pump with a gas separator, and lowering of an ESP to the lowest possible TVD.

A comparison of the production and operational performance before and after each completion adjustment was completed. In-depth design reviews between CPC and the equipment vendor were done to ensure maximum chance of positive benefit. The inverted shroud installation was expected to improve gas separation efficiency, leading to a reduction in the frequency of No Flow Events (NFEs), which were impacting production rates. The shrouded ESP performance on the first candidate well showed no NFEs with a significant increase in production rates compared to the baseline before the completion adjustment. The larger OD pump with gas separator install was also expected to reduce or completely prevent NFEs. the results were also positive, with an increase in production and no further NFEs recorded. Lowering of a third ESP to a point as close as possible to the liner hanger did not achieve any long-term change in production performance. With the success of the inverted shroud, a second installation was completed on the third well where the ESP was being lowered. A production increase and prevention of NFEs were documented like the first shroud installation, confirming the benefit of the shrouded ESP design. The completion changes confirmed that suitable adjustments to mitigate the effects of NCG injection are possible, with further development on design required to optimize for production capacity and long-term performance.

With the results seen so far, further installations will be completed in the future on appropriate candidates to continue to mitigate the effect on ESPs of produced NCG volumes.
Riding through Power Disturbances using Local Energy Storage
Authors: Burley Colt , Arefeen Mohammed , Davidson Arran
Published: September 2021

The nature of Oil and Gas production presents numerous challenges for creating and maintaining reliable electrical infrastructure. Production assets are often widely dispersed over remote geographical areas, leaving them vulnerable to wildlife, storms and poor load management. Unfortunately for ESPs, even an extremely short interruption in electrical service can lead to significant downtime, stress on equipment, and additional field labor costs. The economic and operational advantages to providing a readily available, alternative source of power during these short duration events is significant. This paper describes an effective, economical approach that is based on locally situated energy storage with the appropriate control circuitry.

The existing Variable Speed Drive (VSD) architecture allows for the storage system to be constantly connected to the ESP's electrical system, allowing for an ever-present power supply without the need for mechanical switching. The ride-through system was designed to keep a fully loaded ESP system, of corresponding size, operational during most temporary power disturbances. At the conclusion of rigorous laboratory testing, the ride-through system was installed in the field and was subjected to simulated outages. Precision electrical monitoring equipment was installed to record voltage and current during genuine disruptions and interruptions. Records from field testing and genuine events confirmed the viability of local storage systems utilizing supercapacitors. The energy storage system provided a steady supply of power and consistently prevented shutdowns during common power system disruptions. Due to its capacity to store a considerable amount of power, the system demonstrated an ability to ride-through both multiple disturbances in short succession as well as outages lasting as long as 8 seconds, even under full load.
Intentionally Deadheading SAGD ESPs - An Unconventional Approach to Improve Run Life
Authors: Studer J. Daine , Chacin Jesus E. , Walters Roger , Nguyen Hoai Ann
Published: September 2021

SAGD ESPs run at the highest motor temperatures current technology allows. However, they cool very rapidly when shutdown. High cooling rates promote motor oil volumetric contraction, eventually leading to wellbore fluid ingress and short-circuited motors. The Paper presents successful field tests designed to decrease ESP cooling rates by inducing controlled deadheads, rather than shutting down ESPs. Various extended deadhead field trials (up to 70+ days duration) validated the approach, while confirming that no deadhead related ESP damage was induced.

ESP temperature changes were measured using fiber optics strings installed as part of the usual completion in 60+ wells, during a four week-long field-wide plant maintenance turn-around. While cooling rates varied somewhat from well to well, they all showed very similar behavior and were very well fitted with a log-normal distribution, R2factor > 95%. Most ESP temperatures decreased between 50°C to 120°C in a week. This data was used as a general baseline to support the deadheading field trials.

An ESP was fitted internally with an RTD at the base of the motor and externally with a clamped fiber optics string. This ESP was operated normally at 55 Hz for a few months. An 8-hour shut down test established an initial base line cooling rate of 6.6°C/hour. Subsequent 6-hour deadhead tests at 30Hz and 45 Hz showed decreased cooling rates of 4.0°C/hour and 2.2°C/hour, respectively. This result clearly established the potential to deadhead at different frequencies to obtain different lower cooling rates.

Finally, two extended deadhead tests (3 and 10 weeks in duration) were executed to help determine if it was possible to induce damage in SAGD ESPs by deadheading, as is usually the case in most non-thermal applications. These ESPs operated normally after the extended tests and one was dismantled upon failure, looking for any signs of deadhead damage.

Results presented show that deadheading SAGD ESPs provides the opportunity to safely minimize ESP thermal cycles, which could lead to a significant improvement in ESP run life.
Motor Intelligence Versus Vibration Analysis for Early-Stage Diagnosis of Electric Submersible Pumps
Authors: Badkoubeh Amir , E. Trevisan Francisco
Published: September 2021

The main objective of this paper is to investigate the condition monitoring based on electric signature analysis for electric submersible pumps (ESPs) as introduced in our previous paper, SPE-201169-MS. While an ESP core physical concept is similar to other rotary electric machinery, they have unique features which make their selection, installation and operation different than typical rotating equipment applications. For the purpose of this study, a scale-down ESP system and flow loop was utilized to replicate an actual ESP application. Condition monitoring of the ESP was completed with mechanically and electrically induced vibrations and compare the results vis-à-vis those obtained by a common vibration analysis method. Furthermore, by running the ESP at various operation points, we show how the mechanical and electrical efficiency of the pump, induction motor and variable frequency drive are intertwined. This observation may suggest an interesting insight for further discussion on ESP optimization.
SAGD ESP Intake Design Improvement
Authors: Zhong Frank , Keough Patrick , Martel Kjellb , Delaloye Richard , Goulet Curtis , Coates Bryan
Published: September 2021

One of the major challenges in SAGD Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) operation is produced water flashing to steam when flowing pressure loss is significant, such as at an ESP intake.

"Bottom Feeder" style intakes are a standard SAGD ESP intake which has been applied in the SAGD industry for over a decade. However,it was identified in recent years at ConocoPhillips's (CPC) Surmont Oilsands operations that Bottom Feeder intakes can lead to steam flashing in pump at the right conditions. The flashed steam causes significant cavitation in pump, which in turn causes severe motor load chattering. Further to that, steam locking in the pump can occur, which is called a "no flow event" (NFE) in the SAGD industry.

ConocoPhillips and Baker Hughes have been working together to optimize SAGD ESPs by utilizing an integral intake to minimize the pressure loss across the intake ports. This would also streamline the connection between intake and pump housing to minimize pressure loss at these intake flow paths.

The improved design has been tested in Surmont successfully, and the integral intake has become an optional intake to be applied in the well cases where steam flashing has been known to cause operation interruptions or ESP damages.

This paper will review the process undertaken by CPC and Baker Hughes to study the ESP performance with the bottom feeder intake in comparison to the ESP performance with an integral intake.Design and field data will be presented and reviewed to highlight the performance of each system.
ESP Field Operational Score – A Unified Approach to ESP Performance Benchmarking
Authors: Al-Jazzaf Abdulla M. , Abdal Abdulaziz A. , Shehab Abdulaziz , Al-Maqsseed Nora H. , Gorlov Alexander
Published: September 2021

Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESPs) contribute over 60% of the Kuwait's oil production from 2,500 ESPs. Past efforts in benchmarking ESP performance were based on single metric reporting such as run life, reliability, failure rates and downtime reported separately resulting in often contradictory results. The Field Operational Score (FOS) was developed as a more holistic and integrated approach in measuring ESP performance answering questions such as how often do downtime event occur and how long do they last? How fast can we identify a trip and restart production? How many days will an ESP operate before failing and how likely will it prematurely fail? The FOS enables a unified and well-rounded approach to measuring ESP operational performance which includes factors often overlooked in ESP benchmarking.

The FOS metrics include production downtime (ESP and Non-ESP related), trips, response time, premature failure rate, run life, data quality and entry time. Each of these metrics has been assigned a unique weightage and when combined result in a performance score reflecting the operational performance of individual ESPs. The FOS for each ESP is based on the previous fiscal year performance against the accumulative current fiscal year performance with an expected improvement of 5%. Once calculated, the score highlights areas of improvement and deterioration in ESP operations. When grouping multiple ESPs, the FOS is the summation of the individual ESP's KPIs resulting in the combined score of a cluster of ESPs. The FOS clusters are embedded into the field operational staff hierarchy ensuring that a fair and balanced benchmark is applied to all related staff such as Team leaders (500 – 1000 ESPs), senior engineers (150-250 ESPs), and field engineers (50 – 100 ESPs).

By linking field staff KPIs directly to their ESP cluster performance, more proactive and effective efforts were exerted by the field staff towards ensuring optimum ESP operations. The FOS enabled management staff to become more involved in individual well performance as opposed to previous dependency on individual engineer efforts. As a result of the routine FOS, multiple operational enhancements were adapted such as increasing the SCADA connectivity for ESPs, more effective troubleshooting procedures, proactive ESP monitoring, and targeted ESP intervention. Although targeted at 5%, the improvement in the last fiscal year was upwards of 15% with each metric outperforming its' previous fiscal year's performance. By assigning each ESP its own KPI, targeted intervention is enabled allowing the field staff to quickly identify weak performing ESPs and improve its performance. The application of detailed benchmarking has shown to guide both ESP field staff and management towards identifying individual weak performing ESPs per metric, unifying performance into a single operational score, and focuses on improving the overall performance of ESP operations.
Origin and evolution of the Yangtze River reconstructed from the largest molecular phylogeny of Cyprinidae
Authors: Chen Feng , Xue Ge , Wang Yeke , Zhang Hucai , Clift Peter D. , He Jun , Chen Jun , Xie Ping
Published: September 2021

The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia, but its evolutionary history has long been debated. So far no robust biological evidences can be found to crack this mystery. Here we reconstruct spatiotemporal and diversification dynamics of endemic East Asian cyprinids based on a largest molecular phylogeny of Cyprinidae, including 1420 species, and show that their ancestors laying adhesive eggs were distributed in southern East Asia before ~24 Ma, subsequently dispersed to the Yangtze River to spawn semi-buoyant eggs at ~19 Ma. This indicates that the Yangtze River diverted eastward around the Oligocene-Miocene boundary. Some of these cyprinids evolved again into fishes producing adhesive eggs at ~13 Ma, together with a peaked net diversification rate, indicating that the river formed a potamo-lacustrine ecosystem during the Mid-Miocene. Our reconstruction of the history of the Yangtze River has higher time resolution and much better continuity than those deriving from geological studies.
Extra-adrenal Non-functioning Paraganglioma – A Diagnostic and Surgical Challenge
Authors: Yelamanchi Raghav , Gupta Nikhil , M Mahesh Daima , Durga C K
Published: September 2021

Paragangliomas are rare neoplasms arising from the neuroendocrine cells. Extra-adrenal paragangliomas arise from the neuroendocrine cells spread in the retroperitoneum from the skull base to the retroperitoneum and sacrum. Non-functioning paragangliomas are a diagnostic challenge as they are clinically silent and attain large size. The clinical implication of these non-functioning paragangliomas is the greater metastatic potential of extra adrenal paraganglioma (20–42%) when compared to adrenal paraganglioma. We report a very rare case of a 60-year lady who presented with abdominal heaviness and retroperitoneal lump. Imaging was suggestive of a retroperitoneal tumor. Serum chromogranin A level was elevated with normal catecholamine levels. The tumor was resected along with metastasectomy of isolated liver metastasis. The patient has no recurrence or metastasis at one year of follow-up. To conclude paraganglioma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in all retroperitoneal tumors. Serum chromogranin A levels and plasma metanephrines should be routinely done for all retroperitoneal cases before planning for the biopsy of the lesion. Resection of the lesions should always be performed as per the oncological principles as pre-operative differentiation of benign and malignant lesions is difficult.
Synovial Sarcoma of the Cervical Spine: Case Report
Authors: Oliveira Nuno , Carvalho Sofia , Cunha Paulo , Nunes Joni , Varanda Pedro , Coutinho Paulo , Pereira Elso
Published: September 2021

PurposeTo describe a very rare case of Synovial Sarcoma affecting cervical spine vertebra.SS is a rare malignant and aggressive soft tissue tumour arising from mesenchymal cells. Primary bone origin SS is a much rarer entity that affects more commonly long bones. Ideal therapeutic strategy is yet to be defined due to very small number of cases reported so far.Case reportA 55-year-old male, construction worker, with no other relevant medical history presented with a progressive tetraparesis after recurring several times during a 4-week period to assistant physician and emergency department complaining about bilateral shoulder pain. Image studies revealed an osteolytic lesion centred on C4 vertebra with intracanalar and intraforaminal extension, causing neurologic compression. Patient was submitted to urgent surgical decompression intervention. C3 and C4 corpectomy and excisional biopsy followed by stabilization with C2-C5 arthrodesis.OutcomesNeurological deficits did not improve after surgery. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed phenotypical characteristics of a biphasic Synovial Sarcoma. Patient died 4 weeks after surgery due to a respiratory tract infection.DiscussionSS is a malignant rare and aggressive soft tissue tumour that usually affects young adults. Very few cases of primary bone SS affecting the spine are described in literature. Imaging studies may suggest the diagnosis of synovial sarcoma but definitive diagnosis can only be confirmed by histological and immunohistochemical analysis.The rarity of these lesions demands high clinical suspicion for the diagnosis and due to the low number of cases reported ideal therapeutic strategy is yet to be defined.
Psychological Effects of Foldable Capsular Vitreous Body Implantation in Patients with Impending Eye Atrophy
Authors: Shao Zheyi , Huang Chao , Zhang Ying , Li Shanshan , Wang Donglin , Wang Yu , Lin Huiru , Sun Xianyong , Zhou Fang , Li Jianqiao
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To investigate whether the FCVB could help improve the mental health of patients with impending eye atrophy. Methods: Fifty-five patients who underwent FCVB implantation from 2017 to 2019 were screened to take part in this retrospective study. The researchers used independent third parties to distribute questionnaires, including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the interpersonal sensitivity part of the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) scale to score the patients' depression, anxiety, and interpersonal sensitivity before and after surgery. Finally, 52 responses were collected.Results: After FCVB implantation, patients had significantly better mental health and less depression, anxiety, and interpersonal sensitivity levels. Before FCVB implantation, 44.23% of patients with ocular trauma and retinal detachment were depressed, 48.08% were anxious, and 19.23% were sensitive to interpersonal communication. After FCVB implantation, 17.31% were depressed, 15.38% were anxious, and 9.62% were sensitive to interpersonal communication. However, baseline demographic and clinical data, such as age, gender, occupation, finance, pre-FCVB-implantation vision, number of surgeries before FCVB implantation, postoperative period length, and surgical satisfaction, had no significant effects on psychological scores of mental health before and after surgery (P> 0.05). Conclusion: Mental health (depression, anxiety, and interpersonal sensitivity) significantly improved in patients after FCVB implantation.
The Effects of Preoperative Alcohol, Tobacco, and Psychological Stress on Postoperative Complications: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Myoga Yoshinori , Manabe Haruhiko , Osaki Yoneatsu
Published: September 2021

Background: Postoperative complications occur frequently, despite progress in anesthetic pharmacology and surgical techniques. Although habits, such as alcohol and tobacco use, and mental health have been studied individually as modifying factors, few studies have examined the relationship between multiple lifestyle choices and postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the associations between unhealthy lifestyle choices and postoperative complications.Methods: We included 730 patients who underwent surgery in our department between March 2015 and April 2016. Participants completed preoperative questionnaires, including the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, and tests for psychological stress (6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Multivariable logistic analysis was used to analyze the association of preoperative drug dependence and psychological stress with postoperative complications.Results: Of the 721 cases analyzed, 461 (64%) were women. The median age of patients was 62 years (interquartile range: 48–71). At the time of surgical decision-making, 429 out of 710 respondents (60%) had a drinking habit, and 144 out of 693 respondents (21%) had a smoking habit during the preceding year. Seventy-nine patients had developed complications. Multivariable analysis revealed that old age (p = 0.020), psychological stress (p = 0.041), and longer anesthesia time (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with postoperative complications. Drinking or smoking variables were not associated with postoperative complications.Conclusions: Preoperative psychological stress, as evaluated with the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, is associated with the risk of postoperative complications.
Evolutionary Transition From Water to Land in Vertebrates Illuminated by Basal Ray-Finned Fish Vomeronasal Type 2 Receptor (OlfC) Genes
Authors: Zhang Zicong , Sakuma Atsuhiro , Kuraku Shigehiro , Nikaido Masato
Published: September 2021

The vomeronasal type 2 receptor (V2R, also called OlfC) multigene family is found in a broad range of jawed vertebrates from cartilaginous fish to tetrapods. V2Rs encode receptors for food-related amino acids in teleost fish, whereas for peptide pheromones in mammals. In addition, V2Rs of teleost fish are phylogenetically distinct from those of tetrapods, implying a drastic change in the V2Rrepertoire during terrestrial adaptation. To understand the process of diversification of V2Rs in vertebrates from “fish-type” to “tetrapod-type”, we conducted an exhaustive search for V2Rs in cartilaginous fish (chimeras, sharks, and skates) and basal ray-finned fish (reedfish, sterlet, and spotted gar), and compared them with those of teleost, coelacanth, and tetrapods. Phylogenetic and synteny analyses on 1897V2Rs revealed that basal ray-finned fish possess unexpectedly higher number of V2Rs compared with cartilaginous fish, implying that V2Rgene repertoires expanded in the common ancestor of Osteichthyes. Furthermore, reedfish and sterlet possessed various V2Rs that belonged to both “fish-type” and “tetrapod-type”, suggesting that the common ancestor of Osteichthyes possess “tetrapod-type” V2Rs although they inhabited underwater environments. Thus, the unexpected diversity of V2Rs in basal ray-finned fish illuminates the process of how the osteichthyan ancestors adapt from water to land.
Anatomical and Functional Outcome of Epiretinal Membrane Peeling Surgery
Authors: GOSWAMI URMISH V , Y Gosai Jignesh , A Modi Pratik
Published: September 2021

Background: The purpose of this study is to study the anatomical and functional outcome of epiretinal membrane peeling surgery by evaluating the visual outcomes, comparing the pre and post operative macular thickness and functional changes through electroretinogram.Methods: It is a non-randomized, open labelled, prospective study conducted in a tertiary eye care centre. The anatomical and functional outcome of epiretinal membrane peeling surgery was evaluated by comparing the preoperative BCVA, OCT and ERG with post operative results of the same, at 4 & 12 weeks after the surgery in 25 eyes. Results: There was a significant reduction in CFT (p ≤0.05) with marked improvement in vision on follow ups at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after removal of ERM with significant reduction in the macular edema. On post operative ERG, 18 (72%) patients showed global improvement in amplitudes and P1 implicit time as compared to their preoperative value while 2 (8%) patients showed global improvement in amplitude but there was still delay in P1 implicit time as similar to their preoperative value and 4 patients (16%) showed no improvement in global amplitude as well as in P1 implicit time.Conclusions: ERM peeling surgery in selected cases improves visual acuity significantly in majority of the patients. CFT and foveal architecture significantly improves with ERM peeling surgery which also explains the improvement in functional visual acuity. ERG interpretation goes along the improvement in best corrected visual acuity signifying improvement in functioning of macula.
Sleep-wakeup Scheduling Algorithm for Lifespan Maximization of Directional Sensor Networks: An Advanced Discrete Cuckoo Search Optimization Algorithm
Authors: shirvani Mirsaeid Hosseini
Published: September 2021

Directional sensor networks are ad hoc networks which are utilized in different applications to monitor and coverage all of the specific targets in the observing fields permanently. These kinds of networks include several configurable directional sensors in which they can be adjusted in one the possible directions along with one of its adjustable ranges. Although the energy harvesting methodology is being applied for these battery-hungry applications, the battery management and network lifetime maximization is still a challenge. This paper formulates the expansion of directional sensor network lifespan to a discrete optimization problem. Several proposals were presented in literature to solve the stated problem, but majority of them are threatened to get stuck in local optimum and led low efficiency. To solve this combinatorial problem, an advanced discrete cuckoo search algorithm is designed and is called several times until the remaining battery associated to alive sensors do not let observe all targets. In each time, algorithm returns an efficient cover along with its activation time. A cover is a sub set of available sensors capable of monitoring all targets in the observing field. In the determined activation time, the sensors in the cover are scheduled in wakeup mode whereas others are set in sleep mode to save energy. Designing miscellaneous discrete walking around procedures makes to reach a good balance between exploration and exploitation in search space. The proposed algorithm has been tested in different scenarios to be evaluated. The simulation results in variety circumstances proves the superiority of the proposed algorithm is about 19.33%, 14.83%, 13.50%, and 5.33% in term of average lifespan improvement against H-MNLAR, ACOSC, GA, and HDPSO algorithms respectively.
The Mechanism of Iodine Enrichment in Groundwater from the North China Plain: Insight from Two Inland and Coastal Aquifer Sediment Boreholes
Authors: Xue Xiaobin , Xie Xianjun , Li Junxia , Wang Yuting , Wang Yanxin
Published: September 2021

As an element relevant to human health, iodine is highly worthy of researchers’ attention, especially the mechanism of iodine migration and enrichment in groundwater systems. A total of 43 groundwater, 1 seawater, 107 sediment and 111 pore water samples from two boreholes (toward to Bohai Sea: BT, HH) were collected along a groundwater flow path at the North China Plain to investigate hydro-geochemical processes controlling groundwater iodine. High iodine groundwater (> 100 µg/L) was characterized by Na-Cl type, with high TDS values (827-2,400 mg/L) and high Cl (110–705 mg/L) and Br (416-1,180 µg/L) concentrations, which may be related to marine influence. Borehole BT and HH had pore water I concentration ranges of 1.4–132 µg/L and 3.6–830 µg/L, with high level occurred near to coastline and corresponded to ancient transgression events. The results of sequential extraction of borehole sediments indicate that the fractions of sediment inorganic iodine were mainly consist of exchangeable, carbonate and Fe-oxides associated fractions. Fe-oxides associated iodine was the main occurrence state in borehole BT far from the coastline, but high exchangeable iodine fractions (up to 92% of total extracted iodine) were observed in a high salinity borehole HH located near Bohai Bay, corresponding to the occurrence of high iodine pore water and groundwater. The analysis of iodine species indicates that iodide with strong migration ability dominated high iodine groundwater, pore water and exchangeable sediment iodine, reflecting the occurrence of adsorption/desorption processes of iodine in groundwater system. High iodine groundwater and pore water exhibited iodine enrichment relative to Cl and Br, suggests that iodine adsorbed on sediment desorbed under suitable pH and high solution ionic strength and subsequently released to pore water and aquifers. Inverse geochemical modeling stressed that ion exchange play an important role in iodine enrichment of groundwater system.
The continuity of prime numbers can lead to even continuity
Authors: Ling Xie
Published: September 2021

n continuous prime numbers can combine a group of continuous even numbers. If an adjacent prime number is followed, the even number will continue. For example, if we take prime number 3, we can get even number 6. If we follow an adjacent prime number 5, we can get even numbers by using 3 and 5: 6, 8 and 10. If a group of continuous prime numbers 3,5,7,11,... P, we can get a group of continuous even numbers 6,8,10,12,..., 2n. Then if an adjacent prime number q is followed, the original group of even numbers 6,8,10,12,..., 2n will be finitely extended to 2 (n + 1) or more adjacent even numbers. My purpose is to prove that the continuity of prime numbers will lead to even continuity as long as 2 (n + 1) can be extended. If the continuity of even numbers is discontinuous, it violates the Bertrand Chebyshev theorem of prime numbers. Because there are infinitely many prime numbers: 3, 5, 7, 11,... We can get infinitely many continuous even numbers: 6,8,10,12,...
Investigating the Effectiveness of Self-management Program based on 5A Model on Fatigue and Dyspnea in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Hajmohamadi Maryam , Sabzvari Sakineh , Jahani Yones , Goghary Zahra Imani-
Published: September 2021

Background: Some symptoms such as fatigue and dyspnea decrease the quality of life in patients with heart failure. The effectiveness of self-management programs on management chronic conditions was discussed. So, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of self-management program based on 5A model on fatigue and dyspnea in patients with heart failure.Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 60 patients with heart failure were included. The intervention group underwent self-management program based on 5A model and the control group received routine care. All the enrolled patients were evaluated once at baseline and once after 3 months using fatigue severity and Borg dyspnea scales. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16 by descriptive statistics and independent t-test, covariance test, and paired sample t- test. The significance level was set at 0.05.Results: There was no significant difference in the mean scores of fatigue and dyspnea at the beginning of the study between control and intervention groups (p>0.05), but 3 months after intervention a significant difference was found in mean scores of fatigue and dyspnea between two groups, (p<0.05). The difference between pre- and post-intervention scores in terms of the dyspnea and fatigue variables was significant based on the result of paired sample t- test (p<0.05).Conclusion: according to the results of this study, self-management program based on 5A Model can be used to reduce the severity of fatigue and dyspnea as well as improve the quality of life in patients with heart failure. Trial registration number: IRCT20141109019862N8 Trial registration date: 11/Aug/2019First participant enrollment: 30 /Sep/ 2019:
Uncovering Patterns of Public Perceptions Towards Biodiversity Crime Using Conservation Culturomics
Authors: Troumbis Andreas Y , Iosifidis Spyridon , Kalloniatis Christos
Published: September 2021

This paper examines aspects of the relationship between (1) the recently typified form of biodiversity crime, (2) information made available to the public through the Internet, and (3) cultural dynamics quantified through info-surveillance methods through Culturomics techniques. Two conceptual models are proposed: (1) the building-up process of a biodiversity crime culturome, in a language, and (2) a multi-stage biodiversity conservation chain and biodiversity-crime activities relating to each stage. Crowd search volumes on the Internet on biodiversity crime-related terms and topics are used as proxies for the public’s interest measurement. The main findings are: (1) the concept of biodiversity-crime per se is still immature and presents low penetration to the general public; (2) biodiversity-crime issues, which are not recognized as such, are amalgamated in conservation-oriented websites and pages; and (3) differences in perceptions and priorities between general vs. ‘niche’ public with particular interest(s) in environmental issues- are discernable.