bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Artificial Neural Networks for Water-Cut Estimation Using Near-Infrared Optical Sensors
Authors: Li Qin , Fjalestad Kjetil
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we present a water-cut estimator utilizing the function approximation capability of an artificial neural network (ANN). The inputs to the ANN are optical sensor readings in a Red-Eye water-cut meter, which features the near-infrared (NIR) absorption spectroscopy technology. The initial training of the ANNwas done with a data set acquired from our multi-phase flow-loop test facility, which was filled with live oil, water and gas. The test fluid stream was adjusted with good ranges of water-cut and gas-volume fractions which were supposed to cover the situations that can be foreseen in real production. However, clear discrepancies between the outputs of the ANN and the water-cut values from BS&W measurmentswere observedwhen the ANN was applied to actual production data measured by Red-Eye meters installed at two offshore wells. To address this issue and equip the ANN with self-adapting capability in real application, we propose a Bayesian approach to update the parameters of the ANN based on both initial flow-loop data and collected field data. The performance of the adapted ANN on both the data sets shows the effectiveness of the method.
Unlocking the Full Potential: The Psychological Factors that Influence the Adoption of New Technologies in the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry.
Authors: Roberts Ruby , Flin Rhona , Millar David , Corradi Luca
Published: August 2019

Innovation is critical to the future success of the oil and gas industry. Yet, the sector has a reputation for being conservative and reluctant to adopt new technology with companies sometimes referred to as "fast followers". Compared to other sectors, O&G has a set of unique characteristics that has the potential to hinder technology adoption. Research in other industries indicates that there is a range of sector, organizational and psychological factors that can hinder the introduction of new technologies. Evidence from O&G industry bodies indicate that the psychological factors play a key role in technology adoption; not surprisingly, as workers, managers, investors and regulators can all have a powerful influence on an organisation's receptivity to new technology. The psychological factors do not appear to be well understood but may include risk aversion (Wood Review, 2014), lack of ownership and leadership around technology (OGTC, 2018), and an attitude of reluctance to change (Oil and Gas Authority, 2018).

This new research project is designed to examine how the particular attributes of the upstream oil and gas industry on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf interact with the underlying psychological processes that govern adoption and deployment decisions. The presentation will first outline what can be learned from about the psychological factors that influence technology innovation and adoption from the broader consumer behaviour and human factors literatures. Then the preliminary results of an interview study with stakeholders involved in technology innovation and adoption on the UKCS, will be reported. Roles include senior managers, innovation leads, and end users from a spectrum of established and new comer companies. A summary of the key themes identified will be discussed including personality (e.g. innovativeness), attitude (e.g. risk aversion), cognitive (e.g. risk perception), social (subjective norms) and organisational level factors (e.g. leadership and organisational culture). These results are being used to develop a preliminary framework of the psychological factors that influence technology adoption in O&G and to produce tools and guidelines on how to support the introduction of new technologies.
Improving Performance in Elgin HPHT Infill Drilling Despite Increasing Challenges
Authors: Alahmad Mohammad , Eatough Oliver
Published: August 2019

Following the significant reservoir depletion on Elgin / Franklin fields since 2007, drilling infill wells was considered to not only be high cost but also carry a high probability of failure to reach the well objective. The recent campaign on the Elgin field, one of the most heavily depleted reservoirs worldwide, demonstrated that infill drilling can be achieved safely while improving performance.

Drilling of HPHT infill wells on the Elgin field faced increasing challenges arising from the reduction of reservoir pressure that changed the stresses in the formations above and influenced the overall pressure regime. This stress reorganization in the overburden has affected the fracture network in these formations resulting in reduction in Fracture Initiation Pressure (FIP) and increase of gas levels.

Challenges were faced during the drilling of three wells in the 2015-2017 campaign. Loss events in Chalk formations in the intermediate sections significantly decreased the already Narrow Mud Weight Window (NMWW). A strategy to define and validate the minimum required MWW in 12-1/2" and 8-1/2" sections was developed following a complex subsurface well control event. Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) technique was extensively used to safely manage gas levels and assess pore pressure.

Reservoir entry with more than 850 bar of overbalance remains the main challenge in infill drilling. A total loss event during first reservoir entry in the latest campaign confirmed the limitations of wellbore strengthening mud and stress caging materials available today.

Lessons learned from each well in this campaign were implemented to address these challenges and improve performance. This paper describes the Elgin HP/HT infill drilling experience and the specific techniques and practices that were developed to address these challenges and improve performance. The importance of Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD) management with very narrow MWW, successful high gas level management with MPD and depleted reservoir entry, shows that even in a highly complex environment, drilling performance can be improved allowing for further economical development drilling. The successful and safe delivery of the Elgin 2015-2017 infill drilling campaign demonstrates this at a time the industry moves toward unlocking the reserves of more challenging HPHT fields.
Risk-Based Approaches for Planning the Inspections of Large-Scale Topside Structural Systems
Authors: Faridafshin Farzad , Anvari Majid , Hellevig Nils Christian
Published: August 2019

Life-cycle safety and integrity management of offshore structures is a critical activity owing to the adverse consequences of structural failure, ranging from loss of life and financial consequences to environmental pollution.

Historically, integrity management of substructures such as jacket structures has been the subject of more detailed investigations than the integrity management of topside structures. For instance, more specific risk- and reliability-based methodologies exist for integrity assurance and planning the inspections of jacket structures than for topside structures. This article presents a practical methodology for risk-based inspection planning of large-scale topside structural systems under different limit states (ultimate, accidental, fatigue, and serviceability) and degradation mechanisms (e.g., corrosion and fatigue crack growth), with a view to data analytics and digitalization.

The main advantage of the presented methodology is in its capability in systematically ranking the different structural elements/areas relative to one another based on their assessed level of risk of failure, i.e. a risk-based differentiation, and planning the inspections and repairs accordingly for large-scale structural systems. Such an integrated approach will result in efficient and economical management of offshore topside structural assets and can be used as a consistent and coherent basis for lifetime extension or decommissioning of offshore platforms.

Integrity management of offshore structures is known to involve the analysis and management of large amounts of data and information over the lifetime of the structure. Therefore, insights are provided in the article regarding how the presented risk-based methodologies can be integrated into a digitalized and data-driven interface—a topic currently under heated investigation across the petroleum industry, facilitating the analysis and management of the involved data and information in an efficient and verifiable manner.
Cost Effective, Reduced Trip Completions? Problem Solved
Authors: Robertson Bruce , Murdoch Euan , Ojeh-Oziegbe Osehojie
Published: August 2019

It is often stated that necessity is the mother of invention. Never is this proverb more relevant than in the offshore oil and gas environment we currently operate in where real step changes leading to reduced capital and operational expenditure opportunities are sought and embraced by field operators. This paper discusses the pre-job planning, field execution and lessons learned from one such technology that challenged conventional thinking of sand faced completion, casedhole completion and well integrity to successfully deliver a single-trip, interventionless, sand control completion in deepwater Bonga Field, located on the continental slope of the Niger Delta.

Convention dictates that the vast majority of offshore completions be run in two and sometimes three trips which routinely takes in excess of eight to ten days to deploy. Given the day rate of high specification rigs capable of drilling in deep water environments, the ability to reduce this time was deemed paramount to the economics of the project. Utilizing a collaborative approach to initial concept design, risk assessment, extensive testing and contingency planning at component and system level, a single-trip, interventionless, sand control completion system was designed and successfully installed. This paper describes the completion architecture, operational sequence and challenges leading to the installation of an interventionless completion.

A clearly defined set of deliverables and design principles were drawn up to guide the direction of the project including: successfully deploying the upper and lower completion in one trip, and testing all barriers. Adopting a simple, low risk and high reward design, meeting clients well barrier requirements and utilizing proven cost-effective technology are examples of design principles used. The system was tested and evolved through a number of iterations in an onshore trial well environment on a number of occasions leading to the first successful deployment completed in the second half of 2018, resulting in an average completion installation time of 5 days, versus the average 10 days for deploying multi-trip completions. Details of the successful installations, lessons learned, along with planned future activity are outlined within the body of this paper. While several of the components incorporated in the single-trip system had been run previously in isolation, this paper also discusses the steps taken to facilitate the first full-system approach to the application of radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled tools in the first single-trip, interventionless sand control completion system. Several components within the completion have been equipped with this technology including a multi-cycle ball valve, wire wrapped screens fitted with inflow control device (ICD), remote operated sliding sleeve for annular fluid displacement.
Digital Worker: Empowering Offshore Operators with Easily Accessible Data to Improve Efficiency and Safety
Authors: Aadland Aadne , Straumsheim Carl Fredrik , Giset Aksel
Published: August 2019

Digitalization is the transformation of business models and activities through the strategic use of digital technologies. Despite technological advancements in machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual reality (VR), there remains a low maturity of digitalization across the oil and gas industry, especially in offshore operations. There are many roadblocks on the way to digitalization, from data silos to legacy systems. Operational inefficiency is one of the most painful byproducts of these problems.

To complete a single maintenance task, for example, on-site workers may need to access several separate systems to get the required data. They rely on printing out the information they need in order to complete the maintenance activities, and after taking notes on pieces of paper, they have to return to their desktop computer to log the performed tasks.

Not having the data readily accessible contributes to overall inefficiency, and offshore workers often run back and forth while performing maintenance tasks, increasing the hours they spend in challenging conditions.

This paper will outline an application design philosophy for oil and gas companies that combines academic and practical insights, an emphasis on continually testing products in development, and an overall goal of creating value.

This paper will describe how a Nordic software company is using the design philosophy to help an oil and gas operator in Northern Europe optimize on-site operations -- including increasing efficiency and safety -- on its offshore installations on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

Specifically, the paper will show the software company ingested and contextualized operational data from the operator's assets and made historical data available for field workers via an application for computers and smart devices. This included access to sensor data and historic equipment performance data; all documentation related to maintenance, including procedures, drawings, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and maintenance logs; and interactive 3D models of installations and equipment.

After only three months, the crew at one of the operator's oil installations saw significant increases in the number of monthly maintenance jobs (up to 10% for certain tasks) and reduction of the time spent on certain routine inspections (in some cases up to 50%).
Improving the Quality and Efficiency of Operational Planning and Risk Management with ML and NLP
Authors: Birnie Claire Emma , Sampson Jennifer , Sjaastad Eivind , Johansen Bjarte , Obrestad Lars Egil , Larsen Ronny , Khamassi Ahmed
Published: August 2019

To ensure safe and efficient operations, all offshore operations follow a plan devised to take into account current operation conditions and identify the optimum workflow with the minimum risk potential. Previously, planners had to manually consult eight data sources, each with a separate UI, and summarise the plan in a.pdf document. Equinor's Operation Planning Tool (OPT) has been developed to easily present the planners with the technical conditions of a platform, identify potentially dangerous combinations of concurrent activities, and propose learnings from eight years’ worth of incident recordings – all relevant to the current list of planned activities. The tool aims to answer questions such as ‘are other activities planned for the same time which would make this activity unsafe?’ or ‘have incidents previously occurred whilst performing similar tasks on this equipment type?’.

This paper details the development of the OPT with a particular focus on the application of Natural Language Understanding for extracting equipment types and tasks involved in previous incidents and relating these to planned activities. Utilising natural language processing techniques, a system has been developed that mines the content of Equinor's incident database, and assigns context to incidents, by identifying the systems, activities and equipment involved and the conditions on the asset at the time of the incident. The same context is also discovered from the content of planned activities. These key concepts are organised into a knowledge graph synthesising Equinor's institutional safety and operational experience.

The OPT has reduced time spent planning by providing a single interface detailing a plant's technical conditions, all planned work orders and relevant lessons learned from previous incidents. By reducing the reliance on personal experience, the tool has provided subjectively improved risk identification and handling, plus faster knowledge transfer to new employees as well as focussed cross-platform knowledge sharing. The success of the tool highlights the strength of combining data and leveraging the vast quantities of historic data available both in unstructured and structured forms to create a safe, offshore work environment.
The Subsea Pipeline Inspection Paradigm - What Next ?
Authors: Shand Calum
Published: August 2019

Shell in the UK has a vast network of more than 200 pipelines & umbilicals covering some 3000+ kilometres. Historically, Shell has executed Side Scan Sonar Surveys along these pipelines using a Remotely Operated Towed Vehicle and subsequently followed up with ROV based surveys & inspections. However, in 2018, the respective Geomatics & Subsea Maintenance / Pipelines Departments decided to take advantage of new & emerging innovative technologies and compiled a minimal technical scope & tender document to tap into the latest that the market could offer. Consequently, Shell UK awarded DeepOcean (Norway) with a contract for their "Fast Digital Imaging Service" and embarked on a 45 day survey campaign. In 2019, the same subsea inspection project will be executed once again and the lessons learned ought to inspire and excite many different disciplines and communities, both internally within Shell and externally e.g OGA - Oil & Gas Authority & other valued stakeholders.

The paper highlights the key technologies that were deployed and how the new deliverables & business insights take us down the road to Digitalisation including scope for future Machine Learning & Automation processes. Challenges arising from the acquisition and managing the associated data sets shall also be discussed. The speaker will spark dialogue at the end by asking the respective communities how robotics and artificial intelligence will change the industry landscape ?
Prevent Rather than Respond: Predictive Analytics for Health and Safety
Authors: Stewart Heather , Aitken Chris
Published: August 2019

This article describes a practical approach to applying predictive analytics techniques against safety incident and near-miss data to generate actionable insights that change safety outcomes in the field. Examples illustrate three critical ways to use safety data: 1) predicting where incidents are most likely to occur, informing where to place additional resources and effort; 2) understanding the combinations of causes and sub-causes that are creating incidents, improving the focus of safety programs; and 3) revealing which proactive safety activities will best mitigate incident types predicted to occur, increasing the effectiveness of preventive measures. The authors discuss typical data and implementation challenges and encourage companies to stop waiting for "perfect" data and, instead, start applying predictive analytics to deliver targeted safety insights to supervisors and workers in the field.
Advances in Automated Design Approval
Authors: Hare Timothy
Published: August 2019

There are significant trends in the reduction of traditional 2D design, this is being replaced by the sole development of 3D models. This paper will detail how to develop algorithms to automate large aspects of a design review. These techniques significantly increase efficiency, ensure constancy and optimise the accuracy of the design, leading to reduced project costs.

Utilising the 3D models enriched metadata and by developing independent algorithms, it is possible to create a cyberphysical model that enables automation of the design review. For example; using the geometrical data in the 3D model to check a hazard with respect to a detector, confirming that the detector is located close to the hazard. There are multiple checks similar this example, cataloguing and scripting these checks can be managed within PLM software.

Using algorithmic automation techniques reduces the overall design hours of a project, it checks the consistency of the design. Getting it right first time reduces the number of changes later in the project lifecycle, avoiding expensive rework costs. During the first phase of this initiative, we have found, that automation leads to a reduction of design hours by 10% and increases the accuracy and consistency of the design review.

This first phase of automation uses the metadata in the 3D model, where the output from the check leads to a comment on the design. To scale the pilotm which will encompass the inclusion of other data sources, will further enrich the cyberphysical model. Ultimately, by creating a decisions database and using Artificial Intelligence we will be able to close the loop, which will lead to a design that is fully evaluated before it leaves the designer. It is also possible to automate in other phases of the project lifecycle, where image recognition will compare the real asset to the model.

This level of automation is unique, there are other low-level forms of automation, but the advancements of this technology has, to our knowledge, not been attempted in the Oil and Gas sector. The development and scaling of this technology is novel and will have a significant impact on the way future projects are executed.
Atex Vsd, A Booster for Mature Fields
Authors: Boero-Rollo Jean-Grégoire , Long Jérôme
Published: August 2019

In the oil sector, TOTAL should become the "low cost champion". This is presently our main challenge as mentioned by our CEO in the strategical document "One Total, our ambition". A key to succeed in a mature field such as PNGF North (CONGO) is to convert gas lifted wells into ESP activated wells.

The ATEX VSD innovation consists of having the electrical module of an ESP activated well located in hazardous area, avoiding high costs that would result from a platform extension (for an electrical room). This innovation was designed by TOTAL E&P CONGO (TEPC) and installed on the YAF2 platform (YANGA field) in June 2018 has enabled to increase the production of the YAM254 well by 250% and its operational efficiency by 25 points. This innovation, which would not be possible without the close cooperation between headquarters and TEPC, could be extended to the entire TEPC subsidiary and thus open doors for new development opportunities for TOTAL brown fields.
The Importance of Reliable Barrier Verification in the P&A Environment — Case Studies
Authors: Volkov Maxim , Zaripova Asiya
Published: August 2019

The North Sea Oil and Gas industry counts over 7,800 wells drilled. The industry is now entering an era of well abandonment and decommissioning. Current barrier verification for P&A requires appropriate pressure testing and includes surface and downhole monitoring.

Globally, Spectral Noise Logging (SNL) has been utilized in many thousands of cases to detect fluid movement behind completion tubulars and/or across a cement barriers.

In Nov 2017, full-scale verification tests were conducted at the International Research Institute of Stavanger (IRIS). These tests were conducted in a controlled environment to verify current technology thresholds. These showed the technique validated the cement barrier integrity during pressure tests and can diagnose channeling as low as 9 ml/min behind the casing. The threshold matrix for different cement defect versus pressure and flow rates allowed the usage of the technology to support the positive qualification of the barrier elements (Dave Gardner, 2019).

Utilizing a purpose-built test assembly of standard oilfield tubular and cement with fitted end caps, a series of pressure tests operations were conducted to identify the pressure and associate leak rates in conjunction with the SNL. The results clearly demonstrated that the logging tool can provide evidence of barrier verification over a wide range of well applications. Barrier qualification requires that three conditions are met; firstly, cement behind casing is in place and not displaying a micro-annulus or any form of fluid movement behind pipe. Secondly, that a cement plug holds pressure and there is also no fluid leak and finally natural shale barriers are active and create a sufficient barrier. Currently, technology is in its 10th generation, and since the IRIS tests have been used in many wells, covering both onshore and offshore oil and gas wells and wells in highly sensitive environmental areas. On each case the logging operations were used to verify well status before and after the barrier establishment via cement squeeze or section milling and, in several cases, clearly, demonstrate that the barrier status remained ineffective, hidden and further remedial work was required.

This paper discusses the downhole passive noise listening and its spectral analysis technique to prove the effective cement barriers are in place. The concept, methodology and its application which have been successfully tested via yard and field tests are presented in this paper.
Next Generation Verification of Offshore Assets
Authors: Downie Jack
Published: August 2019

Objective/Scope

How will Verification Schemes of the future give clarity within risk management and process safety while providing increased value and cost savings to the Operator?

Verification was first introduced to the UK in 1998 and is now required throughout Europe following the introduction of the 2013 EU Directive on Offshore Safety. It is intended to provide operators, the regulator and other stakeholders reassurance that the SECEs are operating as intended and therefore risks related to major accident hazards are managed.

Much has changed in the industry over the last 30 years: our collective understanding of Major Accident Hazards (MAH) and the contribution made by Safety and Environmental Critical Elements (SECEs) has improved, safe systems of work have become more advanced, computerised maintenance management systems have developed and offshore communication and technology is unrecognisable compared to the 1990s.

This paper will explore whether the role and scope of the verifier has moved with the times and offer suggestions as to how maximum benefit and value can be achieved by Verification.

Methods/Procedures/Process

We have taken a critical review of the Verifier role and whether we still meet the original intent of the legislation, we have addressed the following specific questions in this regard: –Has our technical scope of work transformed since Certification of Fitness days?–How do we assess the continuous good condition of any SECE?–How do we deliver value to the Duty Holders with respect to cumulative risk? Or reliability & availability?–Can (or should) we deliver against a more robust People, Process & Plant scope without impacting on cost? (instead of only Plant)?–Can we take more credit for work that other 2nd or 3rd party service providers perform on certain SECE’s?–How can we contribute to a holistic picture of the process safety risk to the plant?–How can Industry 4.0 support improvements in our delivery?–How can we share information with the workforce to improve their understanding of MAH risk?

Results/Observations/Conclusions

Consideration of these questions has propelled DNV GL to review what best practice Verification should be and how we can contribute to the visibility of any assets’ risk profile. In short: Has, or can the Verification Industry adapt & evolve to the industry’s new reality?

Novel/Additive Information

At DNV GL we believe we have listened to our clients and developed a new, more efficient service which follows the principles of process safety and will ensure that the verifier is looking at the right risks at the right time.
Evaluation and assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Pharmacy students towards Pharmacovigilance in Saudi Arabia: A Cross sectional study.
Authors: Siddiqua Ayesha , Alshahrani Nada , Iqbal Javid Mir , Ali Afnan Mohammad , Abdulrahman Raghad , alqarni Salha ahmad , almanaa Amjad , asiri Waad ahmad , Essa Mohammed A Al , Gramish Jawaher Abdullah , Khobrani Moteb A
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND: Pharmacovigilance is an important part of the health care system as it helps in the detection, assessment, reporting and prevention of Adverse Drug Reactions. Spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reaction plays a vital role in the success of Pharmacovigilance programs and pharmacy students are supposed to acquire sufficient knowledge and necessary skills required for practicing pharmacovigilance under different clinical settings. Hence, this study was carried out in the students of College of Pharmacy of a University in the Southern Province of Saudi Arabia to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of undergraduate Pharmacy students towards Pharmacovigilance.
METHODS: A quantitative, prospective, cross-sectional online survey was carried out using a validated, self-administered questionnaire constituting 4 domains i.e. Demographics, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Pharmacovigilance among the pharmacy students of King Khalid University.
RESULTS: The questionnaire was administered to 360 students out of which 329 responded (response rate of 91.3 %). The mean score of Level 7,8,9,10 and intern students for Knowledge was (3.03,5.37, 6.38, 6.19,6.42), Attitude (5.28,4.16, 5.62, 5.01, 5.29), and Practice (2.99, 3.25, 3.04, 3.43, 3.13) respectively. In addition, the findings indicated a significant difference in the mean score among different level of students for knowledge and attitude with a p-value of <0.0001, and 0.0002 respectively. The practice mean score showed there was no much significance among different level of students (p-value = 0.4108)
CONCLUSION: Our research findings revealed that the pharmacy students of the focused university have adequate knowledge and positive attitude towards adverse drug reaction. However, there is a dire need to understand and address concerns regarding real time practice patterns prevalent among Health Care Providers about pharmacovigilance under different clinical settings.
Keywords: Pharmacovigilance, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Pharmacy students
Predisposing factors associated with teenage pregnancy in Lake Victoria Islands and Mountain districts of Uganda
Authors: Tuyiragize Richard , Nzabona Abel , Asiimwe John Bosco , Kakuba Christian , Mushomi John , Maniragaba Fred
Published: August 2019

Introduction

There is a high teenage pregnancy rate in Lake Victoria Island and Mountain districts of Uganda. Teenage pregnancy leads to unsafe abortions, infant and maternal mortality, high rate of unemployment, and school drop-outs. This paper aims at establishing the factors influencing teenage pregnancy in Uganda Lake Victoria Island shoreline area and mountain districts.

Methods

The analysis focused on 405 girls aged 15–19 years, generated from the 2016 Uganda demographic and Health Survey. The chi-square test statistic was used to establish factors associated with teenage pregnancy. Unadjusted and adjusted binary logistic regression analysis were conducted on explanatory variables to establish the predictors of teenage pregnancy in the Lake Victoria Island districts and the mountain districts. Statistical significance was considered at 5% level.

Results

The findings show that teenage pregnancy rate was at 48% in the Lake Victoria Island districts and at 24% in the mountain districts. Predictors of teenage pregnancy include; aged 18 – 19 years (AOR=4.78, p=0.000, 95% CI 2.85 – 8.01), being in a female-headed household (AOR=0.46, p=0.004, 95% CI 0.25 – 0.85), being in a “working” occupation (AOR=2.22, p=0.005, 95% CI 1.28 – 3.85), belonging to the “rich” quintile (AOR=0.54, p=0.03, 95% CI 0.31 – 0.97) and knowledge of any family planning methods (AOR=18.37, p=0.008, 95% CI=2.17 – 155.5).,

Conclusion

The factors associated with high teenage pregnancy in the Uganda Lake Victoria Island shoreline area and mountain districts include; age, sex of household head, occupation (not working), socio-economic status and knowledge of family planning methods. There is need for programs that promote contraceptive use among teenagers and household wealth creation projects, with special attention to dwellers in remote and hard-to-reach areas of the country.
Prevalence Of Syphilis, Neurosyphilis And Associated Factors In a Cross-Sectional Analysis Of HIV Infected Patients Attending Bugando Medical Centre Mwanza Tanzania
Authors: Haule Adeodatus Richard , Mgaya Evarista , Masikini Peter , Msemwa Betrand , Kalluvya Samuel
Published: August 2019

Background: HIV-syphilis co-infection is a combination that enhances rapid progression of early syphilis or late latent syphilis to neurosyphilis and can cause catastrophic neurological complications. In studies in Mwanza, syphilis affects ~8% of healthy outpatients, and older studies have suggested that up to 23.5% of HIV-syphilis co-infected patients also have neurosyphilis. The study aimed at determining the prevalence of syphilis, neurosyphilis and associated factors among HIV infected patients attending Bugando Medical Center.Methods: This was a cross sectional study in which HIV infected patients who were hospitalized or attending the outpatient Care and Treatment Clinic (CTC) were interviewed using structured questionnaire and screened for syphilis using serum Treponema Pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA). We included all HIV-infected persons aged 18 years and above who consented. Blood was also taken for CD4+ T cells and viral load. Those who were found to have syphilis underwent neurological examination for any neurologic deficit and offered lumbar puncture.Results: The prevalence of syphilis in HIV infected patients was found to be 9.6%. The majority of these were female (72.5%) and median age was 42 years [interquartile range, 32-50]. Most patients were on ART (99.4%).The majority of participants with syphilis (89.2%) reported not knowing that they had syphilis, and had not previously been treated. One hundred forty one participants with syphilis had neurological examinations performed, 4 of whom had abnormal findings that necessitated that they undergo lumbar puncture. One of these had confirmed neurosyphilis.Conclusion: The high prevalence of syphilis in HIV infected patients indicates that there is a need to increase efforts in targeting this population to reduce sexually transmitted infections. Screening for syphilis should be done for all HIV patients given the high prevalence of the infection and the risk that aggressive forms of neurosyphilis can occur despite recovery of CD4+Tcell counts in untreated syphilis.
Validity Of Self-reported Alcohol And Other Drug Use Among Pregnant Women Attending Midwife Obstetric Units In The Cape Metropole, South Africa
Authors: Williams Petal Petersen , Mathews Catherine , Jordaan Esme , Washio Yukiko , Terplan Mishka , Parry Charles
Published: August 2019

Background: This paper examines the validity of self-report of alcohol and other drug use in a South African cohort of pregnant women by comparing simple questioning about alcohol and other drug use (yes/no), a standardized screening tool (Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test; ASSIST, and urine analysis. Method: An observational study among women in eleven public prenatal clinics was conducted. Dichotomous verbal screening is a standard of care, and pregnant patients reporting alcohol and substance use in dichotomous verbal screenings were asked to engage in screening using the ASSIST and urinalysis. Results: Significant agreements between dichotomous and ASSIST scores were observed (K = 0.73-0.76). A higher rate of self-reported (36.9%) alcohol use was detected, relative to urine screening (19.6%) with a predictive value of 34.9; while underreporting of illicit substance use was observed (3.6% self-report vs 8.8% urine screening) with an overall predictive value of 50.0. Conclusion: Dichotomous verbal screening was considered valid after comparison with the ASSIST; however, combined use with urine screenings can be recommended especially for identifying illicit substance use in order to accurately detect alcohol and other drug use in pregnancy so that women can be identified and referred for appropriate interventions where needed.
Comparison of Causes of Maternal Mortality in the Limpopo Province between 2011/13 and 2014/16: Findings from the National Committee of Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths in South Africa
Authors: Ntuli Sam , EM Maboya , Hyera FLM , Naidoo S
Published: August 2019

Objective

To review and compare underlying causes of maternal deaths in Limpopo Province (LP) using data of the National Committee of Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths in South Africa (NCCEMD).

Method

This is a review of the findings of the causes of maternal deaths from the two trienniums 2011-2013 and 2014-2016 of the NCCEMD. When pregnancy related deaths occur a maternal death notification form is completed and submitted to the provincial Maternal, Child and Women's Health (MCWH) units. The provincial assessors assess the death and forward the report to the NCCEMD, where the data are collated and analyzed to provide summary estimates for the extent of important public-health problems.

Results

In the triennial 2011/13, 750 women deaths were recorded in LP of which 728 (97.1%) were maternal deaths and 22(2.9%) were coincidental deaths. While in the triennial 2014/16, of the 623 women deaths, 607(97.4%) were maternal deaths and 16 (2.6%) were coincidental deaths. In both trienniums, non-pregnancy related infections, obstetric haemorrhage, pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders and medical and surgical disorders were the leading cause of deaths and accounted for two-thirds of maternal deaths. The number of deaths due to non-pregnancy related infections significantly decreases from 228 to 135 (p<0.05), while deaths due to medical and surgical disorders slightly increased (from 66 to 69, p>0.05). There was a marked reduction in the number of obstetric haemorrhage, pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders, pregnancy-related sepsis, anaesthetic complications, ruptured ectopic pregnancy and acute collapse-cause unknown but the result did not reach statistical significance (p>0.05), and deaths due to miscarriage increased (p>0.05). The number of deaths due to pulmonary embolism increased significantly (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Although there is a reduction in the number of maternal deaths in LP, non-pregnancy related infections, obstetric haemorrhage, pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders and medical and surgical disorders remain the major causes of maternal death and pulmonary embolism is an emerging concern.
Construction of a ceRNA regulatory network in Ziyang xiangcheng (Citrus junos Sieb. ex Tanaka) based on whole-genome transcriptome profiling of mRNAs, lncRNAs, miRNAs and circRNAs under Cu toxicity
Authors: Fu Xing-zheng , Zhang Xiao-Yong , Qiu Jie-Ya , Zhou Xue , Yuan Meng , He Yi-Zhong , Chun Chang-Pin , Cao Li , Ling Li-Li , Peng Liang-Zhi
Published: August 2019

Background

Copper (Cu) toxicity has become a potential threat for citrus production, but little is known about related mechanisms. This study aims to uncover the global molecular response of mRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) to Cu toxicity and to construct their competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) network in citrus.Results

In this study, tolerance of four commonly used rootstocks to Cu toxicity was first evaluated, and ‘Ziyang Xiangcheng’ (Citrus junos ) was proved to be tolerant rootstock. Then the Cu-treated and -untreated root (CuR, CKR) and leaf (CuL, CKL) of ‘Ziyang Xiangcheng’ was selected to perform whole-genome transcriptome sequencing. In total, 5734 and 222 mRNAs, 164 and 5 lncRNAs, 45 and 17 circRNAs, and 147 and 130 miRNAs were identified to be differentially expressed (DE) in CuR/CKR and CuL/CKL, respectively. Gene ontology enrichment analysis of these DEmRNAs and targets of DElncRNAs and DEmiRNAs showed that most were annotated to oxidation-reduction, phosphorylation, membrane, and ion binding. The ceRNA network was constructed with the predicted DEmRNAs-DEmiRNAs and DElncRNAs-DEmiRNAs pairs, which further revealed regulatory roles of these DERNAs in Cu toxicity.Conclusions

A large number of mRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs, and miRNAs were altered in response to Cu toxicity in citrus, and they may play crucial roles in mitigation of Cu toxicity through the ceRNA regulatory network.
An Analysis of The Relationship between The Maxillary Molars and The maxillary sinus floor in Adult Patient Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Li Lin , Fu Yifan , Huang Shihui , Lai Ziya , Li Chenghao , Ge Jianping
Published: August 2019

Background The aim of the study was to evaluate the anatomical relationship between the maxillary molars and the maxillary sinus by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).Methods A database of maxillary molars were obtained from 91 adult patients by means of images of CBCT. The internal angle, the alveolar bone width, and the distance between root apex and the wall of maxillary sinus were measured by CBCT. The vertical relationship between the maxillary molars and the maxillary sinus were analysed. Vertical relationship of the maxillary sinus was further evaluated. Results The value of the internal angle of maxillary third molar is 17.2 ± 11.5°. The width of the alveolar bone of third molar is 8.2 ± 1.7mm. Type III, IV and V were the most common relationship in the first and second molars. Type V and I were most frequently observed in the first and second molars. The inner angle of the second molar is larger than that of the first molar. The maxillary first molar had the smallest mean alveolar bone width, and the third molar had the largest average. Conclusion This study will provide reference for clinical practice, especially for root canal treatment and tooth implants.
Magnitude, bacterial etiology profile and associated factors of surgical site infection in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kindu Mizan , Zeleke Esayas Aklilu , Tarekegn Baye Gelaw , Yehuala Feleke Moges
Published: August 2019

Background: Surgical site infection is the third most commonly reported nosocomial infection. Different primary studies on Surgical site infection (SSI) were conducted in Ethiopia. However, variation among those studies was seen. This study was aimed to estimate the national prevalence of SSI, its bacterial profile and associated factors of SSI in Ethiopia. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar were searched. A funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to see publication bias. I-squared statistic was applied to check heterogeneity of studies. A weighted inverse variance random-effects model was applied to estimate the national prevalence of SSI, its bacterial profile and the effect size of associated factors. The subgroup analysis was conducted by region, study design, and year of study conducted. Result: A total of 18 studies were used for prevalence of SSI, its bacterial profile and associated factors. The pooled prevalence of SSI was 11.58 (95% CI 9.78, 13.38). The pooled prevalence of culture positive SSI infection among patients who develop clinical sign and symptoms of SSI was also 80.42% (95% CI 70.86, 89.99). SSI was majorly caused by S. aureus (28.47%) and E. coli (15.93%). Drinking an alcohol (AOR = 6.28; 95%CI: 2.9–13.3); women’s having chorioaminities (AOR = 8.67; 95%CI: 4.63–16.27); patients living in rural areas (AOR = 3.10; 95%CI: 1.57–6.14); patients who undergo previous surgery (AOR = 3.94; 95%CI: 1.7–7.17) and women’s who had rupture of membrane >12 hour (AOR=5.29; 95%CI: 2.73–10.25) were identified factors of SSI. Conclusions: The prevalence of SSI in Ethiopia was high. This indicates calling for the need of better allocating resources and implementing a program for controlling Surgical site infections in Ethiopia.
Irritable bowel syndrome after Clostridium difficile infection
Authors: Iacob Teodora , Lupșe Mihaela Sorina , Dumitrașcu Dan Lucian
Published: August 2019

Background and Aim Post-Infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome (PI-IBS) is a common complication of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The objectives of this study were to asses the risk of PI-IBS following a CDI. We also evaluated if there is a correlation between the onset of PI-IBS and the severity of CDI. Methods The study group consisted of 69 patients consecutively admitted in a tertiary center with an acute gastroenteritis episode, suspected of having a Clostridium difficile infection. PCR for CDI from feces were performed to assess the infection. The subjects were divided into two groups. A group consisted of patients with CDI and the other group where the CDI was ruled out. The patients were evaluated for PI-IBS 6 months after the episode of CDI by Rome III IBS diagnostic questionnaire and the Bristol Stool Form Scale. Severity of CDI was stratified according to the need for hospitalization or not. The questionnaires were paper printed and directly filled in by the subjects. Results The response rate to the questionnaire was 100%. During the course of this study 31 patients died. Out of 38 patients, 37% (14 patients) were diagnosed with CDI. After CDI, 57% (8 patients) developed PI-IBS and 43% (6 patients) where without PI-IBS with a relative risk (RR) of 2.29 (95 % confidence interval CI 0.99 – 5.23), p=0.04. In the group of patients with a severe form of CDI, 90% (9 patients) developed PI-IBS with a RR of 2.72 (95% CI 0.80 – 9.24), p=0.04, compared to the group of patients with light and moderate forms CDI. Conclusion Our study shows that, 6 months after CDI, PI-IBS develops in 57% patients, higher than in the control group where CDI was ruled out by PCR (43%), statitstically significant (p=0.04). The severity of CDI was a risk factor for PI-IBS, 90% of patients with severe forms of CDI developed PI-IBS.
An Improved Thermo‐TDR Technique for Monitoring Soil Thermal Properties, Water Content, Bulk Density, and Porosity
Authors: Peng Wei , Lu Yili , Xie Xiaoting , Ren Tusheng , Horton Robert
Published: August 2019

Core Ideas

A new thermo‐TDR sensor can determine soil thermal properties, water content, bulk density, porosity, and air‐filled porosity.

The new theories are used to analyze the heat‐pulse data and TDR waveforms.

The new sensor provides greater sensing volume and more accurate results than previous designs.

The thermo‐time domain reflectometry (thermo‐TDR) technique is valuable for monitoring in situ soil water content (θ), thermal properties, bulk density (ρb), porosity (n), and air‐filled porosity (na) in the vadose zone. However, the previous thermo‐TDR sensor has several weaknesses, including limited precision of TDR waveforms due to the short probe length, small measurement volume, and thermal property estimation errors resulting from finite probe properties not accounted for by the heat pulse method. We have developed a new thermo‐TDR sensor design for monitoring θ, thermal properties, ρb, n, and na. The new sensor has a robust heater probe (outer diameter of 2.38 mm and length of 70 mm) and a 10‐mm spacing between the heater and sensing probes, which provides a sensing volume three times larger than that of the previous sensor. The identical cylindrical perfect conductors and the tangent line–second‐order bounded mean oscillation theories were applied to analyze the raw data. Laboratory tests showed that θ values determined with the new sensor had a RMSE of 0.014 m3 m−3 compared with 0.016 to 0.026 m3 m−3 with the previous sensor. Soil thermal property estimates with the new sensor agreed well with modeled values. Soil ρb, n, and na derived from θ and thermal properties were consistent with those derived from gravimetric measurements. Thus, the new thermo‐TDR sensor provides more accurate θ, thermal properties, ρb, n, and na values than the previous sensor.