bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STREAM JIP – An In-Depth Study of SCR Response Based on Field Measurements
Authors: Chandra Y. , Deka D. , Campbell M. , Tognarelli M. , Jia L. , Grytøyr G. , de Aguiar L. L. , Rota G.
Published: April 2024

The objective of the STREAM (Steel Riser Enhanced Analytics using Measurements) Joint Industry Project (JIP) is to provide a measurement-based foundation for Steel Catenary Riser (SCR) modelling to ensure that riser response is assessed with adequate but not overly conservative parameters. Insights from phase 1 of the JIP were presented in a prior OTC paper (OTC-29239-MS). In phase 2 which is the subject of this paper, the JIP has conducted a deep dive into several other aspects of SCR design uncertainty including - combined wave and Vortex Induced Vibration (VIV), Motion Induced Vibration (MIV), and extreme storm response.

The paper will describe how field measured riser response events have been categorized into wave, VIV, MIV, and other non-typical response types. Subsequently, fatigue damage rates derived from field measured data (measured fatigue) are compared against global analysis-based predictions.

Concurrent wave and VIV response events are assessed to determine whether the industry standard practice of adding VIV and wave fatigue damage rates is adequately conservative. Measured VIV data is utilized to benchmark SHEAR7 and determine the hidden conservatism in it that stems from non-occurrence of VIV in the field despite the presence of sufficiently high currents. MIV response events are characterized, and the impact on overall riser fatigue is evaluated. Finally, observations field measured riser response during the peak of a major hurricane is reported and examined.

In an industry first, the STREAM JIP has aggregated and analyzed full scale field data from multiple catenary risers. The JIP results provide insights into riser response characterization with potential applications for life extension and more efficient new designs.
Búzios Field: Execution of the 5th Module
Authors: Lopes Jansen , Andrade Priscilla , Juliao Bernardo , Cabral Rafael , Peixoto Ricardo , Lacerda Vitor , Gomes Augusto , Ribeiro Rafael , Aquino Fernando , Junior Delcy
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the fifth module of Búzios Field Development, its features, and main achievements. It combines innovative concepts and technologies aiming to deal with challenges faced during the execution of Búzios 1 to 4 Projects, producing since 2018.

A robust concept of Subsea, Umbilicals, Risers, and Flowlines (SURF) was implemented associated with an execution strategy designed to reduce the risk of unpreparedness. The strategy integrates critical path analysis, schedule monitoring, and controlling mechanisms to mitigate risks of lack of readiness, streamlining well connections for FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) ramp-up. Besides that, rigid jumper metrology was taken out of the critical path through the application of indirect metrology between the PLET (Pipeline End Termination) Hub and the Xmas Tree.

The subsea scope was effectively divided into two primary components: an EPCI (Engineering Procurement Construction and Installation) contract for rigid pipe delivery and the utilization of Petrobras’ chartered PLSVs (Pipe Laying Support Vessel) for flexible installation. This approach optimized the installation schedule, ensuring efficient vessel allocation through integrated time, scope, and space monitoring.

The project introduced novel technologies through its FPSO, enhancing H2S removal from the gas export stream using an environmentally friendly solution—a selective membrane system. This innovation promises reduced solid bed consumption, leading to decreased waste disposal throughout the unit's lifecycle.

The methodologies presented help to enhance future offshore endeavors. It outlines a robust SURF concept and execution strategy, minimizing readiness risks and hastening FPSO ramp-up. The integration of critical path analysis, monitoring, and time-scope-space tools offers a distinct approach to concurrent operations. Innovative metrology and H2S removal advancements enhance efficiency and environmental sustainability, respectively.

The first oil of the Project was on May 31st, 2023, and the maximum capacity of the FPSO (150,000 bpd) was achieved just 146 days after that on October 24th, 2023, a Petrobras’ record. The achievement of these milestones is in line with the sound development plan of Búzios Field, which will reach a production of about 1.8 million bpd by 2028, when there will be eleven FPSOs in operation at the area.
Reliability and Quality Management for Technology Qualification of Subsea All-Electric Xmas Tree
Authors: Østebø Runar , Knudsen Tor Willgohs , Sigmundstad Jone Nicolai , Lacerda Alexandre Braga , Popia Fernando
Published: April 2024

Successful technology development and implementation of subsea All-Electric controls systems as an alternative subsea controls system to the traditional Electro-Hydraulic control systems requires high safety and reliability performance. This paper will address how reliability management and functional safety using international standards and industry guidelines have been applied by operator and supplier to qualify such new technology. The new subsea All-Electric control system supports lower carbon and robust design provides cost-efficiency for operators installing such equipment.

Technology development and technology qualification being applied for subsea All-Electric control systems by industry collaboration imply use of qualification processes in which safety, reliability and quality are essential issues. The paper will highlight the novelty of the new subsea production controls design and operational framework and will describe how integration of reliability methods and technology qualification processes can be successfully applied and benefit from standards and operator and supplier governance. A supplier will for example undertake reliability testing and operator will use reliability criteria as part of acceptance criteria for technology qualification approval. The multi-disciplinary use of international standards for reliability management and analyses supplement other subsea technical standards. The use of Reliability Management Programme covering performance objectives expressed by system performance measures, e.g., technical and operational availability, will be addressed.

The added business value of new subsea All-Electric control system as compared to traditional Electro-Hydraulic control system will be described, e.g., reliability-based design, subsea intervention differences and safety and environmental issues. The attention and application of international standards in new technology development have provided improved quality in decision-support essential for an operator to implement and manage risk of new technology. The framework of understanding of the complete subsea production system in which subsea control is one technology element is important to allocate reliability targets that ensures new subsea All-Electric controls is at least similar or better quality than traditional subsea Electro-Hydraulic controls systems.

The paper will demonstrate the benefit in use of international standards for improved reliability management enabling robust design and high quality in decision support for new technology. The paper will also highlight the importance of functional safety requirements compliance balanced with operator performance objectives for uptime for subsea production. This is essential to be a first user of new technology and have quality confidence of the new technology to the stakeholders.
A Subsea Robotics Milestone: Commissioning and Start-Up of UID Operations at Njord
Authors: Cavallini F. , Turi L. , Zornetta G. , Massari G.
Published: April 2024

For many years the offshore industry has been engaged in the definition of how the future of IMR could have been, with operators looking for cost saving and value adding alternatives to vessel based WROV services. Advanced AUV and/or WROV featuring new capabilities have been part of the analyzed set of solutions, till when Equinor conceived the need for a new generation of underwater robots, called UID: the Underwater Intervention Drone. At that time Saipem was engaged in a similar and very challenging effort, and the UID specification perfectly matched the anticipated Hydrone-R capabilities and in particular its residency feature, which is the essential piece to unlock continuous and vessel-free operations, controlling the drone from onshore and relying on its A.I. driven navigation and control system for safe operations.

After several years of preparation activities through the pandemic with consequent delays, the UID has finally hit the water at mid-June 2023, for the long-awaited commencement of the Njord operations. The integration efforts to the Njord-A floater and to the SPS have been substantial in order to allow the performance of resident UID operations both with controls at the rig location and remotely, from the onshore control room in Stavanger. Conducted safely with no incidents to personnel and equipment, the commissioning has been concluded as planned and the UID has become, from the 19th of June 2023, the first resident UID in operations, currently working offshore the Norwegian Continental Shelf in more than 300m of water depth.

This paper is primarily intended to share with the offshore energy industry the main lessons learnt during the UID planning, integration and commissioning phase, and through its first months of resident operations, which are part of a familiarization process truly essential to unlock the full capabilities of the UID. Knowledge sharing on project and interface management, operational aspects and management of expectations will be shared to help the offshore energy industry promoting and adopting such UID technology for the benefit of future operations: cleaner, less risky, more sustainable and cost effective.
Product Development Through Cyclic and Evolving Markets: An Application of Product Platform and Product Family Design Principles
Authors: Ninan Jiju , Shenoy Mahesh , Bansal Gaurav , Meijer John , Bajvani Arshad , Garcia Jorge , Maia Luidi , Eser Hakan
Published: April 2024

Product development in cyclic and uncertain markets is challenging, and continuity in long-term product development can often be lost. Because products developed over multiple cycles can lack commonality in the underlying technology and knowledge from previous development initiatives, it can be almost impossible to reach sustainable economies of scale and drive cost efficiencies. In addition, when similar products are designed and manufactured individually, high design, manufacturing, and inventory costs can result. This presents significant challenges when it comes to product development for both current and future needs.

The concept of product family design has been successfully used in various industries such as automotive, power tools, aviation, and information technology. In one example, this approach was used to successfully head off business challenges by creating a family of products that would be standardized around a robust platform but offer the flexibility to serve multiple market segments via the addition or scaling of features at a minimal cost impact.

To address the product development challenges and reduce costs, product platform and product family design principles were used to successfully develop the next generation of landing string equipment and other derivative products. The development program was executed in four phases. During the first 1.5 years of the program, the product platform was developed. This included extensive tests to establish the platform configuration and its performance limits. In the subsequent phases, the platform was used to develop derivative products for the HPHT landing string and 15,000-psi workover systems. Although the effort to quantify the relationship between the design variables was significant, the data obtained were critical in reducing the development timelines for subsequent products.

The use of product platform and product family design principles reduced the time to market for new derivative products by approximately 40%. The established platform will be used to efficiently generate complementary products, paving the way for structured product development for years to come.
A Geotechnical Acoustic Survey to Address Well Abandonment Options for a Toppled Offshore Platform
Authors: Hoffmann Dillon R. , Guigne Jacques Y. , Laidley Ryan , Kennelley Kevin J.
Published: April 2024

In September 2004, within the Mississippi Canyon Area, a platform was toppled by a subsea mudslide that occurred during Hurricane Ivan. The platform was dragged off the station approximately 700 feet with all the associated well conductors buried under the sediment. Oil continues to flow through these conductors today, which is being collected subsea and sent to shore for recycling.

To permanently plug and abandon these wells using any top kill solution would require knowledge of the conductors’ burial depth beneath the seabed. Standard geotechnical survey methodologies like ground penetrating radar could not determine the depth of conductor burial. An Acoustic Corer1,2,3 survey was conducted to successfully identify the conductors’ location, orientation, and depth of burial.

The Acoustic Core2,3 device consists of a High-Frequency Chirp (HF), a Low-Frequency Chirp (LF), and a Parametric Source. The vertical position of linear features and anomalies is determined by converting acoustic reflection transmission-reception times to depth utilizing a velocity model representative of the survey site. Sixty-three focused Acoustic Corer scans were successfully acquired along four survey grid lines post preliminary scan processing; the sixty-three Acoustic Core data sets were then individually topographically corrected and processed as a singular large area seismic volume encapsulating the whole regions of the four survey grid lines. The data collected along the lines were combined, resulting in 3D views of the sub-seabed down to a depth of approximately 200 ft, and the conductors’ presence, orientation, and depth of burial were highlighted with clarity. This paper will present the results of this survey and the implications of well abandonment options that will adhere to BSEE regulations.
Búzios Capital Projects Synergies
Authors: Nascimento R. , Calegari D. S. P. , Ludolf D. , Weydmann A. , Mendes F. , Naveiro J. , Rosa F.
Published: April 2024

This article presents a case study in which subsurface evaluations regarding projects maturity and its associated risks combined with technological and schedule planning integration between three O&G greenfield Capital Projects have enabled a significant reduction in their stage-gate activity duration, enhanced procurement strategies and mitigation of execution phase risks, thus maximizing asset value.

The adopted approach considered time spacing the three projects and an integrated governance to track projects and expedite decision-making process from concept and technology selection to authorization and execution phases, still allowing for individual project maturity and singularity to be considered. Risk mapping, evaluation and management were also structured from a unified perspective, including those related to the lifecycle of innovative technologies applied. Throughout the whole process, the standardization of documents and project management routines was also carried out.

One of the first observed results was increased agility in the stages of technical specification elaboration, revision, and independent technical assurance, leading to a 5-month reduction in Phase 3, before final investment decision gate coupled with high maturity scores.

The resulting integrated procurement strategy was also successfully executed, maximizing bid attractiveness and critical suppliers’ capacity allocation, thus allowing projects to award long lead items contracts just after final investment decision gate. Synergies between projects such as similarities and time spacing have also enabled contracts to incorporate the possibility of adopting new technologies, e.g., wells completion.

A secondary, but no less important, advantage of this integrated strategy was the reduction in the internal resources required to conduct the time-consuming process of identifying, evaluating and defining mitigation plans for the threats and opportunities of the three capital projects. One example refers to Buzios field gas management which was improved based on the synergies between projects when selecting FPSOs capacities and technologies.

Finally, an innovative approach to decision-making workflow, procurement strategies, and management practices, were essential to ensure the successful alignment of each capital project with corporate objectives, as well as enabling the use of new technologies based on project needs and suppliers’ capacities.
Utilizing Circular Economy and Additive Manufacturing to Minimize CO2 Footprint
Authors: Thomson B. , Coseglio M.
Published: April 2024

The subsea energy industry is under constant pressure, both internally and externally, to provide solutions that better serve the global environment. In recent years the necessity to decarbonize, at every level of the industry, has become one of the most debated concerns globally. The development of additive manufacturing technologies, and their integration into our standard operating practices, presents an opportunity to greatly accelerate our decarbonization efforts. The extent of this opportunity is so vast that we, as a global industry, cannot afford to ignore it.

This paper shall present a case wherein additive manufacturing technologies, namely Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and a circular economy mindset were used to manufacture a Tubing Hanger Protector, which is a standard component used in subsea production systems worldwide. The paper shall also cover the series of CO2 footprint calculations that were conducted to underline the potential environmental benefits of adopting such a manufacturing philosophy.

Thorough CO2 footprint calculations are presented for manufacturing with additive manufacturing and a circular economy mindset. These are then compared with CO2 footprint calculations for ‘traditional’ manufacturing, wherein a forging is produced and then machined to create the final form of the component.

On comparing the CO2 footprint calculations for both manufacturing methods, we see a vast difference in the results. A reduction of over eighty five percent is evident, in favor of the additively manufactured part.

Given the built in conservativism of the calculations, i.e. best case data for ‘traditional’ manufacturing and worst case data for additive manufacturing, it is likely that the CO2 footprint reductions stated in this paper are even higher in reality. However, this case study is presented to highlight the opportunities of this type of manufacturing and to serve as a reference to others.
Complexities of Annulus Line Interaction for HPHT Open Water Intervention Risers
Authors: Vaidya R , Sonawane M , Klepcyk T , Lewis W
Published: April 2024

Open water intervention riser systems (OWIRS) are used for performing intervention/workover activities on subsea wells during production or for end of life activities. The OWIRS production bore access typically consists of a main riser tubular with an annulus line tubular clamped to the main riser pipe. Typically, the top and bottom connections are rigid clamps, with strategically placed polymer clamps along the length. The clamps prevent the annulus line from buckling and also manage the span on the annulus to prevent vortex induced vibrations. The objective of this study is to present the challenges and complexities of specifying the annulus line clamp placement.

This paper outlines the approach and methodology used for defining annulus line clamp placement. The assessment encompasses load distribution calculations and load sharing between the two pipes for both installation and connected scenarios. A step by step approach is presented with an emphasis on load calculations from self-weight friction from clamp preload, temperature and pressure effects, bending loads from global vessel offsets and environmental loading.

Load calculation and buckling assessment results from this study will be presented. The findings from this study will demonstrate how the installation stage can be more critical for the annulus line compared to the in place connected scenario. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is conducted on the friction effects of the clamp and the load sharing attributed from the clamp torque to illustrate its contribution.

This paper will present a comprehensive methodology and load case matrix for establishing clamp placement and clamp design requirements for a high pressure high temperature intervention riser system. The risk of improper design will also be discussed and the importance for HPHT applications highlighted. While the methods presented here are applicable to all types of intervention risers with annulus lines, this study will be especially useful for HPHT systems which are more sensitive to pressure and temperature effects.
Enabling Fibre – A Reliable Solution for HPHT Environments
Authors: Nicholson J. A. , Chen Y. , Turner J. E. , Chaize E.
Published: April 2024

Reliable fibre optic (FO) connection systems are a key enabling technology to deliver near real-time in-well digital data through distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), distributed temperature sensing (DTS) and Seismic monitoring profiling along the well.

This Multi-channel Optical Feedthrough System (OFS) development addresses key technical challenges and provides a highly reliable solution to enable optical communication through the Vertical Monobore Tree (VMXT) and Tubing Hanger (TH) while providing full pressure containment within the system at 15,000psi and 350°F.

The system features four core innovative technology building blocks: The high-speed trigger mechanism that centralises optical elements during connector mating,The linear fibre mating and fine alignment system with integrated Wand assembly – no bending or hinging of fibre,The glass-to-metal and Hastelloy tubing barriers to fibre – API 6A barriers to protect fibre through the system,The closed fluid compensation system – no gel refill required.

The qualification of the connection system follows the SEAFOM TSD-01 standard and is on track to be completed by 2024. The connection system has demonstrated its ability and robustness in achieving wet-mate functionality while maintaining reliable optical communication at 15,000psi and 350°F and in heavy debris conditions.

This technical paper presents this specific OFS technology, its development process and the Verification and Validation results to achieve reliable optical communication in the high pressure high temperature (HPHT) environments.
The Regulation of Foster Care: Using Federal Rulemaking to Update Foster Care Licensing Standards
Authors: Goel Leisha
Published: April 2024

The US foster care system is stretched far beyond its capacity due to a lack of funding, limited permanent foster child placement options, and outdated foster care guidelines. To address several of these issues, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) enacted a rule in November 2023 to change the legal definition of “foster family home” in the Social Security Act to more closely align the foster care system with best practices. This paper explores how the ACF used federal rulemaking to modify foster family licensing standards, the implications for the foster care system, and additional recommendations that the ACF may consider to maximize the rule’s impact.
Peruzuphium n. gen. giachinoi new species of the tribe Zuphiini from Peru, with notes on Metaxidius brunnipennis Chaudoir
Authors: Allegro Gianni
Published: April 2024

Peruzuphium n. gen. giachinoi n. sp., a notable new species of the tribe Zuphiini from Peru with uncertain affinities, is described. It is the first zuphiine species recorded from Peru and is compared in particular to Metaxidius brunnipennis Chaudoir, another rare South American zuphiine species with uncertain affinities, which is discussed and illustrated too. A key to all genera of South American Zuphiini is finally provided.
Prima segnalazione per l’Italia meridionale, con esclusione delle aree insulari, di un esemplare di Tempyra biguttula Stål, 1874
Authors: Rolli Erminio
Published: April 2024

Nel presente contributo viene segnalato il primo ritrovamento per l’Italia meridionale, con esclusione delle aree insulari, di un esemplare di Tempyra biguttula Stål, 1874. Vengono inoltre evidenziati alcuni fattori che renderebbero possibile l’adattamento di T. biguttula in questo nuovo territorio.
La Constitutionnalisation de l’avortement en France. Quels sont les enjeux?
Authors: Badr Maroun , El Khoury Nour
Published: April 2024

Le cadre législatif de l’interruption volontaire de grossesse (IVG) a subi des mutations importantes permettant ainsi son passage d’un acte répréhensible à une liberté consacrée par la loi. Motivé par une décision étrangère remettant en cause l’IVG, un mouvement réclamant « la constitutionnalisation de l’avortement » ré-initie le débat sur le sujet. La constitutionnalisation de l’avortement est un processus juridique qui permet d’inscrire l’IVG dans la Constitution. Si cette démarche est souvent utilisée dans les pays où les droits reproductifs sont remis en cause, ceci n’est pas le cas dans le système juridique français. C’est ainsi que cette démarche s’avère controversée, notamment du fait de ses implications procédurales et substantielles qui mettront en confrontation différents enjeux politiques, éthiques et juridiques.
HAPLOIDENTICAL HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION FOR PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH X-LINKED LYMPHOPROLIFERATIVE SYNDROME
Authors: Sun Yuan
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic factors of haploid hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the treatment of X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome. Seven children with X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome diagnosed by XIAP gene analysis were enrolled. The conditioning regimens were tolerated in all seven patients, and the median time of neutrophil engraftment was 10 days (8-13 days), that of platelet engraftment was 21 days (14-24 days). STR-PCR analysis on the peripheral blood cells showed complete donor origins. Four cases developed Grade I acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD), one developed Grade III aGVHD (intestinal tract), and two cases had limited chronic GVHD. Four cases had cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation, and two cases had Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) reactivation. One case was diagnosed as pneumocystosis, and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) occurred in three cases. During the follow-up period (median time of 42 months), one patient died of TMA and six patients survived. Statistical analysis showed that the status of disease remission and the positive result of virus in blood before transplantation were independent prognostic factors. Haplo-HSCT might be a curative option for children with refractory X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome. Low-intensity conditioning regimens may reduce transplant-related mortality and improve overall survival.
CLINICAL AND LABORATORY FEATURES OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE S/D PUNJAB: IMPACT OF HBF AND HYDROXYUREA
Authors: Al-Kindi R. Salam , Al-Busaidi Isra , Pathare Anil
Published: April 2024

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major public health issue worldwide with high morbidity and mortality. SCD SD Punjab is the third most common genotype of SCD in Oman and is associated with several serious complications. The aim of the study is to establish the clinical and laboratory features of SCD patients with SD double heterozygotes and study the impact of haemoglobin F, hydroxyurea, and other modulators on the disease severity.
Methods: We analyzed the electronic medical records of 52 consecutive SCD patients who were diagnosed as double heterozygote SD Punjab between 2006 and 2022. The study was approved by the local medical research and ethics committee. The data captured included SCD-related complications and current clinical and laboratory indices. Data from other studies on other SCD genotypes were used as historical controls.  
Results: 52 patients (31 males, 21 females) who formed this cohort had a median age of 32 years with an interquartile range (IQR) of 21-39.8 years. 37(71.2%) had <3 VOC per year, whereas 15 (28.8%) patients had >3 vasooclusive (VOC) episodes per year. SCD-related complications included Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS) (48%), Gall stones (26.9%), Avascular necrosis (AVN) (28.8%), Stroke (13.5%) and splenic sequestration (7.7%), whereas 5 (9.6%) patients of this cohort died. Surgical and Autosplenectomy were seen in 18 (34.6%). These findings were similar to other SCD genotypes in this community.19 (57.6%) were taking Hydroxyurea (HU) amongst the 33 patients who were prescribed HU. Haematological parameters showed a median (IQR) Hb (g/dl), MCV (fl), Retic count (%), WBC count(X109/L) and Platelet count(X109/L) of 9.7 (8.5-11.3), 74.9 (68.4-79.8), 4 (3.2-5.7), 9.9 (8.1-12.6) and 309 (239-428) respectively. The haemoglobin electrophoresis showed an elevated HbF, whereas serum bilirubin and LDH were elevated amongst the biochemical parameters. The use of hydroxyurea showed no impact on VOC, ACS, AVN, Stroke or mortality.  
Conclusion: SD Punjab is the third most common SCD genotype in Oman and was associated with recurrent VOC, ACS, AVN, and gall stones comparable to other SCD genotypes. Patients with > 3 VOC/year had significantly increased incidence of Stroke, AVN, and gallstones. However, HU was not associated with improved prognosis and better survival in this cohort of patients.
Keywords: Sickle Cell Disease; Haemoglobin SD Punjab; vaso-occlusive crises; acute chest syndrome; Avascular Necrosis; HbF; hydroxyurea.
Developing a pediatric nursing simulation scenario template in South Korea: applying real-time Delphi methods
Authors: Kim Eun Joo , Lee Meen Hye , Park Bitna
Published: April 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to describe the process of developing a validated pediatric nursing simulation scenario template using the real-time Delphi method.Methods: A panel of 13 pediatric nursing experts participated in a real-time Delphi survey conducted over two rounds. Initially, 83 items were included in the questionnaire focusing on the structure and content of the simulation scenario template. Data analysis involved calculating the content validity ratio (CVR) and the coefficient of variation to assess item validity and stability.Results: Through iterative rounds of the Delphi survey, a consensus was reached among the experts, resulting in the development of a pediatric nursing simulation scenario template comprising 41 items across nine parts. The CVR values ranged from 0.85 to 1.0, indicating a high consensus among experts regarding the inclusion of all items in the template.Conclusion: This study presents a novel approach for developing a pediatric nursing simulation scenario template using real-time Delphi methods. The real-time Delphi method facilitated the development of a comprehensive and scientifically grounded pediatric nursing simulation scenario template. Our template aligns with the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning standards, and provides valuable guidance for educators in designing effective simulation scenarios, contributing to enhanced learning outcomes and better preparation for pediatric clinical practice. However, consideration of cultural and contextual adaptations is necessary, and further research should explore alternative consensus criteria.
F.J. Bezuidenhout’s Doornfontein: A case study in white farmland alienation on the 19th century Witwatersrand
Authors: Allen G.R.
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
Om te veg vir hoop
Authors: Mahosi Theodore N.
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn: Mercantile self-interest and the communication debate of the later 19th Century
Authors: Goetze Tim
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
The struggle for democracy in the 1980s: Oral accounts of political activists involved in the insurrection in Grahamstown
Authors: Coetzee Jan K. , Wood Geoffrey T.
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
‘’Listen, Whiteman, you have launched a war you cannot win’’: Forced removals and the outbreak if riots in Natal, 1959-1963
Authors: Sambure Nelson T.
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
The new history, the new South Africa, the New Contree
Authors: Bottomley John , Gouws Tom
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
A Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in School Children from South India
Authors: Khanna Vinay , Alur Suhas , Khanna Ruchee , Verma Seemitr
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim:

According to the World Health Organization, close to 21% of India’s population may be affected by intestinal parasites, accounting for 39 million disability-adjusted life years, which may likely be due to substandard sanitation practices and insufficient personal hygiene standards. This research was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence of helminthic infections among school-aged children in the South Canara district of India.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving school children from nursery to the 8th Grade in the South Canara district of Karnataka, India. The presence of various intestinal parasites in different age groups was determined by performing routine stool microscopy. Modified acid-fast staining was performed for stool samples collected from children <5 years of age for the detection of intestinal coccidian parasites. Statistical analysis was carried out to analyze age-related trends in relation to the prevalence of commonly detected intestinal parasites.

Results:

Intestinal parasites were identified in 10 of the 253 students (3.9%), with the highest incidence observed in the age group of 7–10 years (1.9%). The most prevalent parasite identified was the cysts of Giardia
lamblia, with a prevalence of 7.54%, followed by Ascaris
lumbricoides and hookworm, each having a prevalence of 5.66%. Of the 253 students, 92.2% practiced handwashing with soap after defecation, while 7.8% did not use soap. The handwashing practices did not significantly vary across different age groups. Clinically, pallor was observed in 64.2% of the individuals.

Conclusion:

Giardiasis was the most common parasitic infection, followed by soil-transmitted helminths such as Ascariasis and hookworm. The level of hygiene practices among children exceeded the prevailing national and state standards.
A Study to Assess the Attitude and Acceptance toward COVID-19 Vaccine among General Public
Authors: Biju Bijitha , David M. Melvin , Balalakshmi J.
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim:

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While most people experience mild-to-moderate respiratory illness and recover without special treatment, some, especially older people and those with underlying medical conditions, may become seriously ill. To prevent transmission, it is important to be informed about the disease and how it spreads. This includes staying at least 1 m apart from others, wearing a properly fitted mask, washing your hands frequently, getting vaccinated, and following local guidance. The virus spreads through small liquid particles from an infected person’s mouth or nose when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing, or breathe. Practicing respiratory etiquette and self-isolating when feeling unwell are important measures to take. SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 are genetically similar viruses responsible for global epidemics of different scales. They diverged due to differences in transmission dynamics and clinical presentations. COVID-19 management has evolved with new knowledge, therapeutics, and vaccines. The impact on health care and public health systems has been profound, with lessons learned for future pandemics. A globally fair vaccine distribution system must prevail over vaccine nationalism for the world to return to its prepandemic status.

Materials and Methods:

A quantitative cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care hospital among 272 participants who were selected conveniently. The attitude was assessed using self-structured five-point Likert scale, and acceptance was assessed using self-structured dichotomous questionnaire.

Results:

About 64.0% of the general public had good attitude, 31.3% of the general public had moderate attitude, and 4.8% of the general public had excellent attitude, none of them had poor attitude. The majority 95.6% of the general public expressed acceptance toward the COVID-19 vaccine and 4.4% of them not. Correlation of attitude and acceptance toward COVID-19 the r = 0.15 was significant at the level of P < 0.01. The association between attitude and demographic variables of the public revealed such as occupation, family monthly income, and any of the family members vaccinated had significant association at the level of P <0.01. Association between acceptance and demographic variables of the public revealed such as, age, vaccinated participants, and any of the family members vaccinated had significant association with acceptance at the level of P < 0.01.

Conclusion:

This study provides valuable insights into the attitude and acceptance toward COVID-19 vaccine among general public. These findings can help to inform strategies for increasing vaccination rates and ultimately protecting public health.
A neurologist’s perspective of approach to falls in the elderly
Authors: Manorenj Sandhya , Shaik Reshma S
Published: April 2024

Falls constitute an important public health problem that impact the quality of life of an individual. Falls contribute to disability, especially among older adults and elderly individuals. Recurrent fallers are those who fall one or more times per year.

The purpose of this article is to provide a detailed systemic qualitative review of the recent definition of falls, their mechanism, risk factors, classification; falls in neurodegenerative disorders; and their approach and management.

Sources of literature were drawn from peer-reviewed original and systematic review articles published until January 2024 in the PubMed database using the following key words: falls, elderly, definition, management, etiology, neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy and fall, dementia and fall, and prevention and diagnostic tests for postural instability and falls. This review summarizes the current understanding of falls and provides a pragmatic and clinically focused approach to their management.

Falls are usually multifactorial. Neurodegenerative disorders such as cognitive decline and parkinsonism lead to increased risk of falling. There are several tools to assess the risk of early falls.

A multidisciplinary approach is needed in the management of falls. The main goal is encouraging physical activity, home hazard modification, management of postural hypotension, and underlying neurodegenerative diseases.
Methanolic extract of Ephedra alata inhibits breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Sioud Fairouz , Lahmer Aida , Selmi Mouna , Chaabane Fadwa , Chekir-Ghedira Leila
Published: April 2024

Objective:

To determine the anticancer potential of the methanolic extract from Ephedra alata against breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo.

Methods:

The effects of the methanolic extract of Ephedra alata on the viability, migration as well as apoptosis of breast cancer 4T1 cells were measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, Transwell assay, and annexin V-FITC staining assay, respectively. Histological examination was also carried out. Moreover, a murine breast cancer model was established to evaluate the inhibitory effect of the extract. Biochemical parameters including hepatic and non-hepatic enzymes, malondialdehyde, and glutathione were investigated.

Results:

The methanolic extract of Ephedra alata showed a strong anti-proliferative and anti-migratory activity against 4T1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. It also induced apoptosis in 4T1 cells. In an in vivo mouse model, the extract markedly inhibited tumor growth, reduced malondialdehyde, and hepatic and non-hepatic enzymes as well as increased glutathione level.

Conclusions:

The methanolic extract of Ephedra alata inhibits breast cancer in vitro and in vivo, which may be a promising anticancer agent.
Isoimperatorin alleviates acetic acid–induced colitis in rats
Authors: Goodarzi Saied , Abdolghaffari Amir Hossein , Najafi Behnaz , Pirali Hamedani Mostafa , Tavakoli Saeed , Marvi Mahshad , Baeeri Maryam , Yassa Narguess , Hadjiakhoondi Abbas , Abdollahi Mohammad , Tofighi Zahra
Published: April 2024

Objective:

To investigate the effect of isoimperatorin on histopathological and biochemical changes in acetic acid-induced colitis rats.

Methods:

Colitis was induced by intracolonic administration of acetic acid solution (4% v/v) in rats. Rats were divided into six groups including the sham group, the negative control group, the dexamethasone-treated group, and the groups treated with isoimperatorin (0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg/d by gavage). The treatments were administered for three days and then colonic status was assessed by macroscopic, histopathological, and biochemical analyses.

Results:

Isoimperatorin significantly alleviated colonic damage in a dose-dependent manner and improved histological changes in rats with acetic acid-induced colitis. It also significantly reduced myeloperoxidase, TNF-α, IL-1β, and malodialdehyde levels.

Conclusions:

Isoimperatorin alleviates acetic acid-induced colitis in rats and may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of colitis.
Ellagic acid inhibits gastric cancer cells by modulating oxidative stress and inducing apoptosis
Authors: Zheng Jian , Li Chun-Feng
Published: April 2024

Objective:

To evaluate the anticancer effect of ellagic acid on gastric cancer cells.

Methods:

MTT assay was used to evaluate the effect of ellagic acid at different concentrations (0.5-100 μg/mL) on gastric cancer AGS cells. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses were applied to assess apoptosis (BCL-2, CASP-3, and BAX) and autophagy (LC3, ATG5, and BECN1) in AGS cells treated with ellagic acid. The expression of invasion-related markers including TP53, CDKN2A, and PTEN was determined. In addition, cell cycle markers including cyclin A, B, D, and E were measured by ELISA. Oxidative stress markers were evaluated using spectrophotometry.

Results:

Ellagic acid inhibited the proliferation of AGS cells in a concentration-and time-dependent manner. The expression of BCL-2 was significantly decreased (P<0.05) and CASP-3 and BAX were markedly increased (P<0.01) in AGS cells treated with ellagic acid. However, this compound induced no significant changes in the expression levels of LC3, ATG5, and BECN1 (P>0.05). Moreover, the oxidative stress markers including SOD, TAC, and MDA were increased by ellagic acid (P<0.01).

Conclusions:

Ellagic acid can inhibit cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and modulate oxidative stress in AGS cells. However, further in vivo and molecular studies are needed to verify its anticancer efficacy.
Transient Neonatal Hypocortisolism in Neonates with Hypoglycemia – Coexistence or Cause?
Authors: Mondal Sunetra , Nagendra Lakshmi , Chowdhury Amarta S. , Palui Rajan , Biswas Soumyadeep , Mukherjee Devdeep , Khan Krishnendu , Sengupta Aritra , Pandey Anupama
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

Infants born preterm, with low birth weight (LBW), or with perinatal stress are at high risk for neonatal hypoglycemia. Low cortisol levels have also been demonstrated in this group of neonates, which is often transient. We report a series of neonates with transient hypocortisolism who had neonatal hypoglycemia.

Methods:

A descriptive study on clinic-biochemical parameters of a group of five neonates who had persistent neonatal hypoglycemia and had demonstrated low cortisol on critical sample testing.

Results:

All five neonates had birth weights below normal and four were born preterm. A history of perinatal asphyxia was seen in four cases and neonatal sepsis in two. During critical sample testing (when blood glucose [BG] was <50 mg/dl), hyperinsulinism (Insulin >2 mIU/ml) was seen in three infants whereas insulin was undetectable in two. The median cortisol during critical sample testing was 1.9 mcg/dl (0.88 – 3.7). Critical GH was normal in all, and ACTH ranged from 7.2 pg/ml to 41.3 pg/ml. None of the infants had overt clinical features of panhypopituitarism or primary adrenal insufficiency. USG brain revealed germinal matrix hemorrhage in two infants, which resolved on follow-up. USG adrenals and electrolytes were normal in all. Four of the five babies were started on oral hydrocortisone, to which they responded well with the resolution of hypoglycemia. No adverse events were noted. On follow-up, the median time to recover of serum cortisol to normal was 4 months.

Conclusion:

The contribution of transient hypocortisolism to hypoglycemia in infants at risk, including preterm, LBW, or those with perinatal stress, in the presence or absence of hyperinsulinism, is not well known. While the non-specific use of glucocorticoids is not advocated, the role of therapeutic glucocorticoids among at-risk neonates with documented hypocortisolism during hypoglycemia should be an area for research. Close follow-up of these neonates for spontaneous recovery of cortisol levels is warranted.
Etiology and Biochemical Profile of Rickets in Tertiary Care Centres in Eastern India: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Bhattacharjee Rana , Chakraborty Partha P. , Agrawal Neeti , Roy Ajitesh , Maiti Animesh , Chowdhury Subhankar
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

We aimed to describe the clinical, biochemical and etiological profile of patients referred with a provisional diagnosis of rickets in tertiary care centres. In addition, we tried to propose a diagnostic algorithm for the evaluation of such patients.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in two tertiary care centres of West Bengal. Data of patients were retrieved between 2014 and 2021.

Results:

Out of 101 children, 22 had conditions simulating rickets. Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) was the most common (53.2%) etiology of rickets, followed by phosphopenic rickets (PR) (22.8%) and calcipenic rickets (CR) (17.7%). The prevalence of true nutritional rickets (NR) was only 8.9%. Children with RTA had a significantly higher prevalence of chronic ill health (69%) and polyuria (95.2%). Weight standard deviation score (SDS) and body mass index (BMI) SDS scores were significantly lower in the RTA group compared to others. Around 90.5% of children with RTA, and none in the other groups, had hypokalemia. Biochemically, hypophosphatemia and elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were present in all patients with PR and CR. Compared to CR, median serum phosphate was significantly lower in the PR group. A significant difference in ALP values was noticed in patients with hypophosphatemia (815 ± 627 IU/L) compared to those without (279 ± 204 IU/L). Plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) of 100 pg/ml seemed useful to differentiate CR from other forms.

Conclusion:

NR is uncommon in tertiary care centres. Children with rickets should be approached systematically with the estimation of ALP, phosphorus, creatinine, calcium, PTH and 25-hydroxy vitamin D to reach an etiological diagnosis.