bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moving Up The Culture Ladder: Creation and Application of Management Methods to Guide Organisations towards Generative, A Case Study
Authors: Hudson T. G. , Hudson P. T.
Published: April 2018

The paper discusses the novel understanding of the difference between the steps in the IOGP HSSE culture ladder and the methods used in a high hazard operation to effect the change required to move up those steps. The organisation involved has been de-identified.

In the expert report to the U.S. 5th Federal Court Deepwater Horizon case (Hudson 2011), the transitions ascending the cultural steps are described by the sequence "In place – In operation – Effective – Permanent". The authors applied this understanding in a high hazard aircraft engineering operation and discuss the challenges, roadblocks and adaptations required to effect the desired organisational changes. It includes the methods used to gain senior management involvement for the process and the general processes developed to create the understanding within the organisation.

A frequently stated organisational goal is the development of the organisational culture using the HSSE Culture ladder. While the ladder can provide a road map that allows for realistic incremental improvements of the safety culture the actual detailed definition of the measures to be taken can still be challenging. Using the cultural sequence as set out in the report to the court a more understandable path can be forged that allows improvements to be mapped onto current operations, by identifying processes and activities associated with higher steps on the ladder. This enables a clearer definition of the desired goals and assessment of whether those goals have been achieved leading to cultural change. This includes changing or moving on from performance indicators as and when they are fulfilled.

In this case study the organisation achieved advanced cultural behaviours through application of standard management techniques. This includes topics that distinguish more from less advanced cultures such as: Managing Non-compliance, Operational Discipline, Using Standards and Best practises. Improvements in the major lagging Process Safety indicators were gained through the application of this method, demonstrating a marked reduction of major incidents, as would be predicted by a more advanced safety culture.

This paper introduces a number of measures that can be used to effect lasting cultural change within organisations. Use of these methods allows more granular control over the cultural development, which allows more effective and efficient change programs.
The Environmental Management Index EMI - A Proposed Methodology for Environmental Risks and Impacts Management for the Oil & Gas Industry
Authors: Nájera Isaac , Miguélez Juan Ramón , Ostolaza Tomás , Firth Simon , Lauria Mary Lou , Salvador Carlos , Santamaría Carmen
Published: April 2018

Oil and Gas companies have developed strategies to mitigate their environmental impacts from routine operations and to prevent accidents with potential consequences for the environment. A significant challenge for assessing potential environmental impacts from routine activities or accidents is the measurement of theoretical environmental consequences on the project area. REPSOL and Advisian have developed the Environmental Management Index (EMI) for the purposes of identifying the relevant environmental aspects (activities) and accidental events that can impact on environmental receptors (e.g., soil, sediments, water, species and habitats), quantifying those impacts (consequences), and establishing a basis upon which consequences can be compared. This approach requires the characterization of the hazard sources (physical and/or chemical) and pathways (including fate and transport processes), and the potential damage to receptors.

By anticipating and quantifying environmental impacts that could result from normal activities and potential accidents, EMI provides decision-makers with a critical tool to: Improve due diligence decisions;Monitor the environmental performance of their activities; andSupport asset managers with assessing potential accidents with environmental consequences.

Following the EMI methodology, damage is expressed in Biophysical Impact Units (BIUs), which represent the extent to which a receptor is affected. The quantified damage in BIUs is then converted into dimensionless Impact Units (IUs) using several modulators, Quality, Availability and Social Value, and Total Economic Value (understood as the degree to which a good or service satisfies individual preferences).

Because IUs are dimensionless, global impacts on receptor types or on all receptors collectively under a variety of scenarios can be compared, and in some cases added and represented graphically to show current impact from a specific asset, oil and gas field, or business unit or the entire company. The EMI methodology can also be used to follow impact evolution or liabilities derived from new acquisitions, and to quantify environmental consequences from accidental events.

The EMI methodology was successfully applied to eight examples: Caribbean Seismic Offshore; Atlantic Drilling Offshore; Caribbean Production Offshore; North-Sea Production Offshore; Arctic Drilling Onshore; Jungle Production Onshore; Unconventional Gas Onshore: Hydraulic Fracturing; and Desert Environment.
Relaunch of the IOGP Recommended Practice for Safety in Lifting and Hoisting Operations 2018
Authors: Lawrie Graeme
Published: April 2018

Objectives/Scope

IOGP first published a recommended practice for lifting and hoisting operations in 2006. However, it is clear that lifting and hoisting incidents are still occurring in our industry, so IOGP established an industry task force representing a cross section of operators and service companies to improve and revise the RP to take account of lessons learned over the last 12 years. The Paper will describe the lessons learned and the enhancements to the document.

The Paper will identify through a series of case studies how lifting and hoisting accidents are still occurring and what steps can now be taken to help close these shortcomings.

Methods, Procedures, Process

The Task Force brought together a good cross section of subject matter experts in our industry representing both offshore and onshore activities. The TF met regularly to review fatal accident causes and high potential near miss events to identify deficiencies in the original guidance and to seek to enhance our understanding and knowledge.

Results, Observations, Conclusions

The result is a significant revision to the existing recommended practice. Specific areas for improvement; subsea lifting and dynamic lifting operations (marine conditions). It also looks at best practice associated with lifting over or near live plant. Updated lifting plans, definitions and safety technology.

Novel/Additive Information

The RP is free to all people to download and use, it is not limited to IOGP members. The RP contains many helpful tools that can be implemented at all levels within our industry.
Oil Spill Response Viability Analysis for the Norwegian Continental Shelf Integrated in a Web Based Planning Tool
Authors: Dahlslett H. P. , Aarnes Ø. , Rudberg A. , Gravir G. , Brude O. W. , Lunde S. , Bergstrøm R.
Published: April 2018

Oil spill contingency planning for a marine environment requires a thorough understanding of metocean conditions that can be expected within the planning area. Oil spill response systems have different resilience, or viability, towards the physical environment encountered at sea. Hence it is important to know the operational limitations of response systems, and how metocean factors may impact on operations.

The Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA) contracted DNV GL to perform an Oil Spill Response Viability analysis to quantify the window of opportunities for defined oil spill response systems. A Response Viability Analysis (RVA) estimates the percentage of time that metocean conditions may be favorable, marginal, or not favorable for defined oil spill response systems.

A 10×10 km metocean dataset was established covering Norwegian waters, including a 10-year data series with relevant parameters; wind speed, wave height, horizontal visibility, daylight/darkness, wind chill, structural icing and sea ice concentration. NCA identified 12 relevant response systems for the analysis, and established individual operational limitations for included parameters. The limits defined the response conditions in three categories; 1) favorable conditions, 2) marginal conditions and 3) unfavorable conditions. The analysis was conducted for 3-hour time steps in each grid cell in the study area using a custom code identifying it as favorable, marginal or unfavorable for each of the response systems.

The results were implemented in a web-based tool to make the large amount of data produced by the analysis easily available to the user. Key information in the tool is preprocessed maps showing monthly distribution of each response category for each response system as percentage of time. By clicking on the maps, more detailed information is available for each grid cell. This includes a histogram with monthly viability for the chosen response system. All the response systems are internally ranked by the highest viability for the chosen month, and the limiting factor (if any) is displayed automatically.

Additional features in the tool include a map showing potential change of wave height due to future climate changes, based from another study. The web-tool also includes typical map-tools as well as metadata.
A Greater Protection of Operators 'Occupational Health through the Elimination of Sledge Hammer Use
Authors: Mohamed Saber Mohamed
Published: April 2018

ADNOC Drilling Company is the largest drilling contractor in the Middle East, providing its clients with quality drilling, work-over and well maintenance services, while maintaining the highest safety, integrity and environment standards and implementing the international best practices in terms of quality and enhancing efficient productivity

Being a responsible Company the ADNOC Drilling Company, as part of the Mission statement seeks to ensure the highest standards in Health, Safety & Environment and Asset Integrity. In line with the same, a study has been done to identify the areas of backbone injuries and hammer unions failures on all operating rigs onshore and offshore locations and introduce suitable and convieninent tool with technique for saving the hammer union consumption.

With strong Management support, the project has been implemented in a short period from the time of conceptualization to effective implementation. This shows the commitment of ADNOC Drilling company to meet it's obligation towards protecting the staff safety and thereby contribute in reduction of used materils wastes efforts of the Government of UAE

The objective was to find an alternate tool to be used instead of sledgehammer that used for makeup and break out of pipe connectors named as hammer unions, Hammer unions are critical high-pressure connector for temporary pipe and flow line installation that enable quick make up and break out of pipes. with quick make up and break out pipes and fittings Using at many critical equipment at rig sites such as stand pipe manifold, mud system, HP lines and chock manifold

This to avoid the potential impact of workforce back pain and/or avoiding damaging the equipment., Adnoc Drillining Co. carried out several assessments to avoid the impacts associated with hammer unions. These efforts had resulted in finding alternatives tools to sledge hammer. The company found an innovative solution that eliminates these impacts. The solution was to use an especial wrench to fasten and disassemble hammer unions wherever they are used – without sacrificing speed or wasting precious rig-up time.

Using this special wrench instead of sledgehammer had had resulted in achieving many goals at the same time. It has resulted in a dramatic lower risk of impact injuries to the operator or bystander. In addition, it prevents the risk of flying metal chips. Strain on the operator's joints and back is greatly reduced. Torqueing the hammer union with wrenches also brings additional benefits such as saving the hammer from wear- and- tear. Decreasing the number of unions’ replacement had resulting in saving a considerable amount of money spent parts replacement. Therefore, it is not only safer but also brings economic benefits.
Proactive Operator Monitoring as a Safety Barrier for a Global Service Company
Authors: McLeod Ronald W. , Novia Mathew , Nonno Lamberto
Published: April 2018

In the Oil and Gas industry, the critical role that human and organizational factors play in both the safety and the efficiency of its operations is well recognized. This paper addresses the role of a strategic theme of ‘what lies beneath’ adopted to reflect a service company recognition of the importance of understanding and managing the many factors that can lead to loss of human reliability in front-line operations.

A set of bowties, developed in order to identify the barriers that are relied on to protect against the potential for loss of well control, were made available for an independent review. The review was conducted to identify and evaluate the reliance on human performance across a sample of these bowties. The review highlighted how service companies’ safety barriers are critically dependent on interaction and communication with all stakeholders, and how proactive operator monitoring plays a critical role in assuring the safety of operations.

A subsequent study, drawing on knowledge from scientific research as well as experience from many incident investigations, identified how a wide-range of factors—personal, inter-personal, organizational, and technological—have the potential to degrade or defeat the ability of front-line operators to monitor proactively. Further, while a service company might not always have a direct control over the principal hardware barriers relied upon to prevent loss of well control incidents, its activities interact with, or otherwise can influence, the systems that control and maintain primary well control barriers. This paper will therefore discuss the importance of proactive operator monitoring (POM) as a safety barrier, explore some of the mechanisms by which monitoring can be defeated or degraded, and consider the kind of safeguards that might need to be put in place to prevent such degradation.

The paper also emphasizes the need for a shared understanding between a service company and its clients both of the nature and characteristics of the safety barriers that both rely on, as well as the critical importance of communications between the two parties for barriers to be able to function effectively and reliably.
Role of Oocyte Morphological Abnormality Rates on the Embryo Development and Implantation
Authors: Bilgic Bulent Emre , Yayla Abide Cigdem , Ozkaya Enis , Kutlu Tayfun , Ayla Sule , Sanverdi Ilhan , Tunali Gulden , Yucel Erdal , Kanbur Savas
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of some oocyte morphological abnormality rates on embryo development and implantation.STUDY DESIGN: Oocyte morphological abnormalities including oocyte size, elliptical shape, vacuole, plain polar body, fragmented polar body, large perivitellin space, perivitellin debris, central granulation, dense central granulation, inclusion body, thick zona pellucida, clusters of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, easy needle insertion and dark cytoplasm were determined for each oocyte. Rates of these oocyte morphological anomalies were determined for each case and the impact of rates on the cycle outcome was analyzed.RESULTS: Similar oocyte morphology abnormality rates were observed between cycles with and without successful embryo implantation. On the other hand, both fragmented polar body and vacuole rates were found to be significantly higher in cycles with Grade 2 embryo transfer. These rate differences were remained significant after adjustment for the age and basal FSH level.CONCLUSION: None of the oocyte morphological features was found to have significant impact on ART outcome.
Study on the membrane bioreactor for treating surfactant wastewater
Authors: Ran Zhilin , Zhu Jia , Li Ke , Zhou Li , Xiao Pei , Wang Bing
Published: April 2018

The main component of surfactant is linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), which is toxic to the ecological environment and can cause serious harm. In this study, some activated sludge was taken from the aerobic and anaerobic tank of a sewage treatment plant in Shenzhen, then cultivated and domesticated in a membrane bioreactor with artificial surfactant wastewater. The start-up phase of the reactor adapted the constant-flux filtration, and the HRT was 12 h. The pH was below 5.5, which needed the addition of NaHCO3 after 6 days to adjust to the more optimal level (pH 6.5–7.5). After operation for 20 days, the start-up of the system was considered successful. At the early stage, the removal rates of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and LAS were relatively stable, reaching as high as 85.49%–93.31% and 80%, respectively. When the LAS concentration reached over 175 mg/L and the COD declined to about 83%, the removal rate of LAS also significantly decreased. LAS removal rate further decreased to about 60% when the dosage reached 200 mg/L, indicating that the resistance of microorganisms against LAS toxicity was also limited. LAS degradation could have been mainly driven by Dechloromonas, Gemmata, Pseudomonas and Zoogloea in the system.
Sea water desalination and removal of iodine: effect on thyroid function
Authors: Koren Gideon , Amitai Yona , Shlezinger Meital , Katz Rachel , Shalev Varda
Published: April 2018

In Israel, about 55% of drinking water is derived from desalination (DSW) which removes all iodine. A recent study from Israel demonstrated high rates of iodine deficiency among school-aged children and pregnant women. There are concerns that low iodine may lead to impaired thyroid function. However, to date, the impact of consuming DSW on body iodine status has not been studied. The objective was to assess whether the increased use of DSW is associated with increased rates of hypothyroidism. Using data from a large health fund in Israel, we compared proportions of patients with higher than normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and lower than normal T3 and T4 levels before and after a massive desalination project became operational in August 2013 in areas with high vs. low use of DSW. Over 400,000 cases were compared in 2010–2013 vs. 2014–2016. Overall, there was no increase in the proportion of individuals with higher than normal TSH levels, or lower than normal T3 and T4 levels. In conclusion, in this population-based study, following the introduction of DSW, there was no evidence of increased incidence of low thyroid function tests, and the trends were similar in both areas highly consuming, or not consuming, DSW.
Adsorbing low concentrations of Cr(VI) onto CeO2@ZSM-5 and the adsorption kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics
Authors: Niu Jianrui , Jia Xiuxiu , Zhao Yaqing , Liu Yanfang , Zhong Weizhang , Zhai Zengli , Li Zaixing
Published: April 2018

The CeO2@ZSM-5 was prepared by the dipping method. We used ZSM-5 and CeO2 as the carrier and load components, respectively. The aim was to reduce the low concentration of Cr(VI) in simulated wastewater (the concentration of Cr(VI) ranged from 0.2 to 1 mg/L). The characteristics of ZSM-5 and CeO2@ZSM-5 samples were determined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET). Characterization results showed that the particle size, BET surface area and pore volume for CeO2@ZSM-5 was around 0.783 nm, 421.307 m2/g and 0.313 m3/g, respectively. In addition, the optimum conditions were obtained by the orthogonal test, and the details were as follows: optimal pH, adsorbent dose, initial concentration of Cr(VI) and equilibrium time were 3, 5 g/L, 0.6 mg/L and 70 min respectively. The removal of Cr(VI) was 99.56% in these conditions. The pseudo-second-order model best described the adsorption kinetics of Cr(VI) onto CeO2@ZSM-5. Isotherm data were treated according to Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models. The results showed that the Freundlich adsorption isotherm model fitted best in the temperature range studied. Adsorption capacity increased with temperature, showing the endothermic nature of Cr(VI) adsorption. The desorption results showed the best recovery of Cr(VI) using 0.1 M HCl.
Comparative Study of the Effects Exerted by N-Valproyl-L-Phenylalanine and N-valproyl-L-tryptophan on CA1 Hippocampal Epileptiform Activity in Rat
Authors: Carletti Fabio , Rizzo Valerio , Gambino Giuditta , De Caro Viviana , Sutera Flavia Maria , Giannola Libero Italo , Ferraro Giuseppe , Sardo Pierangelo
Published: April 2018

Background:

The research on the improvement of epilepsy therapy is constantly growing. Valproyl-LPhenylalanine
(VPA-Phen) and N-valproyl-L-tryptophan (VPA-Tryp) were synthesized to increase the antiepileptic
efficacy of valproic acid.

Methods:

VPA-Phen and VPA-Tryp were comparatively tested on CA1 hippocampal epileptiform bursting activity
obtained by increasing potassium and lowering calcium and magnesium concentrations in the fluid perfusing
rat brain slices. Each slice was treated with a single concentration (0.2, 0.5, 1 mM) of VPA-Phen or VPA-Tryp.
Both burst duration and interburst frequency, during and after treatment, were off-line compared with baseline
values. For both parameters, either the latency or the duration of drug-induced statistically significant responses
was calculated, as well as the response magnitude.

Results:

VPA-Phen significantly reduced both burst frequency and duration. Comparative analyses show that
VPA-Phen and VPA-Tryp exert almost equivalent actions on both latency and magnitude of the observed inhibitory
effects. The main observed difference between the two tested molecules concerned the duration of inhibitory
effects, since VPA-Phen-dependent actions on both burst rate and duration were significantly shorter than the
VPA-Tryp-induced ones. In addition, in some slices the above reported inhibitory responses were preceded by a
“paradoxical” transient increase, more present at lower drug concentrations.

Conclusions:

Both VPA-Phen and VPA-Tryp exert significant inhibitory effects on hippocampal burst activity
parameters. Although of comparable magnitude, VPA-Phen-dependent effects have a shorter duration than VPATryp-
induced ones. Nevertheless, the present results confirm that the conjugation between VPA and aminoacids
represents a valid tool to improve the efficacy of antiepileptic drugs and, as well as for VPA-Tryp, propose VPAPhen
as a novel VPA derivative with enhanced pharmacological features.
Synthetic Lethality: From Research to Precision Cancer Nanomedicine
Authors: Gupta Anuradha , Ahmad Anas , Dar Aqib Iqbal , Khan Rehan
Published: April 2018

Cancer is an evolutionary disease with multiple genetic alterations, accumulated due to
chromosomal instability and/or aneuploidy and it sometimes acquires drug-resistant phenotype also.
Whole genome sequencing and mutational analysis helped in understanding the differences among
persons for predisposition of a disease and its treatment non-responsiveness. Thus, molecular targeted
therapies came into existence. Among them, the concept of synthetic lethality have enthralled
great attention as it is a pragmatic approach towards exploiting cancer cell specific mutations to specifically
kill cancer cells without affecting normal cells and thus enhancing anti-cancer drug therapeutic
index. Thus, this approach helped in discovering new therapeutic molecules for development
of precision medicine. Nanotechnology helped in delivering these molecules to the target site in an
effective concentration thus reducing off target effects of drugs, dose and dosage frequency drugs.
Researchers have tried to deliver siRNA targeting synthetic lethal partner for target cancer cell killing
by incorporating it in nanoparticles and it has shown efficacy by preventing tumor progression.
This review summarizes the brief introduction of synthetic lethality, and synthetic lethal gene interactions,
with a major focus on its therapeutic anticancer potential with the application of nanotechnology
for development of personalized medicine.
(Diacetoxyiodo)Benzene Mediated Fused 1,2,4-Triazole Derivatives: Synthetic and Medicinal Perspective
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Kumar Mohit , Kumar Sunil
Published: April 2018

Hypervalent iodine(III) reagents are well known for the mild and highly selective oxidative chemical transformations, specifically in synthesis of a variety of heterocycles, in a facile and environmentally friendly manner. In past decades, triazole derivatives have gained much attention of the scientific community as some of the products containing triazole moiety contribute towards the development of effective chemotherapeutics. (Diacetoxyiodo)benzene, a hypervalent iodine(III) reagent has proven its significant role in synthesis of 1,2,4-triazoles, in particular, fused derivatives. This review highlights the (Diacetoxyiodo)benzene mediated developments made for the synthesis of fused 1,2,4-triazole derivatives till date. In addition, medicinal perspective of these heterocycles has also been summarized.
Recent Advance in 1-D Organic Semiconductors for Waveguide Applications
Authors: Zhang Rong , Jin Xiaobei , Wen Xuwen , Chen Qi
Published: April 2018

One dimensional (1-D) micro-/nanostructures provide a good system to investigate the dependence of various properties on dimensionality and size reduction, especially in optoelectronic field. Organic conjugates including small molecules and polymers exhibit good optoelectronic properties and are apt to assemble into ordered nanostructures with well-defined shapes, tunable sizes and defect-free structures. In this review, we focus on recent progress of 1-D organic semiconductors for waveguide applications. Fabrication methods and materials of 1-D organic semiconductors are introduced. The morphology influence on the properties is also summarized.
Pyrrolizines as Potential Anticancer Agents: Design, Synthesis, Caspase-3 activation and Micronucleus (MN) Induction
Authors: Belal Amany
Published: April 2018

Background:

For further exploration of the promising pyrrolizine scaffold and in continuation of our
previous work, that proved the potential anticancer activity of the hit compound I, a new series of pyrrolizines
2-5 and 7-9 were designed and synthesized.

Methods:

Structures of the new compounds were confirmed by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and elemental analysis.
Antitumor activity for the prepared compounds against human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), liver (HEPG2)
and colon (HCT116) cancer cell lines was evaluated using SRB assay method.

Result:

Compounds 2, 3 and 5 were the most potent on colon cancer cells, their IC50 values were less than 5 µM.
Compounds 2, 3 and 8 were the most potent on liver cancer cells, their IC50 values were less than 10 µM. As for
MCF7, compounds 2, 7, 8 and 9 were the most active with IC50 values less than 10 µM. We can conclude that
combining pyrrolizine scaffold with urea gave abroad spectrum anticancer agent 2 against the three tested cell
lines. Micronucleus assays showed that compounds 2, 3, 8 are mutagenic and can induce apoptosis. In addition,
caspase-3 activation was evaluated and compound 2 showed increase in the level of caspase-3 (9 folds) followed
by 3 (8.28 folds) then 8 (7.89 folds).

Conclusion:

The obtained results encourage considering these three compounds as novel anticancer prototypes.
Reduction of Vascular Inflammation, LDL-C, or Both for the Protection from Cardiovascular Events?
Authors: Reklou Andromachi , Doumas Michael , Imprialos Konstantinos , Stavropoulos Konstantinos , Patoulias Dimitris , Athyros Vasilios G.
Published: April 2018

Background:

Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and low grade arterial inflammation are key pathogenic factors for atherosclerosis and its manifestation, cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Objective:

In this narrative review we assessed if decreasing LDL-C levels or inflammation or both is more effective in reducing CVD events.

Results:

In the Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Study (4S), all statin trials of the 90s’ and the Further Cardiovascular Outcomes Research with PCSK9 Inhibition in Subjects with Elevated Risk (FOURIER) the benefit came from the LDL-C reduction. In the GREak and Atorvastatin Coronary heart disease Evaluation (GREACE), the Treating to New Targets (TNT), and the Justification for the Use of Statins in Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin (JUPITER) trials both mechanisms in combination produced significant benefits. In the Atorvastatin for Reduction of MYocardial Damage during Angioplasty (ARMYDA) trials and the Canakinumab Antiinflammatory Thrombosis Outcome Study (CANTOS) with a human antibody targeting IL-1β with no lipid lowering effect, the reduction in arterial inflammation played the only beneficial role because there was no change in lipids levels.

Conclusion:

Both LDL-C and inflammation reduction are beneficial to the reduction of CVD risk. However, canakinumab is a very expensive drug that only induced a 15% reduction in CVD events, thus drastically reducing the possibility for it to be used in clinical practice. Besides, canakinumab is associated with increased infections, some fatal. A potent statin with anti-inflammatory effects is probably the best choice for the majority of those needing hypolipidaemic drug therapy.
Crossed Fused Ectopia of Kidney – An Account of Tertiary Healthcare Center Experience
Authors: Hameed BM Zeeshan , Chawla Arun , Hegde Padmaraj , Vasa Tirth
Published: April 2018

Background:

Crossed renal ectopia with fusion is the abnormal migration of the kidney to the opposite side of the insertion of the ureter to the bladder. It is the second most common congenital anomaly of the kidney and urinary tract preceded by horseshoe kidney. The following article serves to highlight the anomaly in a conglomeration of 17 unique cases, managed in our tertiary care centre over a period of 5 years.

Materials and Methods:

This is a descriptive study analysing the demographic features and the management of seventeen patients diagnosed with crossed renal ectopia with fusion during the period January 2012 to January 2017. Radiological modalities of investigation were modified as per the anomaly. The management plan was devised keeping in mind, the essence of preserving the functional unit.

Results:

Of the seventeen cases, nine patients were symptomatic and eight were asymptomatic. The most recurring crossed renal ectopia with fusion was L- shaped (n=6), disc shaped (n=6) sigmoid shaped (n=2), inferior (n=1), cake shaped (n=1) and superior ectopia (n=1). Left to right ectopia (n=9) was more common than right to left (n=8). Three patients had a solitary crossed ectopia. Out of nine symptomatic patients, six patients underwent surgical procedures, the remaining three were treated conservatively and advised regular biannual follow-up with imaging.

Conclusion:

The management of crossed renal ectopia with fusion is individualised according to the underlying urological anomaly and its sequelae. Importance is given to preserve the renal function whenever possible. Reconstructive surgeries like pyeloplasty, ureteric reimplantation, boari flap can salvage some function in these units.
Proximal Femoral Bone Regeneration After an Uncemented Hydroxyapatite-coated Long-stem in Revision Hip Surgery
Authors: Cordero-Ampuero José , Garcia-Rey Eduardo , Garcia-Cimbrelo Eduardo
Published: April 2018

Background:

Bone remodelling with lateral femoral cortex thinning is a major concern after extensively porous-coated long-stem in revision surgery. Extensive hydroxyapatite coated long-stems were introduced to improve osseointegration, but bone remodelling changes have not been quantified.

Objective:

The question of whether bone remodelling changes from extensive hydroxyapatite-coated long stems influence the durability of femoral revision, clinical outcome is assessed in follow-up radiographs.

Methods:

Uncemented straight monoblock hydroxyapatite-coated long-stems used in revision hip surgery for aseptic loosening were assessed in a consecutive series of 64 hips (60 patients). Mean follow-up was 8.6 years and the mean age at surgery was 70 years (27-91). The pre-operative bone defect was classified according to Paprosky. Cortical struts were not used in this series. Cortical index and femoral cortical width were measured at three different levels at different periods.

Results:

Four patients with pain under level 4 due to stem loosening needed an exchange surgery of their femoral component, but two patients rejected re-surgery. The cumulative probability of not having aseptic loosening was 91.2% (95% confidence interval 73.5-96.9) at 10 years according to Kaplan and Meier. Twenty-seven of 35 osteolytic lesions had disappeared or decreased at the last follow-up. The thickness of the lateral and medial cortex increased over the course of the study at different levels. Increases of femoral cortex thickness were greater in men and in cases with mild bone defects.

Conclusion:

Although clinical outcome of the hydroxyapatite-coated long stem in revision surgery is good but not outstanding, most osteolytic lesions heal and the femoral cortex thickness increases at different levels.
Bipolar Dislocation of the Arm (Shoulder And Elbow): About One Case in an African Teaching Hospital
Authors: Songahir Christophe DA , Alexandre Korsaga , Sayouba Tinto , Mamoudou Sawadogo , Hamado Kafando , Anatole Jean Innocent Ouedraogo , Charles Zeida , Namori Keita , Mohamed Tall
Published: April 2018

We report an exceptional clinical case of an ipsilateral dislocation fracture of the shoulder and right elbow, realizing a “swinging arm”. Following a violent road accident, patient S.I, a 43-year-old left-handed sports educator, presented with an antero-medial shoulder dislocation fracture and a posterolateral ipsilateral elbow fracture-dislocation. The reduction in urgency, followed by the orthopedic compression by Mayo Clinic and functional rehabilitation, allowed obtaining a good result after seven months. The ipsilateral bipolar dislocation of the shoulder and elbow is an exceptional lesional entity. Its adequate care in emergency makes it possible to obtain good anatomical and functional results.
Patients’ Main Concerns About Having a Sibling Stem Cell Donor – A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Kisch Annika M , Forsberg Anna
Published: April 2018

Background:

There is limited knowledge about the perspective of patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) about having a sibling as donor. It is essential to understand the main concerns of stem cell recipients in order to enable nurses to provide person-centred care.

Objectives:

The study aim was to explore patients’ main concerns about having a sibling stem cell donor and how the patients handle them, from immediately before until one year after transplantation.

Methods:

Twenty-eight interviews were performed prospectively during one year with ten adult sibling stem cell recipients with a mean age of 52 years (range 19-68 years). The interviews were analyzed by the Grounded Theory method.

Results:

The core category Recompensation summarises the process in the generated grounded theory including the three main categories; Invest, Compensate and Celebrate. Recompensation is defined as a lasting compensation given by the recipient to the sibling donor for the loss or harm suffered or effort made. The sense of having to reward, protect, appreciate, maintain peace and work on the relationship with the sibling donor at the same time as having to accept a serious illness, cope with their situation and promote their own recovery is strenuous for the recipients.

Conclusion:

The main concern for stem cell recipients during their first post-transplant year is to recompensate the sibling donor by investing, compensating and celebrating her/him. Although there is a positive aspect of recompensation, it can also imply pressure and guilt.
Exergy Assessment of a Solar-Assisted District Energy System
Authors: Rezaie Behnaz , Reddy Bale V. , Rosen Marc A.
Published: April 2018

Background:

District Energy (DE) is a technology capable of using renewable energy (e.g., solar thermal systems) and waste heat as energy sources efficiently. DE technology nonetheless has potential for improvement. Thermal Energy Storage (TES) can enhance DE performance significantly.

Objective:

An exergy analysis of a DE system which includes a solar thermal energy system and TES is performed, so as to improve understanding of its performance.

Method:

A case study based on the Friedrichshafen DE system in Germany is used to assess thermodynamically the role of solar energy and TES in a DE system. The system performance is separated into three modes: (1) fossil fuel is the only source of energy, (2) a discharging TES and fossil fuel provide heat for the DE system, and (3) solar energy and fossil fuels are the energy supplies. Exergy analyses are conducted for each performance mode and the overall DE system.

Results:

The results quantify the benefits of incorporating solar energy and TES on the performance of the Friedrichshafen DE system, and demonstrate that the overall exergy efficiency of the DE system increases from 23% to 27% with assistance of solar thermal collectors and TES, while the total energy efficiency increases from 83% to 87%.

Conclusion:

An increase of exergy efficiency is observed when TES is added to a DE system, due to a reduction in solar thermal energy loss by the TES, which allows more solar energy to be converted to useful energy to satisfy the DE system thermal energy demand.
HASTA BİNA SENDROMU KAVRAMI LİTERATÜR ARAŞTIRMASI VE ÇEŞİTLİ MEKÂNLARIN İÇ HAVA KALİTELERİNİN KARŞILAŞTIRILMASI
Authors: DEMİRARSLAN Kazım Onur , BAŞAK Serden
Published: April 2018

İç
hava kalitesi terim olarak ele alındığında, içerisinde sıcaklık, nem, kimyasal
ve diğer kirletici maddelerin özellikleriyle miktarları gibi birçok farklı
faktörü kapsayan bir kavram olduğu görülmektedir. Bu kavram özellikle insan
yoğunluğunun fazla olduğu banka, restoran, resmi daire, sağlık kuruluşlarındaki
en önemli olumsuz çevresel koşulları oluşturmaktadır. Bu tür yerlerde iç hava
kalitesini bozan emisyonlarda, muhtemel olarak bulunabilecek mikrobiyolojik,
kimyasal bileşenlerin yanı sıra, klimanın çalışma hızı, sıcaklık, nem gibi
çeşitli fiziksel faktörler de büyük önem arz etmektedir. Hava kalitesi yönünden
zayıf olan yerlerde baş ağrısı, yorgunluk, göz, deride tahriş ve psikolojik
sorunlar gibi semptomlar hem ziyaretçi hem de çalışanlarda görülebilmektedir. İnsanların
bulundukları binalarda yaşadıkları bu rahatsızlığa “Hasta Bina Sendromu (HBS)”
adı verilmektedir. Yapılan çalışmalarda insanların rahatsızlık duydukları
binalardan uzak kaldıklarında hastalık semptomlarının tamamen veya çoğunun
kaybolduğu bildirilmektedir. Literatürde bulunan çalışmalar incelendiğinde iç
havada bulunan CO, CO2, O3, TVOC, HCHO, PM2.5, PM10, bakteriler,
mantar sporları gibi insan sağlığını tehdit edecek kirleticilerin ölçüldüğü
görülmektedir. İçerisinde partikül kontrolü, hava dezenfeksiyon sistemleri, nem
kontrol, basınç ayarlama sistemleri gibi kontrol teknikleri bulunduran önlemler
sayesinde bu tür çeşitli kuruluşlardaki iç hava kalitesi, teknolojiyle birlikte
her geçen gün iyileştirilmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı dünyada ve Türkiye’de
yapılan iç havayla ilgili çalışmaların incelenerek elde edilen sonuçların neler
olduğunun karşılaştırılarak ortaya konulmasıdır.
OKUL BİNALARINDA SU YALITIMI UYGULAMALARININ BİRİM MALİYETİ
Authors: BAYRAKTAR Deniz , BAYRAKTAR Emre Artun
Published: April 2018

Binalarda taşıyıcı veya taşıyıcı olmayan
elemanların kullanım ömrünü korumak ve iç ortamlarda yaşam konforunu sağlamak
amacıyla iç ve dış cephelerde kaplama ve yalıtım imalatları yapılmaktadır. Özellikle
dış etkenler, zaman içerisinde binalarda yapısal hasarlara yol açmaktadır. Su
ve nem, bina elemanlarında bozulmaya neden olan en önemli etkendir. Yapısal
elemanlar su ve nem etkisine uzun süre maruz kaldıklarında kendilerinden
beklenen konforu sağlayamayacaktır. Bu nedenle, su yalıtımı uygulamaları hem
yapının afetler karşısındaki performansını hem de yapı konforunu sağlamak
amacıyla gerçekleştirilmesi gereken imalatların başında yer almaktadır.
Türkiye’de 2017 yılında yayınlanan “Binalarda Su Yalıtım Yönetmeliği” ile
birlikte artık tüm yapılarda su ve nem etkisi dikkate alınarak su yalıtımı
yapılması zorunlu hale gelmiştir. Bu çalışmada; binalardaki su yalıtım
uygulamaları, yalıtım malzemeleri, binaların su ve nem etkisine maruz
kaldıklarında oluşabilecek hasarlar ve yasal düzenlemeler derlenerek Milli
Eğitim Bakanlığı’nın tip okul projeleri ile inşası tamamlanan okul binalarındaki
su yalıtımı uygulamalarının toplam maliyete oranı irdelenmiştir. Okul
binalarına ait su yalıtımı ve toplam maliyet çalışmaları, projeler ve mahal
listelerinde belirtilen imalatlara uygun olarak maliyet hesaplama programı
vasıtasıyla gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışma ile okul binalarında temellerde,
subasman seviyesinde, ıslak hacimler ve çatılarda uygulanan su yalıtımı
imalatlarının bina toplam maliyetinin yaklaşık %4’üne, kaba ve ince inşaat
imalatlarının ise %5’ine tekabül ettiği sonucuna varılmıştır.
Mobile Apps to Support the Self-Management of Hypertension: Systematic Review of Effectiveness, Usability, and User Satisfaction (Preprint)
Authors: Alessa Tourkiah , Abdi Sarah , Hawley Mark S , de Witte Luc
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a chronic disease that is considered to be a public health problem and requires efforts by patients to manage themselves. The global growth in the use of mobile phones and tablets has been accompanied by the increased use of health apps. Many of these apps support the self-management of hypertension and, therefore, they have the potential benefits of lowering blood pressure. Despite this, there is currently a lack of evidence for their effectiveness, usability, and patient satisfaction with their use.

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review was conducted to assess the effectiveness of apps in lowering blood pressure, as well as their usability and patients’ satisfaction with their use.

METHODS

We conducted searches in the following databases: MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE (OVID), PsycINFO (OVID), CINAHL, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library), IEEE Xplore ASSIAN, Google Scholar and the main Arabic databases Al Manhal, AskZad, and Mandumah. We looked for studies that used apps in the self-management of hypertension from 2008-2016. We also checked the reference lists of the review papers and all the primary studies for additional references.

RESULTS

A total of 21 studies with a total of 3112 participants were included in the review. Of the 14 studies that assessed the effectiveness of the apps in lowering blood pressure, 10 (71.4%) studies (6 RCTs and 4 nonrandomized studies) reported that using the apps led to significant decreases in blood pressure and seemed to be effective in the self-management of hypertension. Of these 10, only 2 (20%) RCTs and 3 (30%) nonrandomized studies had a low–moderate risk of bias. The results of this review are inconclusive regarding which combinations of functionalities would be most effective in lowering blood pressure because of variation in the studies’ quality, but the data suggest that apps incorporating more comprehensive functionalities are likely to be more effective. In all the studies that assessed the usability of the apps and users’ acceptance of them, all the apps seemed to be accepted and easy to use.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the studies reported that apps might be effective in lowering blood pressure and are accepted by users. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution, as most of the studies had a high risk of bias. More well-designed, large-scale studies are required to evaluate the real effect of using apps in lowering blood pressure and to identify the most effective functionality combinations for lowering blood pressure.
Efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Reducing Suicidal Ideation and Deliberate Self-Harm: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Tighe Joseph , Nicholas Jennifer , Shand Fiona , Christensen Helen
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Since its emergence in the 1980s, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has become a reputable evidence-based psychological therapy for certain disorders. Trials examining the efficacy of ACT are spread across a broad spectrum of presentations, such as chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. Nevertheless, ACT has very rarely been trialed as an intervention for suicidal ideation (SI) or deliberate self-harm (DSH).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to assess the efficacy of ACT in reducing SI and DSH and to examine the suitability of reported SI, DSH, and other measures in determining the efficacy of ACT.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed studies on ACT as intervention for SI and self-harm. Electronic databases, including MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, were searched. The reference lists of included studies and relevant systematic reviews were examined to identify additional publications. Search terms were identified with reference to the terminology used in previous review papers on ACT and suicide prevention. The study design was not restricted to randomized controlled trials. Screening was completed by 2 reviewers, and all duplicates were removed. Publications were excluded if they were not published in English, were multicomponent therapy or were not based on ACT, or lacked a validated measure or structured reporting of SI/DSH outcomes.

RESULTS

After removing the duplicates, 554 articles were screened for relevance. Following the screening, 5 studies that used ACT as an intervention for suicidal or self-harming individuals were identified. The studies used diverse methodologies and included 2 case studies, 2 pre–post studies, and 1 mHealth randomized controlled trial.

CONCLUSIONS

The review found that ACT is effective in reducing SI in the 2 pre–post studies but not in other studies. However, given the small number and lack of methodological rigor of the studies included in this review, insufficient evidence exists for the recommendation of ACT as an intervention for SI or DSH.