bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safe and Successful Gas Hydrate Plug Remediation in Vega Asset – Norwegian Gas Condensate Subsea Production System
Authors: Navaneetha Kannan Seetharaman , Torsvik Magne , Ugueto Luis , Hatscher Stephan , Ravichandran Sriram , Sloan Dendy , Zerpa Luis E. , Koh Carolyn
Published: September 2023

Gas hydrate plugs formed in subsea flowlines create complex challenges in plug remediation operations and can result in significant operational expenditures. In Vega, a Norwegian gas condensate subsea asset, a hydrate blockage was identified in a 12" ID flowline in June 2020. This work chronicles a series of operational activities in the detection of the hydrate blockage, modeling assessment, and safe and successful plug remediation efforts. Under the assumption that multiple plugs were present in the flowline, gas pockets could have formed in between the plugs, creating intermediate high-pressure regions. The two-sided depressurization of the flowline below hydrate equilibrium pressure (10 bara at 5°C) established successful pressure communication from both ends of the flowline. The field data interpretation showed the release of gas pockets and the corresponding pressure spikes during plug dissociation. The operational experiences from hydrate plug detection and melting, as well as modeling activities, provide valuable input for future hydrate remediation operations. The collective team effort in recording and analyzing all the instances addresses three main concerns of paramount significance in the oil and gas industry, which include the safety of personnel, equipment, and the environment.
Case Study: First Deployment of a Subsea Well Foundation by Jack-Up Rig with Surface Wellhead
Authors: Young J. , Gourlay D. , Mathieson G. , Eatough O. , Mathis W. , Alsvik J.
Published: September 2023

This case study presents the first deployment of a Conductor Anchor Node (CAN®) well foundation with a surface wellhead on the high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) Isabella Appraisal well, located in interbedded seabed conditions in the UK Central North Sea. Previous use of similar well foundations has been limited to subsea wells drilled with floating rigs. In this "world-first" application, the system was used with a heavy-duty jack-up (HDJU).

A well foundation is a steel cylinder which is installed on the seabed in a similar manner to a suction anchor. The unit contains an open guide pipe that can be drilled through, with a landing shoulder to support the well’s conductor pipe. To date, installations of well foundations have always been performed by a dedicated vessel prior to the rig’s arrival. In this case, the foundation was installed after the HDJU was positioned on location, using the drawworks to conduct the installation offline, during pre-spud preparations. This reduced cost and removed the risk of clashes or disturbance during the positioning of the HDJU.

The well foundation was mobilised by supply vessel and lowered to seabed by the drillstring. A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) was used to apply suction to install the unit. The inclination of the well foundation was manipulated by adjusting drillstring tension and skidding the drilling package to apply horizontal loading. The unit was successfully installed with the observed inclination and penetration within the target range. Next, the 36 in. tophole was drilled through the foundation guide pipe, and the 30 in. conductor was run and cemented back to the foundation top. A cuttings and cement removal system was used to prevent accumulation of solids that could hinder the recovery operation.

The main motivations for operator TotalEnergies in using the well foundation technology were: ensuring adequate structural support for the well in challenging shallow formations; reducing wellhead movement and hence improving fatigue life; and achieving a competent cement sheath due to reduced conductor movement. This paper will provide details on the well delivery drivers of using this technology to mitigate technical risks on this challenging appraisal well.
Autonomous Slickline and Wireline Conveyance Improves Performance of Offshore Interventions
Authors: Segura J. , Tran V. V. , Meirkhan J. , Rustad L. H. , Varveropoulos V.
Published: September 2023

The recent implementation of autonomous wireline and slickline conveyance and spooling in the North Sea represents the first offshore wireline autonomous operation and the first slickline autonomous operation. With more than 50 runs completed, it is now possible to establish a baseline of the performance of the automated system and compare the performance to that of manual job execution.

Traditional wireline/slickline units implement limited automation capabilities. Even the more advanced models rely on basic control systems (such as programmable logic controllers) to provide features such as speed control or static tension limits. The wireline and slickline autonomous conveyance system represents a technological leap, introducing an automation server in the unit. This device runs advanced software applications to seamlessly conduct run-in-hole and pull-out-of-hole activities without human intervention. The system employs reasoning algorithms to determine the optimal and safe actions required to achieve a given goal, even in a changing environment. An advanced tension model enables dynamic tension limit updates to maintain safety throughout the job.

During its 1 year in operations, the system has been extensively used in multiple wells and is now a standard operating practice. Data collected to compare the performance of manual and autonomous operations demonstrate the increased consistency of the automated system. The current work presents an analysis of the running speeds and tension limits. Experience has enabled identification of areas where autonomous operations bring the most value to the operator, as well as potential areas for improvement.

Autonomous intervention is one of the digital transformation goals for many operators and service providers. This paper provides a strategy for its implementation, as well as an analysis of its performance and value based on the collected data.
Automated Non-Destructive Weld Inspection in Splash/Subsea Zone
Authors: Husby Karsten , Bjerkeng Magnus , Thielemann Jens T. , Denstadli Johannes H. , Johnsen Christian Eirik
Published: September 2023

Jacket structures all over the world are now reaching the limit of their estimated service life, but new discoveries and improved production methods require lifetime extension of the assets. In this paper, an automated underwater robot and a Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) eddy current probe for Alternating Current Field Measurement analysis of jackets main welds, is presented. This robot makes integrity testing possible, which often is required for lifetime extensions.

Once the robot is attached to any welded brace, it has the potential to move around the pipes and at the same time control the position of the eddy current probe. The robot is guided by a 3D vision system that includes two lasers and two cameras. The camera system also supplies visual information useful for the pilot. The quality of the measured data is improved by using an eddy current probe that tolerates challenging conditions. The robot collects the measured results and stores them together with positioning information.

Eddy current surveys in the splash zone is challenging, time consuming and exhaustive for the pilots. Prototypes of the robot and eddy current probe has been tested in lab. The results confirm that this robot will ease the pilot's job and help the operator to make more accurate detections of the jacket integrity.

The robot control system can operate in either a First Person View (FPV) mode where the pilot has full and easy control, or the robot can operate in closed loop mode where the robot places the eddy current probe in optimal alignment against the weld.

The eddy current probe includes multiple Alternating Current Field Measurement sensors that tolerates some miss alignment, lift-off, and even variations in permeability.

The robot presented has already been used offshore, but the newly added 3D vision and control system will reduce measurement time and increase quality of the data. In addition, the eddy current probe presented will make it easier for NDT technicians to stay focused and to make correct decisions.
Slot-Jet-Isolate: A Next-Generation Explosives-Free Remedial Technology
Authors: McWilliam Gary , Lucas Alex , Gaskin Keith , Jacobs Lars , Macpherson Steve , Ullbrand Björn , Molony Dave
Published: September 2023

The Slot-Jet-Isolate (SJI) system is a newly developed, explosives-free and low-footprint remedial technology designed for full flexibility in the remediation and testing of challenging annuli for a variety of applications.

An extensive full-scale testing programme was executed with the support of industry sponsors to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Slot, Jet, Isolate (SJI) concept. Testing was performed on fully-cemented casings to confirm the ability of the slotting system to develop a hydraulic connection with the annulus for even the most challenging annuli not previously within the envelope of traditional systems. The learnings have been applied to further enhance the power of the slotting blades and robustness of the tool, and determine operational limits prior to initial field deployment.

Following the success of the first phase of testing, the tool was deployed for an operator in the UKCS to successfully slot casing and displace oil-based mud from the annuli of four subsea wells prior to the setting of environmental plugs, removing the need for explosives and successfully conducting operations more efficiently than the established approach. Since this first application, the tool has subsequently also been run offshore Netherlands to slot casing to facilitate washing and removal of annular solids prior to pulling casings during P&A operations. The potential of the technology for future fully-rigless deployment via the use of Coiled Tubing was also confirmed.

This paper will report on how the SJI system was developed with the help of effective collaboration between industry partners to accelerate its maturation from concept to successful field deployment in only 18 months, and will further demonstrate how this flexible technology may also be configured for applied casing recovery applications, in addition to its future intended application to annular cement remediation for well plug and abandonment (P&A).
Keeping Subsea Pipelines Free from Wax and Hydrate Deposits by Use of a Subsea Cooler Unit
Authors: Kvernland M. , Lund F. , Strømmegjerde L.
Published: September 2023

This paper presents the "cold flow" technology and tests performed to qualify a subsea concept as a step towards taking the technology into use. By combining subsea cooling and the traditional cold flow seeding method with a novel inductive heating mechanism, all hydrate and wax potential can be converted into small and inert solid particles in a subsea cooler downstream of the wellhead. The particles will travel suspended in the bulk flow at ambient seabed temperature towards the host facility without any additional flow assurance measures, like pipeline insulation, heating, or chemical injection. The paper contains a description of the Empig cold flow technology, and the initial concept launched by SINTEF. Furthermore, a description of a hydrocarbon flow loop used in the testing of the technology together with a brief description of test results. A subsea cooler unit used for a pit test is then presented. This section contains a discussion on its design principles, a description of the marinized heating system, and test results.
Liberating Subsurface Models for Use in Well Construction: A Step-Change in Decision Making
Authors: Bjerkås Johnny , Fischer Karsten , Perna Ferdinando , Wendt Anke S. , Kumar Devendra , Szemat-Vielma Waldemar , Jahangir Mohammad , Simons David
Published: September 2023

Recently, significant advances have been made in integrating subsurface and drilling domains through digital means. One of the key technologies facilitating this integration is the Open Group Subsurface Data Universe (OSDU) data platform that aims to standardize data management and facilitate data sharing across the oil and gas industry. By leveraging the OSDU Data Platform, subsurface models and data can be liberated from traditional silos and made accessible for various applications in well construction. Access to accurate live subsurface data throughout the well construction process reduces project uncertainties, resulting in better plans, more efficient operations, and reduced emissions.

Subsurface data form the basis for well planning and informed decisions during drilling. The most typical subsurface data relevant for the well construction process are well targets, formation tops, mechanical earth models, and geological risks. Traditionally, the data exchange between subsurface and drilling departments has often been individually triggered and executed manually which may have been time-consuming, prone to errors, and may have led to delays in decision-making and to operational inefficiencies. The liberation of data to a cloud store and the enabling of direct access to the data using dedicated cloud services provides a significant opportunity for a step-change in efficiency, data management, cost optimization, and project adherence. The shared environment facilitates a seamless and quick turnaround of relevant data during the well construction process, especially as plans evolve.

Improved integration allows for the subsurface and drilling teams to collaborate effectively, make agile adjustments to plans, identify risks, and access the most relevant data in real-time. As new information becomes available, it can be promptly integrated into the planning process allowing for sensitivity evaluations of well trajectory geometries, and drilling practices in the context of the subsurface constrains (faulting, weak formations, and data acquisition requirements). This leads to improved turnaround times, faster decision-making, and a more responsive approach to evolving well construction requirements. Ultimately this cross-domain integration drives successful drilling campaigns by optimizing well paths and placements, mud weights, mud properties, drilling parameters and a decreased environmental impact.

In this paper, we describe the motivation and the procedures for successful data liberation and workflow integration. Benefits obtained by using the OSDU and dedicated cloud services are outlined with the focus on the integration of domains and organizations, i.e., from subsurface to drilling and from operator to service provider. The impact of this integration is demonstrated by the results of several case studies.
Fluid-Fluid and Rock-Fluid Parametric Investigation of The Underground Storage of Hydrogen in a Deep North Sea Aquifer
Authors: Jadhawar Prashant , Saeed Motaz
Published: September 2023

Hydrogen is a clean energy form aiding in achieving the significant net zero targets while fulfilling objectives of reducing carbon emissions by major economies, thus transitioning from fossil fuel to sustainable energy centres. To mitigate the high demand for electricity and heat in the peak winter season in Europe, it is proposed to store the excess electricity-converted-hydrogen in saline aquifers, salt caverns, and depleted oil and gas reservoirs. These geoformations can store GigaWatt scale hydrogen energy, significantly larger than the other storage means. In this work, we investigate the impact of aquifer-related mechanisms and parameters on the performance of underground hydrogen storage in a North Sea aquifer utilizing the numerical simulation approach.

The effect of heterogeneity in permeability, relative permeability hysteresis, fluid-fluid solubility of hydrogen in formation brine and the diffusion over the predictive simulation periods were investigated in this study. Hydrogen gas injectivity and recovery efficiency were observed to be significantly influenced by the aquifer’s permeability heterogeneity. Moreover, the relative permeability hysteresis further decreased the hydrogen gas injectivity and recovery, which occurs due to the trapping of the residual hydrogen gas in the trailing edge of the migrating hydrogen plume inside the aquifer. This is more clearly visible during the hydrogen production cycles. The inclusion of hydrogen solubility and hydrogen diffusion indicated negligible effects when evaluated independently. However, their combined evaluation with the above factors, has shown an impact on the performance of underground hydrogen storage in term of lower recovery efficiency. Investigation of the addition of CO2 as a cushion gas is projected to yield hydrogen gas recovery while sequestering and storing the large volumes of CO2 achieving the noticeable decarbonisation targets.
Providing Assurance of Digital Twins
Authors: Bell C. J. , Celnik M. , Devgun J. , Hansen O. , Osborn W. , Faiz G.
Published: September 2023

Building robust and trustworthy digital twins that can be used for critical operational decisions is a key industrial challenge. As a response to this challenge DNV has developed a suite of recommended practices for development and assurance of digital twins, with the principal DNV-RP-A204 "Qualification and Assurance of Digital Twins" overarching.

The methodology presented in this paper shares the philosophy and key features of the methodology in DNV-RP-A204 which was developed in close collaboration with industry partners and is currently being used by several leading operators and suppliers. Our recommended practice proposes a definition of a digital twin and its capability levels: descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, or fully automated solutions. Further we have a framework to describe digital twin functional elements, which can help to introduce granular structure to the twin and to clearly define quality assurance requirements.

While there are industry-wide standards and commonly agreed best practices for how to assure components and systems of physical assets, there remain no common agreed standards against which to develop, deliver and operate digital twins. The digital twin framework developed by DNV addresses requirements for all aspects of a digital twin: functionality, operations, platform, data quality, cyber security, and organizational requirements. For each of these aspects, the framework clearly defines necessary requirements and assurance processes.

Assurance provides confidence in the digital services, which are increasingly deployed across the energy sector. Trustworthy digital twins can significantly increase efficiency in the project execution phase and the operational phase. A systematic way of addressing and assessing quality will increase trustworthiness of digital twins. The methodology and reflections presented in this paper should enable the user to develop trustworthy digital twins more easily.

Assurance of digital twins is a nascent concept for the energy sector, even though we are familiar with assurance in "traditional" applications, like product development and operation support. Here we demonstrate applications of the recommended practices for assurance, with examples from recent projects.
Heat to Power Feasibility Study on Oil and Gas Offshore Installations Using Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC)
Authors: Ranjinehkhojasteh A. , Folayan O.
Published: September 2023

The North Sea Transition Deal (NSTD) agreed in 2021 between the UK government and the offshore oil and gas industry placed a strong emphasis on emission reduction. Amongst various enhancement options, immediate reductions in production related emissions from improved production efficiency, energy efficiency, operational process change, consideration of fuel usage and equipment upgrades was recommended.

In this study, the feasibility of retrofitting an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) unit was assessed by determining the power generated from heat on the power generator turbines on Serica Energy's Bruce platform. The modification proposes using the heat generated, to generate sufficient power to meet platform's demand.

The study's findings show that a 40% increase in energy efficiency is achievable. The study also indicates that using the ORC reduced fuel usage by 0.5 – 1.6 kg/s and CO2emissions by 96.86 – 310 metric tonnes of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) equivalent per day. Economic analysis also demonstrates that the added benefits of ORC such as increased revenue from additional gas sales and savings from lower carbon tax outweigh the investment capital cost of £20 million.

This maturity of this technology which has been successfully demonstrated in other environments has not yet been implemented on offshore oil and gas installations makes this an attractive option for companies. Given the relatively small impact on plant layout and weight, this study also discusses the wider benefits that using ORC could have on the running of aging offshore platforms especially if redundant equipment can be decommissioned, reducing abandonment expenditure (ABEX) scope in advance of the cessation of production (CoP).
Sevoflurane sedation in COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome: an observational study with a propensity score matching model
Authors: Consales Guglielmo , Cappellini Iacopo , Freschi Benedetta , Campiglia Laura , Parise Maddalena , Zamidei Lucia
Published: September 2023

Background: Patients that are affected by severe induced respiratory failure (C-ARDS) formCOVID-19, frequently need deep sedation in order to perform adequate ventilator support. Volatile anesthetics (VAs) constitute a convenient alternative to intravenous molecules, allowing to fine-tune the desired level of sedation. Moreover, VAs might have anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatatory effects, which are particularly appropriate for COVID-19 patients.
Methods: In this study, we show the results of a retrospective single-center non-profit observational cohort study. To achieve this, we enrolled patients hospitalized for C-ARDS in the COVID Intensive Care Unit of Hospital Santo Stefano (Prato, Italy) during the period March 2020 - June 2021. A total of 112 patients were enrolled in the study that were all submitted to invasive mechanical ventilation. Participants were divided in two groups: i) Group 1 received the VA sevoflurane and, ii) Group 2 were sedated with propofol and remifentanil. A propensity score matching model (PSM) was applied in order match each treated unit with a non-treated unit of similar characteristics between the two groups. The calculation of PSM was performed considering anthropometric data such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and comorbidities such as arterial hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), ischemic heart disease, and chronic kidney damage as covariates.
Level of sedation (BIS monitoring), respiratory and ventilator parameters, i.e., PaO2/FiO2, pulmonary static compliance and positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) and biochemical parameters were evaluated at three time-points: at the time of the invasive ventilation (T1), after 72 hours (T2) and after 7 days (T3).
Results: 56 patients who received inhaled sedation with sevoflurane were matched with 56 participants receiving an intravenous sedation by means of PSM. An adequate level of sedation was obtained in both groups. In the sevoflurane group, an increase of PaO2/FiO2 and of the static compliance was observed while mortality was slightly decreased.
Conclusions: In this work, we demonstrate that deep sedation of invasively ventilated C-ARDS patients can be effectively obtained with sevoflurane. Interestingly, VA sedation with sevoflurane contributed to enhance respiratory mechanics, which has a clear clinical relevance in C-ARDS patients. In terms of pulmonary compliance, results obtained after three days of starting sedation therapy with sevoflurane demonstrated that static compliance was higher in those who received inhaled sedation. At the same timing, PaO2/FiO2 ratio at the same timing was greater in group 1 than in group 2.
Further studies deem to confirm the potential of this treatment in a randomized clinical trial.
Giant root-rat engineering and livestock grazing activities regulate plant functional trait diversity of an Afroalpine vegetation community in the Bale Mountains, Ethiopia
Authors: Asefa Addisu , Reuber Victoria , Miehe Georg , Wraase Luise , Wube Tilaye , Farwig Nina , Schabo Dana G.
Published: September 2023

Disturbances from rodent engineering and human activities profoundly impact ecosystem structure and functioning. While we know that disturbances modulate plant communities, it is important to comprehend the mechanisms through which rodent and human disturbances modulate the functional trait composition of vegetation communities. Here, we evaluated the changes in functional trait diversity and composition of Afroalpine vegetation communities in the Bale Mountains of Ethiopia along gradients of engineering disturbances of a subterranean endemic rodent, the giant root-rat (Tachyoryctes macrocephalus RÜPPELL 1842) and human activities (settlement establishment and livestock grazing). We conducted RLQ (co-inertia analysis) and fourth-corner analyses to test for trait-disturbance (rodent engineering/human activities) covariation. Overall, our results show an increase in plant functional trait diversity with increasing root-rat engineering and increasing human activities. Functional traits, such as large seed mass, stoloniferous vegetative propagation and a prostrate stem were associated with increasing root-rat engineering, while leaf size and leaf nitrogen content were associated with increasing human activities. The results suggest that disturbances by rodents filter plant traits related to survival and reproduction strategies, whereas human activities such as livestock grazing act as filters for traits related to leaf economics spectrum along acquisitive resource use strategy. Overall, our results show that both rodent engineering and human activities act as habitat filters, but each favouring different combinations of traits reflecting specific adaptation strategies.
Alteration of microRNA expression in lymphocytes in patients with first-episode schizophrenia
Authors: Huang jingjing , Wang Xuyi
Published: September 2023

Background
The development of schizophrenia is related to a combination of genetic and epigenomic factors. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in epigenetic processes and are relevant to the onset and progression of schizophrenia. They can regulate target genes during the growth and development of neurons and can be affected by genetic and environmental factors associated with schizophrenia. Although prior studies have found abnormal miRNA expression in schizophrenia, few studies have examined the miRNA level in first-episode schizophrenia (FES). The present study aimed to examine the expression of lymphocyte microRNA (miR-107, miR-181a, miR-181b, miR-223, miR-219, miR-137, miR-125b) in patients with first-episode schizophrenia who had never been treated.
Method
We investigated the expression of miRNAs using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) technology. The severity of clinical symptoms was assessed using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The prognostic value of biomarkers was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and the predictive value of these biomarkers was also compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relative risk related to microRNA alteration in schizophrenia. Logistic regression analyses were then performed to identify the most significant and sensitive miRNA biomarkers.
Results
Compared with the control group, the patient group exhibited significantly higher levels of expression for six miRNAs (miR-181a, miR-137, miR-223, miR-107, miR-181b, and miR-125b) (P < 0.05). The ROCs indicated that miR-223 exhibited the highest diagnostic value, with an area under the curve being 0.916.
Conclusions
The present study provided some insights into the alteration of miRNA expression, which might improve our understanding of the complex global changes in gene expression in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. This study identified six miRNAs (miR-223, miR-181a, miR-181b, miR-125b, miR-219, and miR-107) that might facilitate the diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Football Performance Evaluation
Authors: Rajagopalan Anirudh , Srid Rajeswari
Published: September 2023

The Expected Goals (xG) is a performance metric used to evaluate a football team’s or a player’s performance. Simply put, it represents the probability of a scoring opportunity that may result in a goal. This metric suits the low-scoring nature of sports such as football. The score of a match involves randomness and inexplicable factors that skew the data represented by standard metrics and often may not represent the actual performance of an individual or a team; therefore, it would be of more significant benefit to individuals trying to analyse a player or a team to use alternative statistics rather than shots on target, ball possessions percentage, and sprints completed. The xG Model is trained on several key metrics derived from on-field events, corroborating with the historical to measure the probability of a shot being a goal by the common goal. The selection of these features, the size and date of the data, and the model used are the parameters that may affect the model’s performance. Using machine learning models to increase the model’s predictive performance decreases the vagueness caused by subjective interpretation. This paper proposes an accurate expected goal model trained on a compiled dataset containing data from the FIFA World Cup 2018 and 2022 and the UEFA Champions League 2018-2022, with a total of 768,744 shots taken by the top players take when representing their country and club on the biggest stage. Moreover, this model is explained by using data visualisation tools to obtain an explainable expected goal representation for evaluating a team or player’s performance. Furthermore, these methods can be generalised to other sports. The xG model also allows us to interpret Expected Results and Expected points scored
One-Stage Soave’s Pull-through Operation for Hirschsprung Disease in Adults: a retrospective study
Authors: Guo Zheng , Ma Lushun , Wang Song , Wang Yuchao , Li Dianguo , Wang Jian , Xu Weili , Sun Daqing
Published: September 2023

Background: Hirschsprung’s disease is characterized by the congenital absence of ganglion cells in the submucosal and myenteric plexuses of the intestine typically diagnosed in infancy. Here, we aimed to investigate the clinical effect of Soave’s operation on Adult Hirschsprung disease.
Methods: 21 patients aged from 21 to 35 years old with Hirschsprung’s Disease were studied. All cases were treated with Soave’s pull-through operation (total colectomy with ileoanal anastomosis). Clinical data of preoperative, postoperative complications and recovery condition after operation were recorded.
Results: All cases were treated with Soave’s operation successfully and followed up for 1-4 years. No patients suffered from serious complications, such as obstructive complication, anastomotic leakage, perianal excoriation, soiling, fecal incontinence, urination disorders and sexual disorder in male patients. There were 2 cases who had postoperative enterocolitis with hyperthermia (38-39°C) but recovered after being treated with antibiotics and retention enema for 5-7 days. After Soave’s operation, the defecation frequency of the Adult Hirschsprung disease was 2-3 times a day, and the defecation time was 6.4±4.31 minutes, which was significantly improved compared with that before the operation (preoperative interval days of defecation: 5.82±6.32 days; preoperative average defecation time: 20.4±11.3 minutes, P<0.05).
Conclusions: The above data prove that Soave’s operation appears to be an effective and safe procedure for Adult Hirschsprung disease, through which not only reduces postoperativecomplications, but also remains sexual function and defecate function.
Improvement of Load Frequency Control for Two-Area Modern Power Systems Involving Renewable Energy Sources Using a Novel Cascade Controller
Authors: Duman Serhat , BALCI Yunus
Published: September 2023

Recently, the importance of frequency and voltage stability in interconnected power systems has been raising with increasing energy demand and participation of renewable energy sources (RESs) in electric power systems. In this context, high quality, reliable, continuous and stable electrical power transmission should be made to the consumer in modern power systems. The incongruence between the power generation and load demand in sudden load changes in power systems cause undesirable oscillations in the frequency and tie-line power between generation areas. The controllers used to suppress these oscillations in load frequency control (LFC) must operate satisfactorily in line with the desired system criteria. This study proposed a powerful cascade controller structure based on the combination of the PID and FOPID controllers with fractional derivative filters (PID-FOPIDFF) to meet the desired system criteria. Moreover, the parameters of the proposed controller structure are adjusted using Slime Mold Algorithm (SMA), Gradient-based optimizer (GBO), Hunger games search (HGS), weighted mean of vectors (INFO), and RUNge Kutta optimizer (RUN) algorithms. The SMA method offers a percentile decrease of 48.5399%, 119.0483%, 155.0614%, and 200.5109% in comparison to the outcomes of the HGS, GBO, INFO, and RUN algorithms for the ITAE value utilized as the objective function in the optimization process of the proposed PID-FOPIDFF controller. The performance of the proposed controller was compared with the performances of seven different controllers most used in the literature. The PID-FOPIDFF controller, which can respond quickly and dampen frequency and power oscillations, guarantees that system performance will be improved. Three different test systems including combinations of photovoltaic (PV), fuel cell (FC), electrolyser, thermal, hydropower, gas and wind energy systems, and the TCPS from FACTS devices are used to confirm the effectiveness of the method. The simulation results reveal the advantages of the proposed PID-FOPIDFF controller over the commonly used controllers. The robustness of the proposed controller structure is confirmed by the simulation study findings, which included various load and system parameter changing scenarios.
Light pollution and habitat fragmentation in the grey mouse lemur
Authors: Tallec Thomas Le , Hozer Clara , Perret Martine , Théry Marc
Published: September 2023

Light pollution, by changing organisms’ behavior, affects locomotion, migration and can ultimately fragment the habitat. To investigate the effects of light pollution on habitat fragmentation, we conducted an experimental study on a nocturnal and photosensitive primate, the grey mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus). Twelve males were housed individually in an apparatus with two cages connected by two corridors, opaque and transparent. During 4 nights, the transparent corridor was illuminated by specific light intensities: 0 lux, 0.3 lux, 20 lux and 51.5 lux corresponding respectively to total darkness, full moon, minimal intensity recommended by the European standard EN-13201 on public lighting, and to light pollution recorded in an urban area. Each night, general activity, use of corridors and cage occupancy were recorded using an infrared camera. For the first time in a nocturnal primate, results demonstrate that light pollution changes the preference of use of corridors, modifies the locomotor pattern and limits the ability of animals to efficiently exploit their environment according to a light intensity-dependent relationship. However, results indicate that a dark corridor allows partial compensation partly preserving general activities. This study highlights the necessity to consider light pollution during the implementation of conservation plans and the relevance of nocturnal frames.
Fact-checking in Evidence-Based Medicine in Physiotherapy undergraduate students.
Authors: Perpiñá-Martínez Sara , Álvarez-Comino María José , Quintana-Alonso Raúl
Published: September 2023

Introduction
Fact-checking is an innovative teaching methodology that allows training professionals who are critical of the information they receive, and comparing data to determine its validity by instilling in them an evidence-based work methodology, thus benefiting both their clinical practice and the quality and safety of the care they provide to their patients. The objective was to determine the effect of a training activity based on fact-checking and developed using learning-by-doing methodology in knowledge acquisition, research skills, and comparison of information by physiotherapist students, as well as to determine their satisfaction with the training activity.
Methods
Teaching innovation study carried out through a learning methodology based on learning-by-doing on fact-checking in physiotherapy. Twenty-five students participated, randomly divided into working groups. They selected and analysed the methodological quality of a treatment technique published in a scientific article and reproduced it under the same conditions. Then, they applied critical reasoning to the results obtained. The application and reasoning of the scientific method were assessed quantitatively, and the student’s understanding of the training activity was assessed qualitatively.
Results
The average grade obtained was 8.29. Satisfaction with the activity was 4.16 out of 5, highlighting the application to professional activity with 4.17/5. Finally, students highlighted the learning received on properly conducting scientific research.
Conclusion
A training action based on fact-checking and developed through learning-by-doing allows students to acquire the skills to assess the information they receive on physiotherapy critically and helps them to make better clinical decisions, always based on quality scientific evidence.
Green Credit Policy and Labor Investment Efficiency: Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Ying , Wang Junqiu , Xu Canyu
Published: September 2023

Green finance plays a crucial role in driving green development. By leveraging the implementation of the "Green Credit Guidelines" as a quasi-natural experiment in 2012, our study provides compelling evidence that this green credit policy enhances the efficient investment in labor. Our mechanism analysis indicates that the positive impact primarily stems from the upgrading of human capital and the mitigation of agency conflicts. Moreover, we find that the effect of the green credit policy on the efficient investment in labor by green credit-restricted firms is more pronounced when these firms face robust environmental law enforcement and operate with low labor intensity. Additionally, the enhanced investment in labor demonstrates a significant positive influence on future enterprise value. Overall, our findings underscore the significant improvement in corporate labor investment efficiency resulting from the successful implementation of the “Green Credit Guidelines”.
JEL: G30, G38, J21
Mature intramedullary cystic teratoma in an adult female: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Qinyang , Liu Xuepeng , Zhao Tianyu , Li Rulin , Qian Zhanyang , Li Haijun
Published: September 2023

Background: To describe a rare case of mature intramedullary cystic teratoma.
Case presentation: A 51-year-old female with a 10-year history of progressive low back pain presented with a 9 × 15 mm circular tumor adjacent to L1 on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The lesion was successfully removed by T12–L2 laminectomy and nail–rod fixation, and the diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by histopathological examination. At 6-month follow-up, right lower limb numbness and pain were reduced.
Conclusions: Mature intramedullary cystic teratoma size, morphology, and location relative to peripheral nerves can be revealed by MRI for preoperative planning. Surgical resection with nail–rod fixation is the best treatment for multilevel lesions.
The relationship between cardiovascular diseases and the family history of Alzheimer’s disease: results from NHANES (1999-2004)
Authors: Liu Haiyue , You Mingming , Cao Nannan , Li Feng , Zhu Bo , Ma Xiaobo , Zheng Gangsen , Zheng Yanqing , Wang JiaYi , Yang Wanzhen , Zheng Yixuan , Fang Lili , Huang Chaoyang , Liu Zuheng , Hong Guolin
Published: September 2023

Patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have a notably high Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk in the previous finding. Both CVDs and AD are genetic related disorders. While seldom data concerning the risk of CVDs in individuals with AD family history. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between CVDs and family history of AD. A total of 15019 participants were enrolled and analyzed. Logistic regression analysis indicated that individuals with AD family history had 0.173 higher odds of CVDs than those without AD relatives (OR = 1.173 (1.029-1.338), p < 0.05). The odds ratio of CVDs in the adjudged model was 1.184 (95%CI 0.987-1.421) for individuals with maternal line family history of AD after taking into account age, gender, BMI, race, education and family income. AD family history was positively associated with CVDs, while maternal origin AD family history is more likely to be a risk factor for CVDs than paternal origins. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the relationship between AD family history and CVDs.
Effect of Vanillin on Emotional Stress and Pain-Related Behaviours Induced by Experimental Tooth Movement in Rats
Authors: Wu Tingting , Wu Wenning , Jin Shiyu , Zhang Qunyan , Ding Siqi , Wu Chuan , Zheng Xiuyun , Fu Chunfeng , Han Quancheng , Liu Xiaoyu
Published: September 2023

Background
Pain is a common symptom of orthodontic treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of vanillin on emotional stress and pain-related behaviours induced during tooth movement by observing the behaviours of orthodontic rats and to provide a therapeutic basis for the discomfort caused by orthodontic treatment.
Methods
A 75 g orthodontic force was applied via an orthodontic appliance to the left maxillary incisors and first molars of 200–250 g male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were then administered vanillin in three different ways on days 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 (via gavage, sniffing, or coating around the gingiva of the orthodontic teeth). Behaviour was evaluated at each time point in an open field based on the number of lines crossed in the first 30 s and 5 min, the number of lines crossed to the centre, the rearing time, the facial grooming time, and the Resistance-to-Capture scores.
Results
In the experimental orthodontic stimulation, the rats showed anxious, pain-related behaviours such as nervousness, rearing, decreased interest in exploring their surroundings, and reduced mobility. Conversely, in orthodontic rats administered vanillin, anxiety and pain-related behaviours were alleviated, and their mobility was restored. Furthermore, each administration method has the advantages of reducing pain and increasing activity.
Conclusion
This study revealed that three vanillin administration methods have advantages in alleviating anxiety and pain during experimental tooth movement, which can serve as a reference for clinicians to treat patients with orthodontic pain.
Theoretical Basis Validation and Oxidative Stress Markers for Cancer Prevention Clinical Trials of Aspirin
Authors: Mutoh Michihiro , Hamoya Takahiro , Tomono Susumu , Miyamoto Shingo , Fujii Gen , Wakabayashi Keiji
Published: September 2023

Aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has been proven effective in a clinical trial of carcinogenesis blockade. However, various modes of action have been reported for these effects. Thus, in this study, we aimed to present reasonable mode of actions as a proof of concept for human trials, especially trials for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Aspirin treatment at 1,000 ppm inhibited intestinal tumorigenesis in FAP model Min mice. As a mode of action, aspirin regulated β-catenin signaling, inflammation, and oxidative stress both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we examined novel markers predictive of cancer prevention based on liquid biopsy. Here, we demonstrated that aspirin reduced the levels of reactive carbonyl species in the serum of Min mice. These data are expected to be of use for proof of concept of aspirin human trials and for the prediction of aspirin efficacy.
Assessment of hospital arrival time and associated factors of patients with acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) to introduce thrombolytic therapy at Jimma Medical Center, Jimma, Ethiopia
Authors: Tukeni Kedir Negesso , Bejiga Yonas Damtew , Abera Eyob Girma , Asefa Elsah Tegene
Published: September 2023

Background
Acute cardiovascular emergencies, including ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and acute ischemic stroke, are common conditions requiring timely medical intervention. Thrombolytic therapy is an important treatment option for these conditions, although its effectiveness depends on prompt hospital arrival. This study aimed to assess the arrival time and associated factors in patients with ACS-STEMI at the Jimma Medical Center, with the objective of determining the need and applicability of thrombolytic therapy.
Methodology
: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Jimma Medical Center between September 1st and January 30, 2023. All patients diagnosed with ACS-STEMI during the study period were included. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 for analysis. Chi-square tests and logistic regression models were used to examine the relationships between the variables.
Results
Among 63 patients admitted with ACS-STEMI, males accounted for 57.1%, and 42,9% of all admissions were in the 55—64 age group. More than two-thirds of the participants did not attend formal education, and hence could not read and write, and most (68%) used public transport to reach the medical center. Most participants had a very low monthly income of less than 50 USD. Approximately 62% of the study participants arrived at the Medical Center 12 h after the onset of chest pain (average time of arrival was approximately 33 h and 21 min). The sudden onset of symptoms and proximity to the Medical Center (within 5 km) were related to a shorter time of arrival, while those with diabetes mellitus had a longer time of arrival.
Conclusion
The time of arrival was longer in the patients with ACS-STEMI. Level of education, misinterpretation of symptoms, and lack of public health insurance were the major correlates of prehospital delays. This emphasizes the need to improve public health literacy, health insurance coverage, and the availability of standby emergency public ambulances, which shortens the time-to-needle and leads to early medical intervention that reduces morbidity and mortality, while improving survival and quality of life.