bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of chlorophyll and water quality using remote sensing and GIS imagery in the Cauvery watershed of Karnataka, India
Authors: Karunakaran D. , Sahu S.K. , Pandit Arun , Sharma A.P.
Published: August 2019

India has vast inland water resources having immense potential for aquaculture potential. Assessment of water quality parameters is a pre-requisite to any scientific intervention as they are of prime importance in fisheries perspective. However, monitoring water quality parameters of such vast area is not an easy task with the conventional tools and methods. In the present study, water quality parameters and chlorophyll pigment concentration were assessed using IRS P-6 remote sensing imagery in the Cauvery watershed of Karnataka State, India. Images captured by optical satellite sensors are often obscured by atmospheric effects. Hence, the images were rectified by Dark pixel subtraction method before analysing data in order to extract useful information from the imagery. The study revealed that there was significant correlation between spectral reflectance and in-situ water quality parameters. Near infra-red band (0.77-0.86 µm), was useful to assess the water quality parameters like depth, specific conductivity, total alkalinity, chlorinity, salinity and turbidity. Similarly, short wave infrared band (1.55-1.70 µm) was useful for assessing chlorophyll-a. However, the models were found to be region specific and they appear to have potential for monitoring water quality of large water bodies at regular intervals.
Biochemical and haematological responses to thermal stress in Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) fingerlings
Authors: Kumar Prem , Pal Asim K. , Sahu Narottam P. , Christina L. , Jha Ashish Kumar
Published: August 2019

An experiment was conducted to understand the effect of thermal shock on stress and recovery in Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) fingerlings. L. rohita fingerlings were exposed to a temperature of 380C for  2 h and permitted to recuperate afterwards for 48 h. Primary and secondary stress parameters were analysed after 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h of recovery. The activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and acetylcholine esterase reduced significantly (p<0.05). Erythrocytes, haemoglobin, respiratory burst activity and lysozyme levels increased significantly (p<0.05) by 7.31, 23.91, 109.09 and 70.13% after thermal shock, whereas leucocytes, serum protein, albumin and globulin showed a reverse trend. During recovery, biochemical parameters normalised in 48 h. However, immunological variables such as serum total protein, albumin and globulin, and histopathological changes in gill and kidney tissues did not return to normal condition.
Reproductive biology of the orangefin ponyfish Photopectoralis bindus (Valenciennes, 1835) off Mangaluru coast, Karnataka
Authors: Rawat Shobha , Kumar Jitendra , Benakappa S. , Sonwal Mahesh Chand , Naik Kumar A.S.
Published: August 2019

The spawning periodicity of Photopectoralis bindus (Valenciennes, 1835) was studied off Mangaluru coast from September 2015 to April 2016 using 490 specimens with total length 6.8-12.3 cm (9.6±0.9 cm) and body weight 4.6 -30.28 g (14.20±3.59 g). Results indicated that the average sizes at maturity were 9.3 cm (males) and 9.5 cm (females). The male-female ratio was 1:0.72. Absolute fecundity estimated was 9349±853 eggs that increased with fish size (R2 = 0.92). Higher gonado-somatic index (GSI) was observed in post-monsoon season with peak value in December (female: 3.39±1.00%; male: 2.84±0.796%) indicating seasonal spawning of the fish.
Nutrient and fatty acid composition of cultured and wild caught gold-spot mullet Liza parsia (Hamilton, 1822)
Authors: Syama Dayal J. , Ambasankar K. , Jannathulla R. , Kumaraguruvasagam K.P. , Kailasam M.
Published: August 2019

The gold-spot mullet, Liza parsia (Hamilton, 1822) is a common mullet species that constitutes  year round thriving fishery in the shallow coastal waters, estuaries, mangrove swamps and brackishwater lakes along the coast of India. Nutrient and fatty acid composition were analysed in cultured and wild caught  L. parsia of different size groups. Fish were cultured with formulated pelleted feed in brackishwater pond at Nagayalanka (15.9450 N; 80.9180E), Andhra Pradesh, India. Wild samples of L. parsia were caught from the same region near  Krishna River. The fishes were categorised into four size groups (<50 g, 50-100 g, 101-150 g and >150 g) from both sources. The moisture and ash content were higher (p<0.05) in wild fishes (75.85 and 1.39%) compared to cultured ones (72.96 and 1.29%). Cultured L. parsia had higher (p<0.05) crude lipid (2.12-8.73%) across all size groups compared to wild group which recorded crude lipid in the range of 0.67-3.10%. However, no significant change was observed for crude protein between wild and cultured fish. The quantities (mg 100 g-1 of fish muscle) of 18:2n-6 fatty acids were significantly (p<0.05) higher by 12 fold in farmed fish, whereas 20:4n-6 was higher (p<0.05) by two times in captive L. parsia. Significant (p<0.05) difference was observed in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content between the cultured and wild fish (108.60 and 89.90 mg 100 g-1, respectively) but not in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (110.59 and 115.03 mg 100 g-1 respectively). The consumption of 100 g L. parsia fish which was above 100 g size of both wild and farmed could meet per day (250 mg) dietary needs of EPA and DHA.
Antibacterial activity of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) essential oil and cinnamaldehyde against fish pathogenic bacteria isolated from cultured olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus
Authors: Pathirana H.N.K.S. , Wimalasena S.H.M.P. , De Silva B.C.J. , Hossain S. , Heo G.J.
Published: August 2019

Antibacterial activity of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) essential oil (CEO) and cinnamaldehyde was tested against seven Gram negative and nine Gram positive fish pathogenic bacteria isolated from cultured olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) in Korea. Disk diffusion assay, MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) and MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) tests were done. Cinnamon and cinnamaldehyde inhibited the growth of both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. Cinnamaldehyde showed lower MIC values than CEO which ranged from 0.001 to 0.015% (V/V). CEO (MBC/MIC 2-4) was bactericidal for all tested strains while cinnamaldehyde was bactericidal for all except 6 strains. For all fish pathogenic bacteria, the inhibition zone diameter (IZD) increased in proportion to the oil concentration and the maximum effect was found at 100% (V/V) concentration of CEO and cinnamaldehyde.  The antibiogram pattern indicated that all the bacterial strains excluding three strains of Streptococcus iniae(S186, S530 and S131) showed resistance to one or more antibiotics. Higher percentages of relative inhibition zone diameter (RIZD %) were exhibited at higher concentrations of CEO and cinnamaldehyde. Since antibacterial activities of CEO and cinnamaldehyde were considerably effective against fish pathogenic bacteria, these could be used as alternatives to treat bacterial infections in aquaculture.
Realtime Lubricating Oil Analysis to Predict Equipment Failure
Authors: Alabi Oluwarotimi , Wilson Robert , Adegbotolu Urenna , Kudehinbu Surakat , Bowden Stephen
Published: August 2019

Oil condition monitoring for rotating and reciprocating equipment has typically been laboratory based. A technician or engineer collects a sample of lubricating oil and sends this to a laboratory for chemical analysis. After the laboratory has performed the analysis the results are sent to the engineer to make decisions on the health and/or condition of the machinery. This process can take up to 6 weeks, and consequently analysis may end up being performed only quarterly with little likelihood of critical failures being pre-empted. The slowness of oil condition monitoring analyses performed in laboratories has led engineers to substitute for real-time monitoring methods such as vibration analysis and thermography. Nevertheless, the chemical composition of the lubricating oil remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of machine health. The automation of methods for analysing the chemical composition of lubricating oil in real-time would provide engineers with data on the immediate condition of a particular piece of machinery, allowing the early diagnosis of incipient faults.

In this paper, we present a microfluidic technique that can perform real-time continuous monitoring of the chemical composition of lubricating fluid from rotating and reciprocating equipment. Results from this technique both in laboratory and field environments are comparable to conventional laboratory measurements. The microfluidic technique exploits the flow of fluids within micrometre-dimensioned channel, permitting liquid-liquid diffusive separation between otherwise miscible non-aqueous fluids. It can be shown that several fluids e.g. methanol, hexane etc. can selectively extract target components in lubricating oil. Following an extraction, these components can be quantified using a combination of optical techniques, e.g. UV/Vis, Infrared etc. This microfluidic technique has been demonstrated for a range of lubricating oils with several acid, alkaline detergent, asphaltene/insoluble content. This technology can potentially revolutionise the way oil analysis is carried out, automating and making the process rapid and in real-time.
In-Line Robot for Asset Pipeline Inspection
Authors: Carnie Greg , Prathuru Anil , Meng Xiangyin
Published: August 2019

An international Energy Company & independent engineering company have performed preliminary studies for an In-Line Robot (ILR) Project including: feasibility study, turbine design (with CFD calculations and flow assurance) and Energy Balance Assessments. This Robot will be a tetherless autonomous device capable of travelling with/against production flow to accomplish pigging and inspection missions inside pipelines with minimum production impacts. This is particularly adapted for single line long tie-backs, thanks to regenerative power management but the complexity of subsea architecture, flow conditions & fluids services raises some challenges.

The ILR development is programmed over five phases (Feasibility study, Preliminary Systems design & Energy Balance Assessment, Flow Loop Bench Testing, Prototype Testing and Commercialisation). Phase 2 utilised Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation models to assess power extraction levels from production flow across various scenarios whilst minimising pressure drop.

The results obtained included the turbine CFD models that were coupled to power conversion and storage modules in order to ensure that system drive and power managementwere captured in a closed loop. An operational envelope was established considering the preliminary turbine design simulations as well as the associated energy balance.

This paper will present the results to date along with the key design features of the ILR and how the data will be used to verify the operational envelope during the next phase, Flow Loop Bench Testing which is due to start in late 2019. This will provide data to configure and predict operational envelopes of the robot for different flow patterns and fluid types.
Qualification Of A Novel Subsea Chemical Injection System
Authors: Leon Christopher , Silva Murilo , Strutt John
Published: August 2019

This paper describes a novel chemical injection system currently under development for long-term use in subsea oil and gas fields, and discusses the process being used to vet subsystems and components, and thereby increase the overall reliability of the system. Once proven and deployed, the system is expected to be a viable alternative to delivery of production fluids via umbilicals in deep water and with long step-outs from host production facilities.

For decades, deepwater engineers have discussed a future in which oil and gas production systems that are typically located on floating facilities, would be placed on the seabed. The resulting subsea factory would include pumping, fluid storage, separation, power management, connections and controls all operating in the marine environment. While these technologies have proven to be reliable in the topside environment, and some have been used for short-term intervention, to date only boosting and separation systems, subsystems and components have been qualified for long-term installation on the seafloor.

This paper details how the Technology Qualification Program, defined in the second edition of API RP 17Q, has been applied to qualify the novel subsea chemical injection system. The paper describes how the performance requirements were defined, together with their reliability implications, and provides examples of qualification activities.
Towards a Digital Twin Supporting Risk Based Decision Making for Offshore Installations
Authors: Murray Paul , Wattis Zoe , Bain Brian , Golowczynski Mike , Sadd Alf
Published: August 2019

Risk Assessments are used to assess the impact of alternativedesigns, changes during operations, and compliance of offshore installations against tolerabilitycriteria. Typically, asset information is used to develop a mathematical model; this can beupdated to reflect changes during the facility's lifecycle. This paper examines how the use ofcloud-based technology to develop a Digital Twin improves efficiency. Allowing projectstakeholders full access to the QRA model also enables greater understanding of hazards.

Digital technology pervades all areas of business and societyand offers great advantages to safety engineering relative to traditional approaches. This paperdemonstrates how cloud basedtools canturn the traditional static QRA process into a living QRA which can be updated throughout aninstallation's lifecycle by creating a digital twin. This type of living QRA allows projectstakeholders to change key parameters and assess the effect of these changes on risk levels. Inaddition, the results can be interrogated down to fundamental levels using a Microsoft Power BIdashboard.

The output of QRAs are usually static reports providing anoverview of the detailed work undertaken and a high-level summary of the results which arecompared with tolerability criteria or to demonstrate ALARP. This paper demonstrates howcustomised internet browser tools utilising 2D and 3D graphics may be built on top of the QRA toextract more detail than previously possible and communicate risks in a flexible and interactiveway. It also shows how consistent data management can form a basis for innovating beyond thetraditional approach. This allows a wider range of stakeholders to determine risk drivers, isolatesingle accident scenarios and filter results to a greater depth than is possible through a paperreport and allow a greater understanding of their hazards.

Digitalisation is an increasingly ‘hot topic’ in the process industry. Making use of new technologies to provide greater insights can aid in better and more timelyhazard management whilst reducing costs to stakeholders. Examples of innovations which promote better assessment are provided.
AR and VR Applications Improve Engineering Collaboration, Personnel Optimization, and Equipment Accuracy for Separation Solutions
Authors: Clarke Stephen , Kapila Ketan , Stephen Mark
Published: August 2019

With the most recent industry downturn still fresh in many minds, the oil and gas E&P sector is approaching this recovery with a commitment to long-term cost discipline. As a result, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are being adopted by operators and service companies alike as a means of cost savings while driving operational efficiency.

AR technologies employ enhanced visualization hardware, techniques, and methodologies to create new environments wherein digital and physical objects and their data coexist and interact with one another, enhancing the user experience of the real world (Kunkel and Soechti 2017). VR refers to the full immersion of the user intoand interaction with a completely digital environment. Together, these technologies form the core of immersive experience and a new paradigm in industrial interaction.

Until recently, these technologies were primarily applied as enhanced entertainment products, most notably within the gaming industry. However, during the past several years, and thanks to the introduction of hands-free, head-mounted display (HMD) technologies, such as Microsoft® HoloLens™ and now HoloLens 2, AR and VR are migrating into the enterprise sector.

While the oil field has not been as quick to integrate AR and VR as other sectors, such as medicine, defense, and aeronautics, operators and service providers alike have increased adoption overthe past 12 months. Motivated by a mandate to keep operating costs low and improve efficiencies in terms of field processes, operators have begun implementing AR/VR applications as collaborative problem-solving, planning, and design tools.

For example, some operators are initiating ARconcepts to promote internal use development and prototyping for both oilfield applications and remote refinery inspections. Additionally, service companies are embracing the use of smart glasses and wearable technologies to help improve remote work and collaboration to help increase in-field safety and reduce downtime.

As part of its strategy to help drive the oil and gas industry's digital transformation, one major service provider is developing AR/VR applications to create digital representations of physical oilfield assets on the Microsoft® HoloLens device. One area of focus is the planning, design, and deployment of solids control, fluid separation, and handling technologies for offshore drilling applications.
Removal of Magnetic Metallic Contamination – Improved Drilling Fluid Performance
Authors: Saasen Arild , Pallin Jan Egil , Ånesbug Geir Olav , Lindgren Alf Magne , Aaker Gudmund , Rødsjø Mads
Published: August 2019

Different logging operations can suffer from presence of metallic particles in the drilling fluids. Directional drilling in Arctic areas can be a challenge because of magnetic contamination in the drilling fluid. This is a challenge especially when drilling east-west relative to the magnetic north direction. Magnetic and paramagnetic particles in the drilling fluid will shield the down hole compasses and introduce additional errors to the surveying than those normally included in the uncertainty ellipsoid. The objective of the project is to remove the magnetic particles being the largest contributor to this error.

On many offshore drilling rigs there is mounted ditch magnets to remove metallic swarf from the drilling fluid. These magnets will normally only remove the coarser swarf. In this project we use a combination of strong magnets and flow directors to significantly improve the performance of the ditch magnets. This combination, together with proper routines for cleaning the ditch magnets significantly helps cleaning the drilling fluid.

By the combined use of flow directors and ditch magnets it was possible to extract more than five times as much magnetic contamination from the drilling fluid. This is verified by comparing the ditch magnet efficiencies from two drilling rigs drilling ERD wells. The logging tool signal strengths of several down hole instruments were unusually good and insignificant down times were observed on the logging tools. The results are anticipated to have aided to the directional drilling performance.

Detailed information on how to clean the drilling fluid properly from magnetic contamination is presented. It is also shown that this cleaning is significantly better than conventional cleaning of magnetic debris from drilling fluids.
Kaombo Field Thermal Performance Test; A New Reference
Authors: Rolland Julien , Henneuse Xavier , Balagué Benoit , Jackson Mark
Published: August 2019

The FPSO Kaombo Norte came on stream on July 27 2018, offshore Angola. When both its FPSOs will be at plateau, the biggest deep offshore project in Angola will account for 10% of the country's production. Kaombo reserves are spread over an 800-square-kilometer area. The development stands out for its subsea network size with more than 270 kilometers of pipeline on the seabed between 1500-2000 m water depth, including subsea production wells more than 25 km away from the production facility. Producing complex fluids within such a challenging environment required demanding thermal performance of the overall subsea asset with both the problematics of steady-state arrival temperature and cooldown. To do so, the transient thermal signature of every subsea component has been evaluated and correlated into a dynamic flow simulation to verify the integrity and therefore, safety of the system.

A unique design of subsea equipment aims to cover a large range of reservoir conditions. In order to tackle both risks of wax deposit during production and hydrates plug during restart, the whole system was designed to have a very low U-value and stringent cooldown requirements. A dedicated focus on having an extremely low U-value for the Pipe-in-Pipe (PiP) system enables to improve the global thermal performance. The accurate thermal performance predictions from computer modelling were firstly validated during the engineering phase with a full scale test. Eventually an in-situ thermal test was performed a few days before the first-oil to assess the as-built performance of the full subsea network. A well prepared procedure allowed to characterize precisely the subsea system U-value in addition to evaluate the cooldown time of critical components, after installation. The error band was properly assessed to take into account the difficulties of performing such remote measurements from an FPSO.

The different elements of the qualification procedure were successful, validating the demanding thermal requirement of the subsea system. The validation of the thermal performance of the flowline was fully achieved. Detailed analysis of the test results was performed in order to define precisely the U-value in operations. The as-built performance verification, including all elements of the complex subsea network, allowed to validate the optimized operating envelopes of the production system.

A detailed qualification process was conducted in order to fulfill one of the most challenging thermal requirements for a subsea development. Thanks to the precise prediction of the flowline insulation performance, the different reservoir conditions are safely handled. The operating envelope of the production system is finally optimized with the confidence from as-built performances confirmation.
Surfactant Stimulation Results in Captain Field to Improve Polymer Injectivity for EOR
Authors: Jackson A. C. , Dean R. M. , Lyon J. , Dwarakanath V. , Alexis D. , Poulsen A. , Espinosa D.
Published: August 2019

Reservoir management for an economically successful chemical EOR project involves maintaining high injectivity to improve processing rates. In the Captain Field, horizontal injection wells offshore have been stimulated with surfactant-polymer fluids to reduce surrounding oil saturations and boost water relative permeability. The surfactant-polymer stimulation process described herein enables a step change in injectivity and advances the commercialization of this application. This paper explains the damage mechanism, laboratory chemical design, quality control through offshore field execution and data quantifying the results.

Phase behaviour laboratory experiments and analytical injectivity models are used to design a near wellbore clean-up and relative permeability improvement. Three field trials were conducted in wells that had observed significant injectivity decline over 1-3 years of polymer injection. Surfactant and polymer are blended with injection water and fluid quality is confirmed at the wellheads. Pressure is continuously monitored with injectivity index to determine the chemical efficiency and treatment longevity. Oil saturation changes and outflow profile distributions are analysed from well logs run before and after stimulating. Learnings are applied to refine the process for future well treatments.

The key execution elements include using polymer to provide adequate mobility control at high relative permeability and ensure contact along the entire wellbore. Repeatability of success with surfactant-polymer injection is demonstrated with decreased skin in all the wells. The key results include the oil saturation logs that prove the reduction of oil near the well completion and improves the relative permeability to aqueous phase. The results also prove to be sustainable over months of post-stimulation operation data with high injectivity.

Injectivity enhancement was supported by chemical quality control through the whole process. From laboratory to the field (from core flood experiments to dissolution of trapped oil near wellbore), surveillance measurements prove that the chemical design was maintained and executed successfully. The enhanced injectivity during clean-up allows for higher processing rate during polymer injection and negates the need for additional wells.

The application of surfactant-polymer technology can rejuvenate existing wells and avoid high costs associated with redrilling offshore wells. This improves processing rate for EOR methods and can even be applied to waterflood wells to improve the injectivity, e.g low permeability reservoirs.
Enhancing Industry Subsea Well Intervention Response Capabilities
Authors: Munro Neil , Myers Andy , Lund Chris , Neate Roger
Published: August 2019

Nine years have passed since the Deepwater Horizon disaster and industry is in a considerably better position to respond to a loss of well control of that scale. With the delivery of the Offset Installation Equipment (OIE) in January 2018 the joint industry Subsea Well Response Project (SWRP) has drawn to a close. Despite this, equipment and services continue to be developed. This paper will communicate developments in subsea well response technologies and the latest guidance developed by industry.

This paper provides an overview of the International Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) Report 594 - Source Control Emergency Response Planning Guide for Subsea Wells. What should a comprehensive subsea Source Control Emergency Response Plan (SCERP) consider? What resources including manpower, expertise and equipment would be required for a controlled response? In addition, it provides an overview of recent enhancements in subsea well response equipment. This includes; offset installation equipment (OIE) for shallow water scenarios where vertical access above a wellhead may not be possible and air-freight capping stack solutions to minimise incident country configuration and testing.

The findings from technical and logistical studies, whilst developing this technology, will be clearly communicated for industry consideration. This includes critical activities to be considered in developing response times models. This paper will demonstrate that capping equipment located in country does not necessarily improve the overall response time for a loss of well control event; an effectively planned response is more important than immediate hardware availability. The importance of mutual aid of personnel and equipment in a response will be key as not one company can provide all the solutions.

Although only required for remote or land locked basins, to further enhance industries capabilities, it has recently been demonstrated that existing ram based capping stacks can be transported by air, without disassembly, and thereby maintaining pressure boundaries. This allows for a more rapid air mobilisation to the incident location without the need for major re-assembly upon arrival.
Predictive Digital Twins for Structural Integrity Management and Asset Life Extension – JIP Concept and Results
Authors: Knezevic David , Fakas Emmanuel , Riber Hans Jorgen
Published: August 2019

This paper presents a Digital Twin concept aimed at assets in the oil & gas and wind industry, that provides an accurate estimate of the true fatigue life of these assets in order to unlock potential fatigue life and ultimately extend the life of assets. This concept is divided in four tiers that allow to unlock remaining fatigue life one after the other. The first tier consists of using a high-resolution finite element model of the asset, delivered by Akselos unique RB-FEA technology. The subsequent tiers consist in using data from a few strategically placed accelerometers, as well as wave radar recordings, in order to calibrate the model and estimate the real loading on the asset. This concept delivers a true digital twin of the asset and offers a compelling and cost-effective method for offshore assets that are facing life time extension beyond what current methodologies can provide. The concept is being implemented on one of Shell's platforms in the Southern North Sea.
A New Flow Assurance Strategy for the Vega Asset: Managing Hydrate and Integrity Risks on a Long Multiphase Flowline of a Norwegian Subsea Asset
Authors: Hatscher Stephan , Ugueto Luis
Published: August 2019

The Vega subsea field in Norway has been producing successfully using a continuous Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) injection, topped up with corrosion inhibition means. A topside reclamation process allows re-use of MEG, however, limits the possibilities to produce saline water. In order to manage wells producing saline formation water and to increase ultimate recovery, a new flow assurance and integrity philosophy without continuous MEG injection is considered. This paper describes the options on hydrate as well as integrity management and the modifications both on the subsea and topside facilities required to enable an operational philosophy change. This change of the operational philosophy appears feasible, using either timely depressurization or Low Dosage Hydrate Inhibitors (LDHI) as well as a film building corrosion inhibitor in the system.
A three-arm, multicenter, open-label randomized controlled trial of hydroxychloroquine and low-dose prednisone on recurrent spontaneous abortion with undifferentiated connective tissue diseases: Protocol for the immunosuppressant regimens for Living FEtuses (ILIFE) Trial
Authors: Yang Shaoying , Ni Ruoning , Lu Yikang , Wang Suli , Xie Feng , Zhang Chunyan , Lu Liangjing
Published: August 2019

Background Undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) is known to induce adverse pregnancy outcomes, and even recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) by placental vascular damage and inflammation activation. Anticoagulation can prevent pregnancy morbidities. However, it is unknown whether the addition of immune suppressant to anticoagulation can prevent spontaneous pregnancy loss in UCTD patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and low-dose prednisone on recurrent pregnancy loss for women with UCTD. Methods The Immunosuppressant for Living Fetuses (ILIFE) Trial is a three-arm, multicenter, open-label randomized controlled trial of comparing hydroxychloroquine combined with low-dose prednisone and anticoagulation, hydroxychloroquine combined with anticoagulant, or anticoagulation alone in treating UCTD women with recurrent spontaneous abortion. Eligible patients will be randomly assigned to each of the tree arms with a 1:1:1 allocation ratio. The primary outcome is the rate of live births. Secondary outcomes include adverse pregnancy outcomes and progression of UCTD. Discussion This is the first multi-center, open-label, randomized controlled trial which evaluates the efficacy of immunosuppressant regimens on pregnancy outcomes and UCTD progression. It will provide evidence on whether the immunosuppressant ameliorates the pregnancy prognosis in UCTD patients with RSA and the progression into defined connective tissue disease.
Primary or secondary wound healing of the Pin Sites After Removal of the External Fixator: Study Protocol for a Prospective, Randomized Controlled Mono-center Trial
Authors: Roth Franz , Cagienard Flavio , Link Björn-Christian , Hodel Sandro , Lehnig Drik , Babst Reto , Beeres Frank J.P.
Published: August 2019

Background: Temporary fixation with an external fixator is used for numerous indications in orthopedic trauma surgery. It is unclear whether primary wound healing or the secondary open wound healing after removal of the external fixator should be advocated for the pin site. This study compares primary wound closure with secondary wound healing for the pin sites. The primary aim is to compare the infections rates of the pin site. Secondary aim is to compare time to wound healing and esthetic outcome. The hypothesis was that primary wound closure does not lead to more infections than secondary wound healing. Methods: This is a prospective, randomized, controlled and blinded monocenter study based on a non-inferiority design. To obtain an equal patient population and groups, all pin entry sites of the patients are treated alternately at the time of removal of the external fixator with primary wound closure and secondary wound healing. Patients are randomized whether the proximal pin entry site is treated with wound closure or by secondary open wound healing, from which the further sequence develops. The pre- and postoperative protocol is standardized for all pin entry sites. A photo documentation of the pin entry sites takes place 2 and 52 weeks postoperatively during the routine clinically follow-up visits. Further controls take place after 6, 12 and 26 weeks after the removal. The primary outcome was to demonstrate the non-inferiority of primary wound closure compared to secondary wound healing in terms of postoperative wound infections according to center of disease control (CDC). The secondary outcomes are time to complete wound healing (days) and esthetical outcome (Subjective preference of patients and Vancouver scar scale). Discussion: This study aims in answering how to deal with the pin site after removal of the external fixator. To date, no routine and generally accepted protocol exists for the management of pin sites after removal of the external fixator. This prospective, randomized, blinded monocenter trial will answer if primary wound closure or secondary wound healing should be advocated after removal of the external fixator.
Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial Examining Multi-level Prediction of Response to Behavioral Activation and Exposure-based Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Santiago Jessica , Akeman Elisabeth , Kirlic Namik , Clausen Ashley , Cosgrove Kelly , McDermott Timothy , Mathis Bailey , Paulus Martin , Craske Michelle , Abelson James , Martell Christopher , Wolitzky-Taylor Kate , Bodurka Jerzy , Thompson Westley , Aupperle Robin
Published: August 2019

Background: Only 40 to 60% of patients with generalized anxiety disorder experience long-lasting improvement with gold-standard psychosocial interventions. Identifying neurobehavioral factors that predict treatment success might provide specific targets for more individualized interventions, fostering more optimal outcomes and bringing us closer to the goal of “personalized medicine.” Research suggests that reward and threat processing (approach/avoidance behavior) and cognitive control may be important for understanding anxiety and comorbid depressive disorders and have relevance to treatment outcomes. This study was designed to determine whether approach-avoidance behaviors and associated neural responses moderate treatment response to exposure-based versus behavioral activation therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Methods: We are conducting a randomized, controlled trial involving two ten-week, group-based interventions – exposure-based therapy or behavioral activation therapy. These interventions focus on specific and unique aspects of threat and reward processing, respectively. Prior to and after treatment, participants are interviewed and undergo behavioral, biomarker and neuroimaging assessments, with a focus on approach and avoidance processing and decision-making. Primary analyses will utilize mixed models to examine whether hypothesized approach, avoidance, and conflict arbitration behaviors and associated neural responses at baseline moderate symptom change with treatment, as assessed using the GAD-7. Exploratory analyses will examine additional potential treatment moderators and utilize data reduction and machine learning methods. Discussion: This protocol provides a framework for how studies may be designed to move the field towards neuroscience-informed and personalized psychosocial treatments. Results will have implications for approach-avoidance processing in generalized anxiety disorder, relationships between levels of analysis (i.e., behavioral, neural), and predictors of behavioral therapy outcome. Trial registration: The study was retrospectively registered within 21 days of first participant enrollment in accordance with FDAAA 801 at the US National Institutes of Health (ClinicalTrials.gov) #NCT02807480 (registration date: June 21, 2016), pre-results.
Comprehensive 5-P framework for active ageing through ecological approach: an iterative systematic review
Authors: Lak Azadeh , Rashidghalam Parichehr , Myint Phyo K , Bradaran Hamid R
Published: August 2019

Background

"Active Ageing" is an inclusive term thus has been defined from a variety of aspects in different domains throughout the literature. The aim of this review is to identify the aspects which play significant roles in building this concept in an ecological approach.Methods

We searched seven online database s, JSTOR, Pub-Med, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ProQuest, EBSCO, and Scopus, from 2002 to 2018 (from introducing this concept by WHO) for both qualitative and quantitative articles in only English language. Two reviewers independently found the related articles using the search terms “active ageing” and “built environment” and included both “ageing” and “aging”.Results

Of 1337 records which passed the screening, 86 were eligible for the inclusion for the review purpose. A total of 15 themes were derived: Personal characteristic, Behavioral attitude, Land- use, Access, Physical form, Cityscape/City Image, Public open spaces, Housing, Social Environment, Cultural Environment, Economic Environment, Good Governance, Physical Health, Mental Health, and Social Health. Ecological themes of active ageing can be defined as the 5P model: Person, Processes, Place and Policy- Making based on the Prime aspect of health.Conclusions

This study sheds light on the aspects of "Active Ageing" through ecological model while offering the significance of the multidimensional nature of active ageing micro (person), meso-(process) and macro-system (place and policy-making) based on health (prime) environments according to the relationships between person and environment at the individual, interpersonal and environmental levels for the future research and population ageing policies.
Sickness absence and disability pension among women with breast cancer: a population-based cohort study with a predictive model
Authors: Kvillemo Pia , Chen Lingjing , Bottai Matteo , Frumento Paolo , Mittendorfer-Rutz Ellenor , Friberg Emilie , Alexanderson Kristina
Published: August 2019

Background: Women’s return to work after diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) are becoming more prevalent. However, register-based national investigation on sickness absence (SA) and disability pension (DP) in BC women is lacking.
Methods: The aim of the study was to explore SA and DP before and after a first BC diagnosis and the possibility to predict new cancer-related SA by using disease-related and sociodemographic factors. A longitudinal register study of the 3536 women in Sweden aged 19-64 with a first BC diagnosis in 2010 was conducted by linkage of multiple national registers. Particularly, information on SA and DP was obtained from the National Social Insurance Agency’s database. Descriptive statistics on SA and DP before and after the BC diagnosis were performed. The risk of being on sickness with a new SA spell due to BC or BC-related diagnoses was modeled using logistic regression.
Results: The proportion of women with SA increased during the year following the BC diagnosis date and declined over the next two years to proportions before diagnosis. At the time of BC diagnosis, half of the women began a new SA spell >14 days with cancer, cancer-related, or mental diagnosis. Disease-related and sociodemographic factors including occupational sector, living area, age, cancer stage, educational level, and number of previous SA days showed statistical significance (p<0.05) in predicting a new SA around BC diagnosis. By using these factors, it was possible to correctly predict 67% of the new SA spell.
Conclusion: SA among women with BC was elevated mainly in the first year after diagnosis. New SA following BC diagnosis can accurately be predicted
Correlates Of Intimate Partner Violence Among Ugandan Women Age 20-29 Years: A Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Gubi Derrick , Nansubuga Elizabeth , Wandera Stephen Ojiambo
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: In Uganda, just like in many sub-Saharan countries, studies on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) among women age 20-29 years are limited. The aim of this study was to determine correlates of IPV among Ugandan women age 20-29 years.
Methods: The 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) data was used, and a weighted sample of 2765 women who had been in a union and age 20-29 years were selected from the Domestic Violence module. Frequency distributions were used to obtain the background and other IPV related characteristics of the women while chi-square tests established the relationship between IPV and the explanatory variables. Binary logistic regressions established the factors that were associated with IPV.
Results: More than half (52%) of the women age 20-29 years experienced some form of IPV. Sexual IPV was the least prevalent (22%) and almost 4 in 10 women (36% and 38%) experienced physical and emotional IPV respectively. Factors associated with all the different forms of IPV included partner’s education, witnessing parental violence, partner’s controlling behaviors, marital duration, number of co-wives and frequency of being drunk by the partner. Age difference, age at first marriage and woman’s education were associated with emotional, physical and sexual violence respectively.
Conclusion: IPV towards Ugandan women age 20-29 years was high. This calls for its reduction through collective efforts that target men to address issues like excessive alcohol consumption, controlling behaviors and raising awareness among others. Intervention programs aimed at countering perpetration and tolerance of violence in the home setting should be promoted.
Keywords: Intimate partner violence, Alcohol, Witnessing parental violence, Controlling behaviors, Uganda
Associations between psychoactive substance use and sensation seeking behavior among drivers in Norway
Authors: Jamt Ragnhild Elén Gjulem , Gjerde Hallvard , Furuhaugen Håvard , Romeo Giovanni , Vindenes Vigdis , Ramaekers Jan G. , Bogstrand Stig Tore
Published: August 2019

BackgroundDrug use and risky driving is associated with sensation seeking. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between use of psychoactive substances and levels of the sensation seeking personality trait as measured with the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale 4 among drivers in Norway. MethodA cross-sectional design was applied to estimate the association between psychoactive substance use and sensation seeking behavior. Drivers in normal traffic were included in two roadside surveys: one in the north (September 2014 – October 2015) and the other in the south-east of Norway (April 2016 – April 2017). Oral fluid was analyzed for alcohol and psychoactive drugs, and data on sex, age and time of participation were recorded. Participants filled in the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale 4 questionnaire. ResultsA total of 8053 drivers were included, of which 32% were women and 62% were under 40 years. The prevalence of alcohol was 0.3%, stimulants 0.6%, tetrahydrocannabinol 1.4% and benzodiazepines and/or z-hypnotics 2.0% and polydrug use 0.6% Associations between the use of tetrahydrocannabinol or benzodiazepines and/or z-hypnotics and a low score on the “thrill and adventure seeking” domain of the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale 4 (OR = 1.723, 95% C.I. = 1.001- 2.966, p = 0.05) were found. Associations were also found between the use of stimulants and the highest scores on the “experience seeking” (OR = 2.085, 95% C.I. = 1.084-4.009, p = 0.028) and “disinhibition” (OR = 4.791, 95% C.I. =1.748-13.135, p = 0.002) domains of the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale 4. No associations were found between sensation seeking behavior and alcohol or polydrug use. ConclusionA high degree of sensation seeking was found among drivers who had used stimulants, in contrast to drives who had used tetrahydrocannabinol and benzodiazepines and/or z-hypnotics who showed a low degree of sensation seeking. The combination of sensation seeking behavior and the use of stimulants might lead to increased risky behavior and thus traffic crashes.
No association between early antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy and plasma levels of angiogenic factors: a cohort study
Authors: Djeha Ameyo , Girard Sylvie , Trottier Helen , Kakkar Fatima , Soudeyns Hugo , Boucher Marc , Lapointe Normand , Boucoiran Isabelle
Published: August 2019

Background: Early antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy has dramatically reduced the risk of perinatal HIV transmission. However, studies have shown an association between premature delivery and the use of ART during pregnancy (particularly protease inhibitor (PI)-based therapies), which could be explained by placental dysfunction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of ART (class, duration of exposure and time of initiation) with placental function by using angiogenic factors placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) as biomarkers. Methods: Clinical and biological data from 159 pregnant women living with HIV were analyzed. Levels of each biomarker were measured in the first and second trimester of pregnancy. After logarithmic transformation, we compared these using generalized estimating equations according to (a) the type of ART; (b) the duration of exposure to ART; and (c) the time of initiation of ART. Results: After adjusting for variables such as ethnicity, maternal age, gestational age, body mass index, parity, smoking status, and sex of the fetus, we found no significant association between the class of ART (PI-based or not) and serum concentrations of PlGF or sFlt-1. Furthermore, no significant association was found between biomarker levels and the duration of ART exposure or the timing of ART initiation (pre- or post-conception). Conclusions: This study suggests that first and second trimester angiogenic factor levels are not significantly associated with ART, regardless of the duration or type (with or without PI). These observations seem reassuring when considering the use of ART during early pregnancy.