bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nivel de conocimiento sobre profilaxis antibiótica de endocarditis infecciosa previa a procedimientos odontológicos en estudiantes de pre y posgrado de estomatología de la Universidad Científica del Sur - 2019
Authors:   , Mercado Hermoza Andrea Paola
Published: March 2023

Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal. El objetivo fue comparar el nivel de conocimiento sobre profilaxis antibiótica de Endocarditis Infecciosa (EI) previa a procedimientos odontológicos entre estudiantes de pre y posgrado de Estomatología. Participaron 308 estudiantes de la Universidad Científica del Sur en el año 2019. Para poder evaluar la variable nivel de conocimiento, se utilizó el formato del cuestionario: Conocimientos sobre profilaxis antibiótica de Endocarditis Infecciosa previa a procedimientos odontológicos, validado mediante una investigación previamente realizada en la UNMSM, el cual constaba de 20 preguntas de opción múltiple, divididas en 4 áreas (epidemiologia, etiopatogenia, indicación, farmacología) y estas se calificaron como bajo, regular y alto según la escala establecida. En los resultados obtenidos, se observó que en pregrado predominó el nivel de conocimiento bajo relacionado a profilaxis antibiótica de EI con 78,4% de estudiantes, de igual manera, en posgrado con 71,4% de estudiantes. En la sección de epidemiologia y farmacología, los estudiantes obtuvieron mayor puntaje, mientras que en las secciones etiopatogenia e indicación fueron donde obtuvieron menor puntaje. Con estos resultados, podemos concluir que actualmente existe una deficiencia de conocimientos sobre profilaxis antibiótica de EI por parte de los actuales y futuros cirujanos dentistas, por ello es necesario que se complementen los cursos universitarios con más información sobre el tema, ya que la EI es una complicación que puede llegar a ser mortal.
Correlating Sour Gas Testing with Successful Field Operations of High Strength Quenched and Tempered Coiled Tubing
Authors: Elliott Kevin , Davis Scott , Rentas Chris , Hayworth Jason , Woitas Tyler , Meadows Erica
Published: March 2023

Inhibition is considered critical to successful operations using high strength quenched and tempered coiled tubing in sour environments. Prior laboratory test results did not correlate well with initial field successes in Western Canada. The objective of this paper is to provide further testing that more closely matches real world applications and to provide additional field results from Western Canada.

Similar to prior work in Elliott et al (2022), the overall approach to this paper is twofold. The first part focuses on C-ring testing of quenched and tempered tubing to provide confidence, coiled tubing will not fail due to sulfide stress cracking (SSC) when properly inhibited. Testing was performed with a limited exposure time to account for the short window for CT operations and a reasonable inhibition effectiveness period. The second portion of the paper discusses best practices for coiled tubing operations in sour wells.

Laboratory C-Ring test results will be provided showing the effectiveness of the inhibition program as well as discussing the possible outcomes of utilizing coiled tubing in sour wells without inhibition based on the tests performed without inhibition. Discussion of the laboratory results will also describe the lessons learned in test plan development with respect to inhibitor effectiveness windows.

Following the practical best practices for sour well CT operations, the paper will also discuss field history of quench and tempered coiled tubing building on the initial trials reported in Elliott et al (2022). The paper will conclude with a qualification for each grade of quenched and tempered coiled tubing when used with inhibition for sour operations.

This paper expands upon the learnings of Elliott et al (2022) with testing program results that matches the field history of effective inhibition systems for high strength quenched and tempered coiled tubing in sour wells. This publication also explores the effects of sour exposure without the aid of inhibition, which serves to document the risks of forgoing inhibition in sour operations.
World's Deepest Single-Trip Multistage Fracturing through 2-7/8-in. 7,400-m Coiled Tubing String: Method Development and Learnings from Norway
Authors: Keong Azwan , Jaimes Nelson , Mussenov Adlet , Graterol Hector , Østebø Bjørn , Sørensen Max , Maj Karsten , Caline Yann
Published: March 2023

The Valhall and Hod chalk fields have seen the rise of single-trip multistage fracturing (STMF) that allows stimulating two to four zones in a single day in contrast to the average of one zone every 2 to 3 days for conventional applications. Recent advancements focus on lowering operational costs while bringing wells on production faster. One way of doing this is to further improve the STMF method by the introduction of fracturing through coiled tubing (FTCT).

Conventional multistage fracturing operations use the plug-and-perforation method to complete each stage separately. With a sliding sleeve completion, coiled tubing (CT) is used to manipulate sleeves; then, proppants are pumped down the wellbore without CT in the well. Conversely, STMF uses a bottomhole assembly (BHA) with sleeve shifting tool and multiset packer for selective proppant stimulation down the CT-tubing annulus. Any underflush of proppants is cleaned by CT forward circulation. FTCT builds upon the STMF method, but proppants are pumped through CT. The underflush proppants are reverse circulated out of CT through a BHA without a check valve.

FTCT was first used in a well at 5,000-m measured depth (MD) using a 6,700-m 2 7/8-in. CT. Data from this operation were used to match the friction calculation. In the second well at 6,500-m MD, intervened with a 7,400-m-long CT, 10 zones were stimulated using FTCT, and 2 zones with conventional fracturing. FTCT only required 8.5 hours whereas conventional fracturing took 75.6 hours per zone. The underflush volume was 50% less and removed through reverse cleanout that is 4 hours faster per stage compared to STMF. In the third well at 6,700-m MD, the well was killed with 1.35-SG heavy brine due to a leak in the completion. Proppant was pumped through CT and displaced with 1.04-SG brine. An increase in pumping pressure during reverse cleanout, compounded with the difference of fluid density, led to the collapse of CT section above the BHA. The collapse created difficulties for the BHA to unset, thus creating a mechanical sticking point, and hindered the ball drop release mechanism for the BHA. Awareness of pressure limitations of CT at the thinnest section is essential to improve the reverse cleanout design since high initial forces are required to reverse circulate.

FTCT requires careful pressure analysis, especially when attempting operations in deep horizontal wells. Most standard CT cleanout simulation software lacks complete hydraulic modeling capabilities for reverse cleanout of crosslinked fluids with proppants. Data gathered from the three operations are thus important to improve the method. This study highlights associated challenges, considerations during design, operational benchmarks, and learnings from the world's longest FTCT operation in the North Sea.
Recover Stuck Drill Pipe in an Uncontrolled Well with Abrasive Cutting Technique on Coiled Tubing – Case Study
Authors: Mesa Nestor , Perez Camilo , Aldana Eddisson , Sanchez Carolina , Silva Oswaldo
Published: March 2023

Drilling low-pressure formations represent challenges. In the present paper, an operational situation became an issue when during the drilling of a deviated well, the circulation was lost, and the BHA got stuck, followed by a gas inflow observed in the return line. After a well control procedure and several failed attempts to control the well and recover the drilling BHA, another problem occurred when the drill pipe got plugged, making it impossible to continue pumping control pills.

The scenario described above was presented to the Coiled Tubing and Thru Tubing companies with the request of a proposal to help solve three specific goals to achieve remove the plug in the inner of the drill pipe, getting communication between the drill pipe and the open hole to be able to pump Lost Control Material (LCM) and control de well, perform a cut of the drill pipe in case the pipe couldn't be recover after control the gas inflow.

With an interdisciplinary group, the problem was analyzed, and a proposal was submitted, including three runs with Coiled Tubing and Thru Tubing tools. The first run a cleanout of the drill pipe with a downhole motor and taper mill. The second run will be with an abrasive punching BHA to establish communication with the annuls, and the third run will be for an abrasive cutting that will allow the recovery of the drill pipe above the free point. The job preparation includes the engineering program with the operational parameters and flow chart and the logistic preparation with the resources such as coiled tubing equipment, thru-tubing BHAs, chemicals, and fluids, among others.

During the operation, other discussions and revisions forced a change in the plan from the initial proposal, performing two of the three runs for the cleanout and abrasive cutting, which represented a benefit by controlling the well with the slurry pumped working as a LCM that helped control the gas inflow.

With a conclusion of a successful cut and drill pipe recovery, the operation data and analysis of the preparation vs. the execution are presented in the paper.
Addressing Challenges in Setting Thru-Tubing Whipstock in UBCTD
Authors: Almusallam Ali Abdulhadi , BinAmmar Yousef Abdulmohsen
Published: March 2023

In Underbalance Coiled Tubing Drilling (UBCTD), well pre-setting can be defined as the required drilling or work-over activity to set the last casing string at the top of a productive layer. This cost can be avoided by utilizing a thru-tubing casing exits (whipstock). This paper will address the challenges and enablers for direct wells’ intervention without pre-setting.

To close the gap between sending existing wells for pre-setting and direct well intervention with UBCTD, an extensive case-by-case analysis on UBCTD candidates is carried out. In essence, the approach was selected on the basis of utilizing existing technologies to their full potential or re-designing the tools to be able to fulfill the requirements. Since some candidates don't tolerate failures and allow for only one attempt, tools were always subjected to the highest level of quality checks and deployed in the best possible conditions.

Setting thru-tubing whipstocks in a typical well will require a low to medium inclination, rigid cement behind the casing and enough room below end of tubing. One of the main challenges in UBCTD is weight transfer for milling a window through the metal, especially in high inclination. Applying excessive weight on the window could agitate and dislocate the whipstock. Consequently, this could result in having stuck incidents while passing through the window during tripping. Thus, for such an application, the whipstock has been empowered with stronger slips for robust casing engagement.

In another challenge for cases with limited room below end of tubing, the window milling BHA was redesigned to be shorter. Also, close monitoring on the milling parameters was employed to ensure smoothness of the window and to avoid losing it and, indeed, losing the well. Such practice becomes standard to observe the milling parameters and benchmark them to guarantee the best window possible. This approach allows entry on wells with poor or absent cement behind the casing.

Utilizing the current wells’ assets as they are, and avoiding re-entry or mechanical pre-setting can save tremendous cost. Salvaging wells can be tricky with multiple choices and this would be always be a great opportunity with the tools and process upgraded. Thru-tubing whipstocks can now be handled in different fashions based on case-by-case applications.
Efficient and Reliable Multilateral Coiled Tubing Intervention Technique for Acid Stimulation: A Case History in the Middle East
Authors: Alnasser Hassan Basim , Okeke Ugochukwu Maria , Zhang Zhiheng , Veen Ronnie Van Der , Chishti Sadaf Shoukatali , Umirshin Saken
Published: March 2023

In recent years, multilateral wells have become more predominant enabling either improved recovery or injectivity depending on the well type. The process of timely accessing the correct lateral with coiled tubing (CT) is still one of the greatest challenges relative to the well intervention. This paper presents a case history in which a flawless 2.375-in CT intervention was performed to stimulate laterals with a proprietary multilateral entry bottom hole assembly (BHA) that steered the CT efficiently into the laterals.

The injector well has a natural and un-natural lateral, both of which required stimulation. A proprietary hydraulic multilateral entry tool was selected for the job which reliably locates and enters multiple lateral junctions in a single run. The special working mechanism of the tool circumvents any need for an electrical control or steering system. Along with this tool, a casing collar locator (CCL) was incorporated into the BHA, powered by a proprietary CT conductor telemetry system. Real time data enabled confirmation relative to access into the correct lateral to save time without the need to tag the bottom. A gamma ray (GR) sub can also be incorporated into the BHA to correlate depth where needed.

A major challenge for multilateral intervention is time on location. The multilateral entry tool searches for the lateral by rotating 360° until it reaches the desired kick off angle which is confirmed by a surface pressure indication signifying that the correct lateral has been located. The simple yet effective operational mechanism of the multilateral tool allows each lateral to be found and entered in less than 30 minutes once it is positioned at the window. Depth correlation is confirmed with use of either the CCL or GR subs or a combination of the two and the multilateral entry tool is resettable easily by pressurizing, which enables any number of laterals to be located & stimulated. The job was completed safely as per program with more than 4,000 bbl of acid pumped to stimulate both the laterals. The entire operation was conducted efficiently, flawlessly, and post injectivity results of the stimulation resulted in significant incremental injection drainage capability.

This combination of BHA's options and the efficient mechanism of the multilateral entry tool to find and enter multiple laterals quickly and reset without the need to pull out of hole, enables the Operator to intervene in any number of branches of a multilateral well in a timely and efficient manner. This is a very important case history for other complex multilateral wells in the region which could benefit from this technology and approach
The Intervention Opportunity, Why the Industry does not do More and How New Collaborative Workflows with Aligned Outcomes can Change this
Authors: Billingham Matthew Edward , Proud Fraser James , Ramondenc Pierre
Published: March 2023

This analysis challenges the typical way interventions have been planned and executed, both from an operational and commercial basis, and examines where there is room for significant improvement in the industry. Perhaps more importantly, it examines the case for performing interventions and tries to explain the headwinds in what is an opportunity for both financial and net zero goal reasons. Benchmarked data has already shown that opportunity absolutely exists to do more, and the authors discuss why the intervention opportunity is underserved. By appreciating the issues operators face when justifying and designing intervention activity, the challenges can thus be addressed by proper alignment to the best outcome.

Intervention global expenditure is a small percentage of the total exploration and production spend while there is a strong value case for such operations. This study examines why this is so and then looks at how to address those issues. There is a huge array of well integrity and reservoir performance challenges that can bottleneck production and the industry has delivered many innovative solutions to address these issues. Reduced capital expenditure spend over the last years and the pressure to maintain production sustainably should create a perfect climate for intervention. However, an asset mindset that is often risk averse to entering a producing well, as well as complex workflows, will too often detract from the opportunity to intervene. New workflows—including digital—are discussed to demonstrate how identification of candidate wells and intervention techniques can be simplified, and how the success rate of the operations, as well as incremental production gains, can be determined more reliably to enable more robust outcomes. However, current contracting techniques and conventional key performance indicators can also cause further misalignment as to the true goal of interventions being to increase production sustainably. Those issues and how they have been resolved are addressed herein.

New workflows and commercial models have been used to facilitate the quicker identification of intervention opportunities, enabling collaborative planning and optimal solution identification, combined with feedback mechanisms to ensure continuous close collaboration between technical experts enabled by digital tools can disrupt the conventional intervention model. Case examples will be provided to support the arguments made and demonstrate a new way of performing interventions.

New digital workflows combined with strong collaborative, technical domain knowledge and a wide array of possible intervention solutions can change current typical intervention models. With these changes further improvements can then be made to the conventional business models used to maximize the intervention opportunity and the sustainability opportunities it brings with regard to getting the most out of existing infrastructure.
Utilizing Manually Tracked Variables to Derive Complex Equations in Real-Time Platforms
Authors: Ott Waylin B , Fairley Robert T , Thomas Travis G , Pursell John C , Ables William C , Guzman Manuel L
Published: March 2023

Many threshold metrics in the well intervention industry's standard operating procedures (SOP) require monitoring and tracking of difficult-to-sensor operational components. Gathering this important job data is challenging due to the cost and/or availability of technology. This paper will outline how manually tracked parameters can be applied to complex equations inside derived channels and used to make real- time decisions.

Traditionally important variables such as return rate, density, and viscosity are tracked and documented manually. These metrics are needed to calculate thresholds such as annular velocity, Reynolds number, and bottoms-up time to surface, all of which are required to ensure debris is effectively transported to the surface during coiled tubing operations. Using the previously mentioned derived metrics in a live platform, users can set up warnings and alarms to make real-time decisions. This methodology enables the user to easily capture manually tracked variables in a singular job data set for post-job evaluation.

Because the industry has traditionally relied on handwritten and manually tracked data, the acceptance of digitally calculated results based on manual inputs has become commonplace. What was once minutes of calculation time to obtain a snapshot view of job-specific variables is now instantly available and tracked throughout the job so that time-sensitive decisions can be made using snapshots and tracked deviations from the SOP thresholds. Readily available information enhances overall job performance. Real-time availability of job metrics to the equipment operator and remote engineering support makes completions

cleaner, reduces stuck instances and non-productive time (NPT), optimizes chemical usage, and maintains rate of penetration (ROP).

True identification of annular velocity in singular and multi-sized casings, measurement of turbulent flow, and fluid balance status determine the ability to remove cuttings from a wellbore, which reduces the overall job time and the production testing costs post-intervention. Job performance metrics can be set and analyzed during operations. Any changes to the project scope can be assessed onsite or remotely to ensure acceptable deviations will not negatively impact the project outcome.

In previous years, technical papers have outlined how to optimize coiled tubing drillout efficiencies using SOPs, complex equations, and thresholds regarding fluid metrics, circulation times, differential pressures, and annular velocities. Still, these papers included manually tracked channels to document metrics for specific projects. Using the previously mentioned methods, manually tracked channels will display trends in complex equations, resulting in an improvement of the quality of data in a real-time platform and overall operational enhancement.
Modeling of Quadruple Tank System using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: M Aravindan
Published: March 2023

Modeling is essential for understanding the input and output behavior of quadruple tank system, analysis and design of controllers. Precise mathematical model for multi loop system-based Quadruple Tank Process (QTP) is a challenging task, due to strong interaction between pump inputs and output liquid level sensor values. Traditional methods such as transfer function and state space model limitations are removed through the proposed Model. Transfer function model can never be applied to multiple input and multiple output QTP system. State space model never address the internal state of QTP system. In this paper, Machine Learning based Quadruple Tank Process model is proposed such as Gaussian Process Regression Quadruple Tank Process (GPR-QTP) model and Support Vector Machine Quadruple Tank Process (SVM-QTP) model for runtime input and output sensor level data from laboratory based QTP station. Regression technique is performed with pump inputs and output liquid level data which can change in experimental environments such as ambient temperature and tube condition change, due to unknown disturbances and due to change in power supply to the pumps. The regression technique is verified with R-square values of proposed models. GPR-QTP and SVM-QTP models are developed using MATLAB software. From experimental results, GPR-QTP and SVM-QTP models perform better than conventional transfer function and state space model and validated through performance analysis such as Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), R-squared (R2) and Mean Squared Error (MSE). GPR-QTP and SVM-QTP models provides an accuracy of about 98%.
WITHDRAWN: Fake News Detection Using Ensemble Techniques
Authors: Malhotra Pooja , Malik Sanjay Kumar
Published: March 2023

Fake news is misinformation or distorted news that is spread over social media with the intent of harming an individual, organization, or government body. Collecting news from an internet platform is simple because it is quick, user-friendly, and constantly updated. However, this information is also subject to personal preferences or interests, which can negatively affect individuals or organizations. As a result, it is critical to detect the spread of fake news by computational methods. Semantic web approaches also plays an important role in detecting false news since they are used to understand the data that is available online in the same manner that humans do. As a result, this research examined various learning models for classifying whether the information is true or false using a fake and real news dataset. Around 40,000 items were analyzed, including approximately 20,000 from each fake and actual news dataset. Ensemble learning models such as support vector machine, logistic regression, CatBoost, XgBoost, multinomial, Naive Bayes, and random forest were used and evaluated using recall, accuracy, false rejection rate (FRR), F1 score, precision, negative predictive value (NPV), false discovery rate (FDR), and Matthews' correlation coefficient. Based on these evaluations, the best learning models were hybridized and computed alongside the passive-aggressive classifier and deep Auto_ViML model. Following computation, it was determined that the deep Auto_ViML model had the highest accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score of 99%. In contrast, the hybrid learning model had the best value of false rejection rate of 71%. In comparison, the support vector machine was computed in 0.000245 seconds.
Multi Band Spectrum Sensing in Cognitive Radio Networks Using USRP 2943R in Labview
Authors: D sumithra sofia , A Shirly Edward
Published: March 2023

As the number of primary users are increased in huge number detecting the presence of more than one primary user in the cognitive area network will increase the quality of the spectrum usage for continuous usage. In Dynamic spectrum sharing the cognitive user often undergo the process of leaving the primary user spectrum as soon as the primary user occupies the spectrum. This immediate leaving from the primary user spectrum will affect the ongoing communication of the cognitive user. So cognitive users need to monitor the neighboring multiple primary user spectrum to manage the discontinuity in the communication. In this paper we have implemented the multi band spectrum sensing of the primary user using Two National Instruments USRP 2943R Transceivers (1.1GHz-6Ghz) to sense the spectrum using energy-based spectrum sensing technique in LabVIEW Platform. The primary user spectrum sensing is done based on the threshold value updated manually and adaptive method. The results are very promising for high threshold values compare to low threshold values.
Dynamic Changes of Soil Parameters and Bacterial Communities during Bioremediation of Multiple Heavy Metals Contaminated Tailings by Compound Bacterial Flora
Authors: Wang Huan , Xue Lingui , Huo Yanli , Ma Yecheng , Li Jiahui
Published: March 2023

Many researchers have paid attention to solving the problem of multiple heavy metals pollution in the tailings area. However, the studies only stay at the laboratory level, which cannot completely demonstrate an efficient approach to remediate polluted environment due to tailings. This study aimed at investigating the effects of compound bacterial flora we constructed to remediate the tailings area of Linze County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province due to the accumulation of numerous heavy metals such as Pb, Cd and Mn. The remediation effects of different treatment groups were evaluated by monitoring the physical and chemical properties of soil and studying the bacterial community structure during the remediation process. Compared with the control (TCK), after 84 days of restoration, parameters of the tailings soil inoculated with the compound bacterial flora were improved, pH was decreased from 7.74 to 7.02, EC (electrical conductivity) was decreased by 21.15% ~70.49%, and activities of alkaline phosphatase, sucrase and urease were increased by 95.94%~99.64%、88.42%~98.43%、83.28%~86.95% respectively. Among the 43 identified core optional taxonomic units (OTUs), Proteobacteria (44.9%), Actinobacteriota (21.7%), Bacteroidota (17.9%) were the dominant bacterial phyla, and Sphingobacterium (20.2%), Arthrobacter (8.5%), Sphingomonas (6.1%) were the dominant bacterial genus. The results of alpha diversity showed that the bacterial diversity and richness of the treatment groups inoculated with compound bacterial flora were significantly higher than controls (TCK and HCK). The correlation analysis of RDA, VPA and Spearman showed that soil pH, WHC, EC, POR, TEMP and heavy metals had significant effects on the composition and distribution of bacterial communities. Our study monitored the changes of soil physical and chemical properties and bacterial community structure during the whole remediation process, which will provide a reference basis for the remediation approach to the soil polluted by multiple heavy metals.
Going virtual for professional development: when to do it, how to do it well, and what don’t we know - a scoping review
Authors: Bonsall Joanna M , Massart Annie , Edwards Roger A
Published: March 2023

Background:
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020 there has been a massive shift from in-person to virtual professional development. While the benefits of virtual sessions are obvious during a pandemic, there are many other benefits to virtual options, especially for professionals who live at great distances from the event and/or practice in resource-limited circumstances.
Objective:
In this scoping review, we describe the evidence for the benefits and drawbacks of virtual professional development. We describe the necessary components for successful conversion of in-person professional development to virtual events and how networking can be incorporated into virtual events successfully.
Design:
A literature search of peer-reviewed articles from 2000 through 2021 was undertaken using the databases PubMed, ERIC, and CINAHL.
Results:
Our review found that there was a significant decrease in both cost and environmental impact for virtual events, particularly for those participants who would have needed to travel long distances for in-person events. Combined simultaneous virtual and in-person sessions allowed participation from those who would have otherwise been unable to participate while still allowing the establishment of regional connections. Processes that led to successful conversion of in-person events included extensively testing and educating about the technology, training presenters on how to modify teaching for a virtual format and having facilitators moderate discussions. Networking was successful if participants either focused on a common project or had specific common interests; appropriate facilitations was also important for success.
Conclusions:
Advantages of virtual professional development, including reduced cost, reduced environment impact, and reaching attendees who would not otherwise be able to participate, should prompt ongoing use past the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding when and how to effectively use of virtual professional development options is important to reduce barriers to professional development participation and maximize advantages of the virtual environment.
Central Corneal Thickness and Systemic Hypertension: The Colombian Glaucoma study.
Authors: rivera carlos , Ferreira Maria , Aristizabal juan , Muñoz Edgar , Seth Ankur
Published: March 2023

Objective: To determine the association between Systemic Hypertension and Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) in patients diagnosed with Systemic Hypertension (SH) and Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in six Colombian cities.
Methods: Patients with SH and DM in Colombia were studied in cross-sectional research. 2,067 people over 50 diagnosed with either SH or DM at the time of the study were included. Complete eye examinations included IOP measurement by Goldmann tonometry, and Central Corneal Thickness measurements.
Results: Among the 2067 participants, 1974 had Central Corneal Thickness measurement. CCT was normally distributed in this population, with a mean of 538.91 microns. A statistical difference in mean CCT between males (542.4 microns) and females (536.9 microns) (P< 0.001) was observed. Patients with SH had a statistical difference in CCT ( 537.98 microns ) compared with patients without SH ( 546.57 ) p <0.001. In multiple linear regression models adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, IOP, and Body Mass Index, subjects with SH had central corneas 7.58 microns thinner than those without SH.
Conclusions: In this program-based study, we observed a strong correlation between Central Corneal Thickness and Systemic Hypertension. Considering the thinner corneas of these patients in terms of the glaucoma approach is essential.
Fault Determination Due to Sinkhole Array on the Kabudar-Ahang Plain of Hamedan, Iran
Authors: Ghobadi Mohammad Hossein , Tabarsa Alireza
Published: March 2023

Tectonic structures, especially faults, play an important role in the formation and spread of sinkholes and Karst. The main aim of this paper is to identify active faults in the north region of Hamedan province of Iran (Kabouda-Aahang, Razan and Famenine) through sinkhole array and chemical analysis of water. A lot of sinkholes have been created in the north of Hamedan. Most of these sinkholes are located in underground discharge areas near limestone of Oligo-Miocene age. The analysis of hydrogeological and hydrological conditions in the recent years showed that the conditions were suitable for sinkhole to form and develop. The presence of CO2 and H2S gases with a lot of amount in underground water, due to the rise of gases from hydrothermal and pneumatolytic resources, resulted in acidity of underground water and finally the acidic water rises to the enclosed aquifer through underground faults and fracture systems, leading to dissolution of limestones, and provide the ground for sinkhole formation. The sinkhole array in the region of the study showed that their formation and location are influenced by active faults in the region. As a result, a number of karst features such as sinkholes, caves, gully and karst spring have been formed in the north of Hamedan due to performance of active faults. Based on field visits, the review of aerial photo, chemical analysis of region water and dispersion of sinkholes, two faults with NW-SE, NE-SW trend were identified. Based on the evidence, it is assumed that formation and spread of sinkhole in the study area are controlled by active faults and vice versa the activity of faults may be determined by the formation and array of sinkholes and karst gully.
ARIQUELI Study I: Should quetiapine monotherapy be considered for any acute presentation of bipolar disorder?
Authors: Missio Giovani , Santos Carla Renata Garcia Rodrigues Dos , Moreira Marco Aurélio Muniz , Pimentel Fernando Cordeiro , Fernandes Fernando dos Santos , Demetrio Frederico Navas , Moreno Doris Hupfeld , Matos Francine Melo , Moreno Ricardo Alberto
Published: March 2023

Background: Bipolar disorder type I is a chronic disorder with a polymorphic and plastic presentation. Most clinical trials limit the evaluation of treatment to one of the poles of the acute phase. The ARIQUELI study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of quetiapine monotherapy as a treatment for bipolar disorder overall, regardless of clinical presentation in the acute phase and in the maintenance phase.
Method: The ARIQUELI study was divided into two phases: Phase I, to investigate the treatment of bipolar disorder with quetiapine monotherapy, and Phase II, to compare two augmentation strategies in the treatment of quetiapine-refractory patients. Patients aged 18 to 40 years with type I bipolar disorder received quetiapine monotherapy between 300 to 800 mg for eight weeks regardless of clinical presentation. Responders were included in a maintenance phase of up to 22 months. The primary outcome was achievement and maintenance of response scores. Outcomes for Phase I were compared between the three clinical presentation groups in the acute phase (depression/mania/mixed).
Results: 105 patients were included, and although some differences in tolerability and depressive symptoms scores were observed, no difference between the groups was observed regarding primary outcome.
Conclusions: Quetiapine is equally effective in treating all forms of bipolar disorder I, with smaller differences in side effects and depressed patients showing a greater reduction in depressive symptoms.
Limitations: High prevalence of rapid cycling in the sample limits the comparison with other studies. Sample size was determined based on the results of the augmentation phase.
Burden of Illness in Rett Syndrome: Initial Evaluation of a Disorder-Specific Caregiver Survey
Authors: Kaufmann Walter , Percy Alan K. , Neul Jeffrey L. , Downs Jenny , Leonard Helen , Nues Paige , Sharma Girish D. , Bartolotta Theresa E. , Townend Gillian S. , Curfs Leopold M.G. , Mariotti Orietta , Buda Claude , O'Leary Heather M. , Vogel-Farley Vanessa , Barnes Katherine V. , Hammond Edward R. , Missling Christopher U.
Published: March 2023

Background
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder associated with multiple neurologic impairments. Previous studies have shown challenges to affected individual and caregiver quality of life. However, instruments applied to quantify disease burden have not adequately captured the effect of symptoms on affected individuals and their families. Consequently, a collaboration of stakeholders in the USA, Europe, and Australia aimed to evaluate the Burden of Illness in RTT.
Methods
Based on literature reviews and qualitative interviews with parents of children and adults with RTT, caregiver and healthcare provider questionnaires were constructed to evaluate 21 problems often experienced with RTT (functional impairments, clinical manifestations, etc.), rated mainly with a 5-level Likert scale. These questionnaires were administered anonymously online to a sample of 756 caregivers (predominantly parents, classic RTT) and 112 clinicians. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used in this initial analysis to identify (1) problems of high impact on affected individuals and caregivers, (2) the level of agreement between impact on individual and caregiver, and (3) the relationship between problem severity and impact.
Results
The most impactful problems were those related to the core features of RTT, namely communication and fine and gross motor impairments, irrespective of severity. Impairments tended to affect caregivers more than were perceived to affect individuals with RTT. In terms of severity, many problems have a disproportionate greater impact on affected individuals and their caregivers.
Conclusions
Our data demonstrate that even mild severity functional impairments and clinical manifestations can place a disproportionate burden on affected individuals and, particularly, their caregivers. Future analyses will examine the role of factors such as child age, MECP2 mutation, RTT clinical type and healthcare services in these burden of illness profiles.
Comparing Adult Smokers who Switched to JUUL vs Continuing Smokers: Biomarkers of Exposure and of Potential Harm and Respiratory Symptoms
Authors: Shiffman Saul , Oliveri Douglas R. , Goldenson Nicholas I. , Liang Qiwei , Black Ryan A. , Mishra Snigdha
Published: March 2023

Introduction: More real-world evidence on exposure to harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) and on biological effects when cigarette smokers switch to e-cigarettes would be useful. Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study assessed adults who had smoked ≥ 10 cigarettes/day for ≥ 10 years, comparing 124 continuing cigarette smokers (Smokers) to 140 former smokers who switched to JUUL-brand e-cigarettes exclusively for ≥ 6 months (Switchers). Assessments included biomarkers of exposure (BOEs) to select HPHCs, biomarkers of potential harm (BOPHs) related to smoking-related diseases, and psychometric assessments of tobacco dependence and respiratory symptoms. Planned analyses compared geometric means, adjusted for covariates; exploratory analyses adjusted for additional covariates. Results: Nicotine was higher in Switchers, who were heavy users of JUUL. All other BOEs, including NNAL and HPMA3 (primary endpoints), were significantly lower in Switchers than Smokers. Most BOPHs (sICAM-1 [primary], and e.g., white blood cell count, MCP1, HbA1c) were significantly lower in Switchers than Smokers; HDL was significantly higher. Switchers reported significantly lower tobacco dependence and respiratory symptoms than Smokers. Conclusions: Compared to continuing smokers, smokers who switched to JUUL had substantially lower exposures to multiple HPHCs, favorable differences in markers of inflammation, endothelial function, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular risk, and less respiratory symptoms.
Floristic Composition, Structure, and Regeneration Status of Woody Plant Species in Hurubu Natural Forest,North Shewa, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebirehiwot Hana Tamrat , Kedanu Alemayehu Abera , Guangel Abenezer Asmamaw , Adugna Megersa Tafese
Published: March 2023

Ethiopia harbours the Eastern Afromontane and Horn of Africa hotspots of biodiversity.The general objective of this study was to investigate the floristic composition and diversity of species, the structure and the regeneration status of the Hurubu natural forest. Three parallel transects was systematically laid across the forest with an interval of 200m in north to southt direction. Thirty sample quadrats of 20 m × 20 m was placed along transects at an interval of 100 m for mature trees and shrubs, while for the purpose of seedling and sapling inventory, four sub-quadrates of 1 m × 1 m was laid at each corner of the main quadrat. A total of 32 woody species representing 25 families was recorded consisting of trees and shrubs. The lower storey consisted of all woody plant species except Ekebergia capensis tree species. The middle storey consisted about 14.41% of the tree species while the upper storey involved only 2.35% of the total individual trees in the forest. The total basal area of woody plants in Hurubu forest was 90 m2 per ha. The three most important woody species with the highest IVI were Juniperus procera, Osyris quadripartite, & Myrsine Africana in decreasing order. The general regeneration status of the tree species of the study site was satisfactory at the community level showing a ‘fair’ regeneration status. Therefore, special conservation actions should be implemented for the poorly and not regenerating woody species of the forest.
Geovisualization: an effective approach to COVID-19 spatial analysis
Authors: Laudares Sandro , de Barros Adriano José , Martins Carlos Augusto Paiva da Silva , Libório Matheus Pereira
Published: March 2023

Geotechnologies were widely used during the pandemic period. The use of geotechnologies was not restricted to monitoring, controlling, and combating the pandemic. Research published in Brazil and worldwide has revealed the usefulness of geotechnologies for education, tourism, and waste management. Naturally, geotechnologies have also been widely used in the geovisualization of COVID-19. This research aims to offer a solution capable of providing public managers with current and easy-to-interpret information for monitoring, controlling, and developing effective public policies to combat the pandemic. The research presents two interactive dashboards that are easy to use, updatable in real-time, and offer multiple space-time analyses of COVID-19. These dashboards contribute to developing effective public policies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and other epidemiological phenomena and cover the technological gap for geovisualization technologies that simultaneously analyze space and time. The developed dashboards have features that allow analyzing the space-time evolution of COVID-19, taking into account patient information. This is relevant news for coping with the pandemic, as age and comorbidity correlate with the chances of hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Another point of originality is the possibility of analyzing the evolution of the pandemic around specific spatial geometries. This functionality is highly relevant to ensure flexibility in planning policies to combat the pandemic for critical locations, such as, for example, around hospitals, shopping malls, avenues, highways, neighborhoods, and more vulnerable communities.
The impact of carbon emissions trading pilot on the carbon intensity of China's energy-intensive manufacturing industry
Authors: Luo Haiyan , Qu Xiaoe
Published: March 2023

Promoting carbon reduction in energy-intensive manufacturing is the only way for China to achieve the goal of "dual carbon". This paper calculates the carbon emission intensity of five energy-intensive manufacturing industries in 30 provinces of China, takes China's pilot carbon emissions trading policy as a quasi-natural experiment to construct a DID model, and systematically examines the impact of carbon emissions trading pilot on the carbon intensity of energy-intensive manufacturing industries and its mechanism. The results show that the carbon emissions trading pilot significantly reduces the carbon emission intensity of the energy-intensive manufacturing industry in the pilot provinces, and plays a positive role in promoting the low-carbon transition of the energy-intensive manufacturing industry. This conclusion is valid under various robustness tests. From the perspective of action mechanism, under the influence of carbon emissions trading pilot, the energy-intensive manufacturing industries in the pilot areas did not reduce carbon emissions by reducing production, but achieved carbon reduction targets by improving the level of green technology innovation. In addition, the impact of carbon emissions trading pilot on the carbon intensity of energy-intensive manufacturing industry is significantly heterogeneous due to different geographical locations and industry types. The impact of carbon trading policies on carbon reduction in energy-intensive manufacturing is more significant in eastern and central China, The pilot carbon trading policy mainly promoted the reduction of carbon emission intensity in three industries: chemical raw material and chemical product manufacturing, non-metallic mineral products industry, non-ferrous metal smelting and rolling processing industry. The conclusions of this study provide important policy implications for giving full play to the carbon reduction effect of carbon emissions trading policies and promoting the low-carbon transformation of energy-intensive manufacturing industries.
The expression and prognostic significance of circadian gene NR1D1/2 in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Zheng Zhi Xue , Cai Xuan , Bi Jing Tao , Liu Ya Qi
Published: March 2023

Objective: The dysregulation of circadian rhythms is proved to be associated with the development of and may affect the treatment of tumors. However, the biological role of NR1D1/2 remains elusive in gastric cancer. We analyzed the effects of NR1D1/2 expression with occurrence and prognostic value for gastric cancer.
Methods: By using the online databases including ULCAN, KM plotter, STRING database and FunRich software, the effects of NR1D1/2 on the occurrence, clinical features and prognosis of gastric cancer were evaluated in gastric cancer.
Results: Based on the analyses of data obtained from online database, both the mRNA expression of NR1D1 and NR1D2 were higher in stomach carcinoma than in normal tissue (p<0.001). The level of NR1D1 expression was significantly increased in female patients, T, N, and Lauren classification in gastric cancer patients (p=0.017, 0.000, 0.014, 0.005, and 0.004), and the NR1D2 was significantly higher in male patients, HER2 status, tumor stage, T, Lauren classification, and differentiation in gastric cancer patients (p=0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.001, 0.000 and 0.000). The elevation of NR1D1/2 was significantly correlated with worse OS (overall survival), PPS (post-progression survival) and FP (First progression) in gastric cancer patients (p<0.001). Furthermore, we constructed protein-protein interaction networks of genes coexpressed with NR1D1 and NR1D2. FunRich analyses suggested that the NR1D1 and NR1D2 was possibly involved in BMAL1: CLOCK/NPAS2 activates gene expression and circadian clock pathway.
Conclusion: Our study suggests that NR1D1 and NR1D2 may be potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer.