bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geomorphology and Altitude Effects on Diversity and Structure of Vanishing Montane Forest of Southern Ecuador
Authors: Cabrera Omar , Benítez Angel , Cumbicus Nixon , Naranjo Carlos , Ramón Pablo , Tinitana Fani , Escudero Adrián
Published: October 2018

1) Background: Neotropical montane forests represent one of the most diverse ecosystems; however, they are also the most threatened for deforestation. Our main goal is to evaluate the change in Basal Area (BA), Density and Species Composition of montane forests in the southern Ecuador and to determine the influence on some critical ecological and geomorphological factors. 2) Methods: One hundred thirty-two temporary plots of 400 m2 each were installed; we identified and measured all trees> 10 cm DBH. We modeled species diversity (Fisher’s alpha) change in relation to climatic, elevational and geomorphological gradients with GLM and Kruskall-Wallis analyses. The change in composition was determined using Cluster Analyses (BIOENV analysis followed by a LINKTREE procedure). Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) was used to analyze changes across climatic and geomorphological gradients. Finally, we used SIMPER analysis to identify the species that contributed most to the dissimilarity among the different elevations. 3) Results: Formation of floristic groups was influenced by altitude, temperature and Isothermality; physiographic province, great landscape, geological landscape and lithology. Plots located in low hills have higher alpha diversity with respect to the high hills and dissected mountains. 4) Conclusions: The elevation is first hierarchical factor responsible of the division of structural and floristic groups. Plots located on the whitish tuff have a higher alpha value diversity compared with plots in andesitic tuffs. Wettest quarter (> 839 mm) and Isothermality (> 90.5) are the climatic factors that driven de floristic divisions.
Increased Plasma Levels of Gut-Derived Phenolics Linked to Walking and Running Following 2-Weeks Flavonoid Supplementation
Authors: Nieman David C. , Kay Colin D. , Rathore Artul S. , Grace Mary H. , Strauch Renee C. , Stephan Ella H. , Sakaguchi Camila A. , Lila Mary Ann
Published: October 2018

Using a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel group design, this investigation determined if the combination of 2-weeks flavonoid supplementation (329 mg/day, quercetin, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols mixture) and a 45-minute walking bout (62.2±0.9% VO2max) enhanced the translocation of gut-derived phenolics into circulation in a group of walkers (N = 77). The walkers (flavonoid, placebo groups) were randomized to either sit or walk briskly on treadmills for 45 minutes (thus four groups: placebo-sit, placebo-walk, flavonoid-sit, flavonoid-walk). A comparator group of runners (N = 19) ingested a double flavonoid dose for 2 weeks (658 mg/day) and ran for 2.5 h (69.2±1.2% VO2max). Four blood samples were collected (pre- and post-supplementation, immediately-post- and 24-h post-exercise/rest). Of the 76 metabolites detected in this targeted analysis, 15 increased after the 2.5-h run, and when grouped were also elevated post-exercise (versus placebo-sit) for the placebo- and flavonoid-walking groups (P < 0.05). A secondary analysis showed that pre-study plasma concentrations of gut-derived phenolics in the runners were 40% higher compared to walkers (P = 0.031). These data indicate that acute exercise bouts (brisk walking, intensive running) are linked to an increased translocation of gut-derived phenolics into circulation, an effect that is amplified when combined with a 2-week period of increased flavonoid intake or chronic training as a runner.
The Public-Private-Partnership and Rural Development in Taiwan
Authors: Liao Kun-Jung , Lin Shih-Kai
Published: October 2018

This paper discusses a significant public-private partnership (PPP) formed by the government and Taiwanese Farmer Associations. Particularly, it will investigate a pattern of the PPP that has successfully promoted rural development and agricultural modernization in Taiwan since 1950s. Taiwanese Farmer Associations (hereafter TFAs), similar to agricultural cooperatives in South Korea and Japan, have played a policy agent in fostering rural development in this island state since 1950s. TFA’s performance inherently came from Japanese Cooperatives before World War II. The Performances of those farmer organizations are combinations of economic, social, and educational synergies.  The rural development experiences in Taiwan demonstrate that success of rural modernization is carried out by a special public-private partnership (PPP). First, this paper discusses formation and development of farmer cooperative organizations in East Asian societies and compare the similarities and differences of practice of those organizations and their relations to the governments among Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan.  Secondly, this paper examines collaborative mold and process in which both the government and Taiwan Farmer Associations have been extensively involved.  A specific cooperative apparatus between the government and TFA functioning and operating as a perfect PPP has been formed under administrative guidance of the state.  Thirdly, this paper looks at input and various supports in financial and policy perspective by the public sector.  Fourthly, the paper discusses legal framework, administrative apparatus, and governance pattern for TFA. Fifthly, the paper discuses that a specific PPP successfully involving in rural modernization in Taiwan is significantly derived from the state’ guidance that properly regulates a collaboration between the government and TFA.  So-call East Asian model of PPP in agricultural modernization and rural community development may become a valuable experience for most of developing countries.
Identifying Real Estate Opportunities Using Machine Learning
Authors: Baldominos Alejandro , Moreno Antonio José , Iturrarte Rubén , Bernárdez Óscar , Afonso Carlos
Published: October 2018

The real estate market is exposed to many fluctuations in prices, because of existing correlations with many variables, some of which cannot be controlled or might even be unknown. Housing prices can increase rapidly (or in some cases, also drop very fast), yet the numerous listings available online where houses are sold or rented are not likely to be updated that often. In some cases, individuals interested in selling a house (or apartment) might include it in some online listing, and forget about updating the price. In other cases, some individuals might be interested in deliberately setting a price below the market price in order to sell the home faster, for various reasons. In this paper we aim at developing a machine learning application that identifies opportunities in the real estate market in real time, i.e., houses that are listed with a price substantially below the market price. This program can be useful for investors interested in the housing market. We have focused in a use case considering real estate assets located in the Salamanca district in Madrid (Spain) and listed in the most relevant Spanish online site for home sales and rentals. The application is formally implemented as a regression problem, that tries to estimate the market price of a house given features retrieved from public online listings. For building this application, we have performed a feature engineering stage in order to discover relevant features that allows attaining a high predictive performance. Several machine learning algorithms have been tested, including regression trees, $k$-nearest neighbors, support vector machines and neural networks, identifying advantages and handicaps of each of them.
Approximation Operator Based on Neighborhood Systems
Authors: Wang Pei , Wu Qingjun , He Jiali , Shang Xiao
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we propose a new covering-based set in which the lower and the upper approximation operations are defined by neighborhood systems. We discuss this new type of covering-based set systematically in two steps. First, we study the basic properties of this covering-based set, such as the properties of normality, contraction, and monotone. Second, we discuss the relationship between the new type of covering-based set and the other ten sets proposed.
Comportamiento hacia los alimentos y su asociación con estado nutricional y actividad física en una población general chilena
Authors: Rojas Gómez Diana Marcela
Published: October 2018

Los determinantes involucrados en el origen y patogenicidad de la obesidad son complejos y multifactoriales, existiendo un desequilibrio entre el aporte y el gasto energético. En este contexto, el comportamiento o conducta frente al consumo de alimentos y  la actividad física son determinantes importantes en este balance energético. El presente estudio analizóla conducta frente al consumo de alimentos y la actividad física y su asociación con el estado nutricional en una población general chilena. Fue un estudio de corte transversal en 629 personas, pertenecientes a la comunidad universitaria de la Universidad Andrés Bello (UNAB). Los sujetos contestaron encuestas en línea acerca de antecedentes sociodemográficos, antropométricos, actitud frente al consumo de alimentos (TFEQ) y actividad física (GPAQ). Se encontró un 39,4% de malnutrición por exceso en la población. Con respecto a la estructura del cuestionario TFEQ se encontró dos factores: “restricción cognitiva” y “desinhibición frente a los alimentos”.  Se observó que la mitad de los sujetos de estudio, realizaron menos de 36 minutos de ejercicio al día y que los individuos con una conducta desinhibida frente a los alimentos presentaron menor práctica de actividad física total. Adicionalmente se observó que sujetos con un IMC menor y con mayor edad, presentan una probabilidad aumentada de tener una conducta restrictiva frente a los alimentos.Como conclusión se encontró dos factores que explican la variación de la conducta frente al consumo de alimentos, asociándose con IMC y con actividad física.
Relación del nivel de actividad física y de la composición corporal en el control postural en adultos varones
Authors: Delfa de la Morena José Manuel , Rojo Tirado Miguel Ángel , Aparecida-de-Castro Eliane , Gil Arias Alexander , Miangolarra-Page Juan Carlos , Benito Peinado Pedro José
Published: October 2018

Introducción: El equilibrio es crucial para el desempeño de actividades de la vida diaria como la bipedestación o la marcha. La actividad física y la composición corporal son algunos de los factores intrínsecos modificables más importantes que influyen en el equilibrio.Objetivo. Analizar la influencia del nivel de actividad física (PAL) y de diferentes variables corporales sobre el control postural de adultos varones.Métodos. Estudio observacional, transversal, con 63 varones entre 25 y 60 años, índice de masa corporal (IMC) entre 18 y 35 kg/m2. Se midieron variables antropométricas (i.e. peso, IMC, perímetro de cintura), de composición corporal y de su distribución (i.e. porcentaje de masa grasa de piernas: %MGP, androide: %MGA y total: %MGT), de actividad física (PAL) y de control postural (i.e. ratio somatosensorial: SOT-SOM). Se utilizó una regresión lineal múltiple para evaluar la relación de todas las variables con la SOT-SOM.Resultados. Los resultados de este estudio muestran una correlación entre %MGT (r = -0,384, p=0,002), %MGA (r = -0,421, p=0,001) y PAL (r = 0,291, p=0,021) con la SOT-SOM.  Además, los individuos clasificados como obesos (%MGT ≥ 28) obtuvieron peores puntuaciones en la SOT-SOM que los individuos no obesos (97,33±2,52 vs. 96,37±1,54; p=0,013); y los individuos clasificados como activos (PAL ≥ 1,4) obtuvieron mejores puntuaciones en la SOT-SOM que los individuos sedentarios (97,13±2,33 vs. 96,18±1,38; p=0,035).Conclusiones. La masa grasa y el PAL parecen influir a nivel propioceptivo en el control postural, siendo el perímetro de cintura la variable que más predice la SOT-SOM.Palabras clave: Estilo de vida sedentario; Actividad física; Distribución grasa corporal; Índice de masa corporal.
Kelayakan Usaha Ayam Broiler (Studi pada Usaha Peternakan di Desa Cibinong)
Authors: Elpawati Elpawati , Nugraha Achmad Tjachja , Shofiatina Ratu
Published: October 2018

Indonesia poultry consumption has increased year by year, with the average positive growth rate of 4.6%. This situation can be a chance for both small and large scales of poultry farmers, considering that poultry consumption is increasing every year. The rate of poultry production in Gunung Sindur was correlated with the amount of the existing poultry farms. Romli Farm was a small scale poultry farm in Gunung Sindur, Bogor. This poultry farm, with no partnership, could independently survive amongst the many other existing farms. However, although the opportunities were wide open, this business was not always viable for the farmers because many of small-scale farmers could not be able either to increase the income or to carry on the business. This research aimed to study the income, financial feasibility (NPV, IRR, Net B/C Ratio, and PP), the BEP of Selling Price, and the BEP of Product in Romli Farm.
Komoditas Tembakau Besuki Na-Oogst dalam Perspektif Pembangunan Berkelanjutan di Kabupaten Jember
Authors: Muktianto Rhamanda Try , Diartho Herman Cahyo
Published: October 2018

Tobacco commodities Besuki Na-Oogst in Jember regency of production continue to decrease. The decline in tobacco production Besuki Na-Oogst caused by erratic weather, high rainfall, volcanic ash mounts roar. The purpose of this research to analyze the sustainability status of tobacco commodities Besuki Na-Oogst seen from the ecological, economic, and social dimension. The method of analysis used in this research is descriptive method and RAP-Tobacco analysis with Multidimensional scaling method. The result of the research shows that the agribusiness system of tobacco commodities Besuki Na-Oogst is still not related, the relationship between subsystems of supply of production facilities, cultivation subsystem or farming and supporting service subsystem still not close. The sustainability status of multi-dimensional Na-Oogst tobacco commodities including ecological, economic, and social dimensions shows that tobacco Besuki Na-Oogst commodities are on a sustainable status with an index value of 58.27 which means the index values are all dimensions including: ecological, economic dimension, and social effect on the sustainability status of tobacco commodities besuki Na-Oogst and most farmers in Wuluhan sub-district still want to grow besuki Na-Oogst tobacco.
The Impact Of Dividend Policy, Managerial Ownership, Institutional Ownership To Capital Structure On Manufacturing Company In Indonesia Stock Exchange (Idx) Period 2012-2016
Authors: Indah Puspita Ratna Putri , Suherman Suherman
Published: October 2018

This study aims to determine the effect of dividend policy, managerial ownership and institutional ownership on the capital structure of manufacturing companies listed on the IDX for the 2012-2016 period. The data used in this study is an annual report of the Manufacturing Sector listed on the IDX for the period 2012-2016. By using purposive sampling method, 56 companies were obtained and consisted of 280 observations. The model used in this research is panel data analysis using the Random Effect Model approach. The results of this study indicate that the dividend policy has a positive but not significant effect on DER, but has a significant positive effect on DAR. While managerial ownership is influential but not significantly negative on the capital structure (DER and DAR). Institutional ownership has a significant negative effect on DER, but has a negative but not significant effect on DAR. Profitability has a significant negative effect on the capital structure (DER and DAR), while the structure of assets and company size does not have a significant effect on the capital structure. (DER and DAR).
Risk of Subsequent Joint Arthroplasty in Contralateral or Different Joint After Index Shoulder, Hip, or Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Lamplot Joseph D. , Bansal Anchal , Nguyen Joseph T. , Brophy Robert H.
Published: October 2018

Background:

The risk of subsequent joint replacement following an index joint replacement for osteoarthritis and the association of this risk with demographic and patient-specific factors are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to determine how demographic and other patient-specific factors are associated with the risk of subsequent joint replacement in the contralateral or a different joint following an index joint replacement for osteoarthritis.

Methods:

The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) State Inpatient Database (SID) of New York was used to identify the first (primary) total hip arthroplasty (THA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), or total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and the risk of subsequent joint replacement in the contralateral or a different joint over 5 to 8 years. The association of demographic and other patient-specific factors with subsequent joint replacement was assessed via multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling. We also investigated the time between the index and subsequent joint replacement.

Results:

Of 85,616 patients, 20,223 (23.6%) underwent a subsequent replacement of the contralateral joint within 5 to 8 years (median, 343 days) after the index joint replacement. The strongest predictors were obesity (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.28; p < 0.001) and index TKA compared with THA (1.72; p < 0.001). A total of 3,197 patients (3.7%) underwent a subsequent replacement of a different joint within 5 to 8 years (median, 876 days) after the index joint replacement. The strongest predictors were obesity (adjusted HR = 1.41; p < 0.001) and index TSA compared with THA (adjusted HR = 2.52; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

There is a relatively high risk of subsequent replacement of the contralateral joint and a relatively low risk of subsequent replacement of a different joint within 5 to 8 years after an index THA, TKA, or TSA. Obesity was associated with a higher risk of subsequent replacement of the contralateral joint or a different joint.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Unaddressed Cam Deformity Is Associated with Elevated Joint Contact Stress After Periacetabular Osteotomy
Authors: Scott Elizabeth J. , Thomas-Aitken Holly D. , Glass Natalie , Westermann Robert , Goetz Jessica E. , Willey Michael C.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Femoral cam deformity is frequently present in patients with acetabular dysplasia. Computational modeling can be used to identify how this deformity affects joint mechanics. Our purpose was to identify the relationship between cam deformity and joint contact stress after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). We hypothesized that cam deformity is associated with an increase in peak joint contact stress after PAO.

Methods:

This was a retrospective review of patients treated for hip dysplasia with PAO without femoral osteochondroplasty. Patient-specific hip models created from preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were evaluated using discrete element analysis to determine maximum joint contact stress after PAO. Twenty hips with a postoperative increase in maximum contact stress were compared with 20 that demonstrated decreased maximum contact stress. Hips were assessed for cam deformity on cross-sectional imaging. Radiographic measures of acetabular dysplasia before and after PAO were assessed and compared with the change in maximum contact stress after PAO.

Results:

There was a moderate relationship between the change in maximum contact stress and the α angle (r = 0.31; p = 0.04), and the average α angle in the hips with increased maximum contact stress was significantly different from that in the hips with decreased joint contact stress (51° ± 11.4° versus 42° ± 5.1°; p = 0.04). All 6 hips with an α angle of >60° demonstrated increased joint contact stress.

Conclusions:

Cam deformity is common in patients with hip dysplasia. In our study, α angles of >60° were associated with increased postoperative joint contact stress. The α angle should be assessed preoperatively, and deformity should be addressed for optimal joint mechanics after PAO.

Clinical Relevance:

A reduction in joint contact stress is a proposed mechanism for the increased joint longevity following periacetabular osteotomy for hip dysplasia. Impingement from abnormal femoral offset negatively impacts clinical outcome, but this finding has not been evaluated from a biomechanical perspective previously and a threshold for performing femoral osteochondroplasty has not been established previously. This study provides biomechanical evidence supporting surgical management of femoral cam deformity for an α angle of >60°.
Home-Health-Care Physical Therapy Improves Early Functional Recovery of Medicare Beneficiaries After Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Falvey Jason R. , Bade Michael J. , Forster Jeri E. , Burke Robert E. , Jennings Jason M. , Nuccio Eugene , Stevens-Lapsley Jennifer E.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Home-health-care utilization after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is increasing. Recent publications have suggested that supervised rehabilitation is not needed to optimize functional recovery after TKA; however, few studies have evaluated patients in home-health-care settings. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine whether physical therapy (PT) utilization is associated with functional improvements for patients in home-health-care settings after TKA and (2) determine which factors are related to utilization of PT.

Methods:

This study was an analysis of Medicare home-health-care claims data for patients treated with a TKA in 2012 who received home-health-care services for postoperative rehabilitation. Multivariable linear regression models were used to evaluate relationships between PT utilization and recovery in activities of daily living (ADLs). Negative binomial regression models were used to determine factors associated with PT utilization.

Results:

Records from 5,967 Medicare beneficiaries were evaluated. Low home-health-care PT utilization (≤5 visits) was associated with less improvement in ADLs compared with 6 to 9 visits, 10 to 13 visits, or ≥14 visits. Compared with low home-health-care utilization, utilization of 6 to 9 visits was associated with a 25% greater improvement in ADLs over the home-health-care episode (p < 0.0001); 10 to 13 visits, with a 40% greater improvement (p < 0.0001); and ≥14 visits, with a 50% greater improvement (p < 0.0001). The findings remained robust following adjustments for medical complexity, baseline functional status, and home-health-care episode duration. After adjustment, lower PT utilization was observed for patients receiving home health care from rural agencies (10.7% fewer visits, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.9% to 13.7%), those with depressive symptoms (4.8% fewer visits, 95% CI = 1.3% to 8.3%), and those with any baseline dyspnea (5.3% fewer visits, 95% CI = 3.1% to 7.5%).

Conclusions:

Low home-health-care PT utilization was significantly associated with worse recovery in ADLs after TKA for Medicare beneficiaries, after controlling for medical complexity, baseline function, and home-health-care episode duration. Patients who are served by rural agencies or who have higher medical complexity receive fewer PT visits after TKA and may need closer monitoring to ensure optimal functional recovery.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Primary Cells Isolated from Human Knee Cartilage Reveal Decreased Prevalence of Progenitor Cells but Comparable Biological Potential During Osteoarthritic Disease Progression
Authors: Mantripragada V.P. , Bova W.A. , Boehm C. , Piuzzi N.S. , Obuchowski N.A. , Midura R.J. , Muschler G.F.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Current decisions on cellular therapies for osteoarthritis are based primarily on clinical experience or on assumptions about preferred cell sourcing. They have not been informed by rigorous standardized measurements of the chondrogenic connective-tissue progenitors (CTP-Cs) or their intrinsic diversity of chondrogenic potential. The goal of this study was to quantitatively define the CTP-Cs resident in cartilage of different grades of osteoarthritis and to compare their concentration, prevalence, and biological potential.

Methods:

Twenty-three patients who had varus malalignment of the knee and were scheduled to undergo elective total knee arthroplasty for idiopathic osteoarthritis and who had grade 1-2 osteoarthritis on the lateral femoral condyle and grade 3-4 osteoarthritis on the medial femoral condyle were recruited for study of the cartilage removed during surgery. CTP-Cs were assayed by a standardized colony-forming-unit assay using automated image-analysis software based on ASTM standard test method F2944-12.

Results:

Cell concentration was significantly greater (p < 0.001) in grade 3-4 cartilage than in grade 1-2 cartilage. The prevalence of CTP-Cs varied widely, but it trended lower in grade 3-4 cartilage than in grade 1-2 samples (p = 0.078). The biological performance of CTP-Cs from grade 1-2 and grade 3-4 cartilage was comparable. Increased cell concentration was a significant predictor of decreased CTP-C prevalence (p = 0.002).

Conclusions:

Although grade 3-4 cartilage showed fewer CTP-Cs than grade 1-2 cartilage, the range of biological performance was comparable, which suggests that either may be used as a source for potent CTP-Cs. However, the biological reason for the heterogeneity of CTP-Cs in cartilage and the biological implications of that heterogeneity are not well understood and require further study.

Clinical Relevance:

In order to improve the efficacy of cartilage cell therapy procedures, it is key to characterize the quality and quantity of the cells and progenitors being administered. Additionally, understanding the heterogeneity in order to select appropriate subsets of populations will improve the rigor of decisions concerning cell sourcing and targeting for pharmacological and cellular therapies.
The Impact of Eccentric Diaphyseal Plate and Screw Placement on the Risk of Peri-Implant Fracture
Authors: Namm Joshua D. , Morris Randal P. , Speck Fred L. , Lindsey Ronald W.
Published: October 2018

Background:

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of the type and orientation of peripheral screw placement in an eccentrically positioned locking plate on the structural integrity of the plate-diaphyseal bone interface. We hypothesized that central placement of the screw at the end of the plate in this setting is more important than screw type (locking versus nonlocking) to limiting the risk of subsequent fracture.

Methods:

Twenty osteoporotic fourth-generation composite left humeri were divided into 4 groups and plated with stainless-steel 6-hole locking plates and 4.5-mm screws. Group 1 (control group) consisted of a centrally positioned plate with a centrally placed non-locking end screw at the sixth, most-proximal hole. Group 2 consisted of an eccentrically positioned plate with a non-locking proximal end screw placed through the center of the bone. Group 3 consisted of an eccentrically positioned plate with a locking proximal end screw placed perpendicular to the plate and eccentrically across the cortex. Group 4 consisted of an eccentrically positioned plate with a non-locking proximal end screw placed perpendicular to the plate and eccentrically across the cortex. Each group was tested with a single load to failure in torsion at a rate of 1°/second.

Results:

The control group (Group 1) failed at significantly higher peak torque values (51.62 ± 7.35 Nm) than Group 2 (38.98 ± 6.78 Nm; p = 0.006), Group 3 (34.75 ± 1.81 Nm; p < 0.001), and Group 4 (31.55 ± 1.23 Nm; p < 0.001). Failure energy absorbed in Group 1 (2,591.49 ± 819.63 Nm/degree) was significantly higher than Group 3 (1,430.51 ± 449.99 Nm/degree; p = 0.04) and Group 4 (952.49 ± 123.52 Nm/degree; p = 0.004), but not significantly higher than Group 2 (1,847.73 ± 827.35 Nm/degree; p = 0.27).

Conclusions:

Eccentrically placed plating of humeral shaft fractures significantly increases the risk of peri-implant fracture compared with a centrally placed plate. Directing the proximal-end screw centrally in an eccentrically placed plate may help to mitigate this risk at the proximal end.

Clinical Relevance:

When possible, care should be taken to place the plate centrally on the bone to avoid increased risk of peri-implant fracture at the proximal plate-bone interface.
Pediatric Lawn-Mower Injuries Presenting at a Level-I Trauma Center, 1995 to 2015
Authors: Fletcher Amanda Nicole , Schwend Richard M. , Solano Mitchell , Wester Christopher , Jarka Dale E.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children 0 to 18 years of age in the U.S. An estimated 9,400 to 17,000 pediatric lawn-mower injuries occur each year. The aims of this study were to better define the epidemiology of lawn-mower injuries and to identify predictors of severe lawn-mower injuries to optimize public education and injury prevention.

Methods:

All patients 0 to 18 years of age who presented to Children’s Mercy Hospital (CMH), Kansas City, Missouri, during the period of 1995 to 2015 after sustaining a lawn-mower injury were identified using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) codes. Demographic information and data regarding primary outcome measures (death, amputation, need for prosthesis, Injury Severity Score [ISS]) and secondary outcome measures were collected. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for severe lawn-mower injuries.

Results:

One hundred and fifty-seven patients were identified, with a bimodal age distribution peaking at 4 and 15 years of age. Seventy-five percent of the subjects were male. Sixty-six percent of the patients were admitted to the hospital, with a mean length of stay of 6 days. An average of 3 operations were performed. Nineteen percent of the patients lived in a nonmetro/rural location. Lower-extremity injuries were most prevalent, affecting 84% of the patients. Forty percent of the patients experienced at least 1 traumatic amputation. Thirteen percent of the patients required a prosthesis after the injury. The average ISS was 8. Significant predictors of a higher ISS included an age of 0 to 9 years, a riding lawn mower, a grandparent operator, and a nonmetro/rural location. Younger children were more likely to be injured from a riding lawn mower, be the passenger of the mower or a bystander, be injured with a grandparent operator, and live in a nonmetro/rural location. Younger children also had a higher ISS and amputation rate, longer LOS, and more surgical procedures.

Conclusions:

Education to protect younger patients should target parent, grandparent, and older sibling operators. Education for the older, teenage group should include safe mowing techniques. Efforts should also target nonmetro/rural populations and grandparents, specifically highlighting the severe dangers of riding lawn mowers when young children are passengers or bystanders.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Improving Care in Orthopaedics
Authors: Wolfstadt Jesse Isaac , Ward Sarah E. , Kim Scott , Bell Chaim M.
Published: October 2018

* Knowledge of the basics of quality improvement is essential for orthopaedic surgeons practicing in the era of health-care funding reform.

* Quality improvement allows multidisciplinary teams to identify gaps in clinical care by comparing current care with established best practices.

* Teams set at least 1 goal for improvement, perform root cause analysis, and develop a set of change ideas.

* The team selects a set of appropriate measures and undertakes incremental tests of change using the Model for Improvement.

* Once improvements have been realized, gains must be sustained. Monitoring ensures that care does not revert to previous patterns.

* Fostering a culture supportive of change and involving a wide range of stakeholders is critical throughout this process.
Raising Employee Competency and Productivity through Best Practices in Promotion and Goal Setting
Authors: Lau Hon Chung , Pang Michael
Published: October 2018

This paper identifies several best practices for improving employee competency and productivity. They include aligning reward and promotion practices with company core values, promoting those who are already leading and have the capacity to perform at the next level, and using both internal and external benchmarking to help employees to set stretch goals for competency training and improving productivity.
Characterizing Methane Hydrate Formation in Horizontal Water-Dominated Bubbly Flow
Authors: Fu Weiqi , Sun Baojiang , Wang Zhiyuan , Zhang Jianbo , Wang Junqi
Published: October 2018

Methane hydrate formation in water-based drilling mud is the great important issue for well control during the drilling operation in deep-water environment. However, most of researchers focus on hydrate formation in oil-dominated system and gas-dominated system. Few researchers pay enough attentions to hydrate formation in water-dominated system, especially for bubbly flow. In this work, groups of experiments of methane hydrate formation in horizontal water-dominated bubbly flow are performed at liquid fluid velocities of 0.95 to 1.4m/s and void fractions from 2.5% to 5.0%. According to experimental observations, methane hydrates does not form hydrate shells on gas bubbles in bubbly flow and no complete hydrate shells or plates are observed in experiments. Hydrate particles formed on the surface of bubbles prefers to slough off immediately by high motion of liquid fluid, which results in appearance of tiny bubbles in flow loop. According to analysis of the reaction rate factor, the intrinsic kinetic mainly dominates the hydrate formation at the high subcooling condition but the mass transfer dominates the hydrate formation at the low subcooling condition. A hydrate kinetic model is developed for the horizontal water-dominated bubbly flow, as a function of reaction rate factor, liquid fluid velocity, subcooling temperature and interfacial area. In the new model, the multiphase flow concept of interfacial area concentration is firstly brought in predicting interfacial areas for methane hydrate formation in bubbly flow. Another 8 groups of hydrate formation experiment are conducted to validate the new model and the maximum discrepancy is less than 8%.Ppa
Real-Time Fiber-Optic Integrated System with Retrievable Packer Enables Single-Trip Dual-Zone Evaluation: Case Study, Eastern Foothills, Colombia
Authors: Vera Vanessa , Torres Carlos A. , Delgado Eduardo , Pacheco Carlos , Higuera Josue , Torres Monica
Published: October 2018

To measure and analyze reservoir pressure, conductivity, gas/oil ratio (GOR), and skin value, it is necessary to run a pressure buildup (PBU) test to the corresponding zone of interest in the well. This paper describes how the implementation of a coiled tubing (CT) real-time fiber-optic (RTFO) integrated system and a retrievable packer were determining factors to successfully develop both PBU in an upper formation and a pressure evaluation in the lower formation in the same run.

To help ensure isolation and evaluation of each high potential zone in the well, conventional methods involve multiple procedures requiring multiple runs. Using the CT RTFO (Vera et al. 2018) integrated system with a retrievable packer, only one run was necessary to complete the PBU program, which involves the isolation and corresponding log of two reservoirs.

This new technology helped the operator overcome challenges and deliver improved service quality. Real-time data acquisition during the packer setting helps ensure correct inflation, and continuous monitoring of the isolated zone during the PBU process helps ensure data accuracy and defines the end of data acquisition time once radial flow has been observed in the pressure transient analysis; therefore, the points previously discussed strongly impact production by optimizing operation time. Avoiding the use of materials such as cement to isolate the mentioned zones made this operation environmentally friendly. The greatest value of this technology is that it makes real-time monitoring of both the upper and lower zones possible at the same time.

The PBU test was successfully developed by determining reservoir pressure, skin, and flow regime of the near zone formation with precision and confidence, which helps the operator make decisions about future stimulations. High-pressure stimulation was achieved, which resulted in 460 BOPD over the initial production. Finally, a downhole ball-drop tool was effectively used to help ensure that packer setup was accurate and to reduce intervention time.
New Filter-Cake Breaker Technology Maximizes Production Rates by Removing Near-Wellbore Damage Zone with Delay Mechanism Designed for High Temperature Reservoirs: Offshore Abu Dhabi
Authors: Nasrallah Mena , Vinci Matteo
Published: October 2018

This paper discusses the successful design, testing, and application of a new filter-cake breaker technology based on lactic acid chemistry. This technology provided prolonged delay in filter-cake breakthrough time at 220°F, which ensured coverage of the entire open hole, improved uniform filter-cake removal, minimized brine losses, and exceeded the expected production rates in different layers of the offshore Abu Dhabi reservoir.

Reservoir characterization was a fundamental component in the identification of the proper solution to maximize the return on investment of the assets. Temperature, permeability, porosity, and the nature of the reservoirs were studied thoroughly to determine one solution to be used in different reservoirs. Drilling fluid characterization (non-damaging with proper bridging package) and a proper filter-cake design were crucial to exceed the targeted production of the reservoirs. The paper discusses all steps from the laboratory testing of the breaker, application in different layers of the reservoir, and results obtained from the applications.

Lactic acid precursor was confirmed to be the "one fit solution" to cover the different reservoir layers. Because of its chemical structure, the hydrolysis process is slower than other breaker types currently available, which made it possible to maximize the breakthrough time at elevated temperatures, minimize completion fluid losses, and optimize the completion operations. Equally important, as an acid precursor rather than a live acid, this solution enabled the rig site personnel to implement the solution without affecting the health, safety, and environment (HSE) aspects that are fundamental in offshore locations. The possibility of pumping this solution through the rig pits enabled the jobs to be performed without additional equipment generally required for well stimulation. The achievement of these goals, supported by the higher production observed during the flow-back of the well, demonstrated how this solution maximized the return on investment for the assets located offshore Abu Dhabi.

The innovative use of lactic acid chemistry in the breaker, as compared to the conventional formic acid precursor breakers that are widely available, provided superior delay at higher bottomhole temperatures (in this case, 220°F) because of the slower acid liberation rate.
Behavior Analysis of a Wire Rope Replacing Sucker Rods with Finite Element Simulation
Authors: Fatemeh Fazeli Tehrani , Clemens Langbauer , Herbert Hofstätter
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a state-of-the-art wire rope is chosen for investigation regarding its applicability as a sucker rod string. Finite element simulation with Abaqus has been used for a detailed analysis of the rope's performance and possible failures along with its length.

The sucker rod string is a key component of sucker rod pumps, transferring the reciprocating movement of the surface polished rod to the downhole pump plunger. It is, however, exposed to severe cyclic loads, causing several complications from damaged rods and broken couplings to time-consuming workover procedures. Hence, continuous strings like wire ropes can be a convenient replacement for the conventional design. The mechanical properties of the introduced wire rope demonstrate high tensile strength and great resistance against creep and fatigue while its uniform design eliminates the chances of connection failure.

The proposed wire rope was designed to work in tandem with a sucker rod anti-buckling pump (SRABS) to facilitate its motion. The performance of this system was then simulated using a combination of MATLAB and Python codes, visualized in the interface of Abaqus. These simulations confirm that this wire rope can indeed replace the rod string in a sucker rod pumping unit. Detailed stress, load, and movement profiles were also compiled to allow for a comprehensive analysis. The results pointed out that pumping with a wire rope can be just as productive, or surpass the productivity of a system using conventional sucker rods. They indicate that the efficiency of this design highly depends on the geometry and depth of the well, type, and size of the pump, the compressibility of the produced fluid and string material elasticity. The optimization of the wire rope's performance could be achieved by using compatible Pumpjacks and proper downhole equipment, such as string protectors, all operating together under an optimum pumping speed.

This paper presents a noteworthy comparison between the performance of a conventional rod string and a wire rope at two reference wells. Laboratory and field tests are being planned to investigate the full capacity of the rope.
CO2 Tracer Application to Supplement Gas Lift Optimisation Effort in Offshore Field Sarawak
Authors: Abu Bakar Azfar Israa , Ali Jabris M Zul , Abd Rahman Hazrina , Abdullaev Bakhtiyor , Idris Khairul Nizam , Kamis Azman Ahmat , Yusop Zainuddin , Kok Jason Chin , Kamaludin Muhammad Faris , Zakaria Mohd Zulfadly , Saiful Mulok Nurul Nadia
Published: October 2018

Field B, located offshore Malaysia is heavily reliant on gas lift due to the high water cut behavior of the reservoir coupled with low-medium reservoir pressure. The field faces a challenge to efficiently execute production enhancement activities due to its low effective man-hour, a drawback of unmanned operation philosophy. The recent oil price downturn further exacerbates the limitation and calls for an innovative approach to continue the effort for maximizing oil recovery.

As majority of the producing wells are gas-lifted, Gas Lift Optimization (GLOP) is an integral part of Field B's routine production enhancement job. The previous practice of GLOP involves data acquisition process of surface parameters and wireline intervention to collect Bottomhole Pressure (BHP), mainly Flowing Gradient Survey (FGS). Relying on wireline intervention limits the number of gas lift troubleshooting activities due to the low man-hour availability. To address this constraint, CO2 Tracer application was implemented in a campaign to supplement Field B GLOP effort. CO2 Tracer is a technology whereby concentrated CO2 is injected into the gas lift stream via the casing. CO2 returns are collected at the tubing end and utilized to diagnose the gas lift performance.

The CO2 Tracer campaign was successfully executed in Platform A, B and C, covering 58 strings within an effective period of 3 months. This achievement is a milestone for the field as it opens a new approach in GLOP data acquisition process. Several advantages observed by executing this campaign is as follows: Multiplication of opportunities generation due to quick and simple operations of CO2 Tracer survey compared to wireline intervention for FGS.Reduction in HSE risks and intervention-related well downtime due to minimal intrusive requirement for well hook-up.Better understanding of complex dual gas lift completion due to simultaneous survey execution.Supplement CO2 baseline measurement for flow assurance monitoring.Quick quality check on gas lift measurement device.

This paper will discuss on the challenges at Field B to implement GLOP, technology overview of CO2 tracer, the full cycle process of the CO2 tracer campaign and results of the campaign. Several examples of the findings will also be shared.
Leveraging Data Analytics to Optimise Production Performance
Authors: Copping Simon , Payne Jason , O'Malley Ronan
Published: October 2018

The current downturn in the industry has increased focus on production optimisation and cost efficiency. Organisations are now recognising opportunities to exploit and leverage data analytics to help deliver such improvements.

The paper describes how machine learning techniques have been successfully applied to improve production and processing performance.

It introduces a number of keys concepts relating to artificial intelligence and identifies the challenges of traditional data analysis techniques. The paper outlines a methodology in defining and evaluating suitable use cases for the application of machine learning and details both an upstream and downstream example of where the methodology has been successfully applied to optimise performance.

The first example presents how an operator transformed work practices to accurately predict valve actuator failures from anywhere between 12-18 months before the actual event using operational expertise, digitalisation and machine learning techniques.

Another example describes a natural gas transportation and processing system that transports gas from several offshore terminals to an onshore reception and processing terminal. Machine learning models were successfully developed to predict NGL Reid vapour pressure (RVP) at the processing terminal using historical (gas composition, process operating and RVP) data. RVP is a common measure of volatility as determined by the test method ASTM-D-323. The predictor model is valuable as it allows proactive export route management from the terminal, minimises potential interruption of production due to off-spec NGL and allows mitigation actions to be identified and implemented if high RVP is predicted to be likely.
Innovative All-Electric Tubing Retrievable Downhole Safety Valve
Authors: Scott Bruce , Chakkungal Joseph Joseph , Penman Ian
Published: October 2018

In the search for energy, new technologies bring added benefits. These new technologies are driven by the need to be more environmentally conscious, reduce costs, increase reliability, reach farther and deeper, and provide more and better data to more effectively manage wells and equipment. With these new technologies, the industry is making a steady transition toward electrification and digitalization of the well completion. Electrification of completion equipment has occurred at a steady pace for several years, but the pace has quickened as the reliability of equipment has improved and the benefits of additional data have been realized. Within the last few years, the first completions with all-electric Christmas trees (XT) were run. Because all-electric tubing retrievable downhole safety valves were not yet available, these were not true all-electric completions. These first wells required the XTs to be installed with hydraulically operated downhole safety valves, making these mixed-technology completions. Recently, an all-electric tubing retrievable downhole safety valve was developed, qualified, and field tested. The introduction of the all-electric tubing retrievable downhole safety valve will bring the benefits of an all-electric completion to the oil industry.

All-electric tubing retrievable downhole safety valves, also known as electric surface-controlled subsurface safety valves (ESCSSV), build upon field proven technology, but offer the added benefits that an electrically operated tool can provide while performing the same critical function as the traditional hydraulic downhole safety valve.

This paper describes the development and deployment of the ESCSSV; it includes discussions about the qualification program of the valve and valve systems, integration with the all-electric subsea XT and control system, and installation in the well.