Improved Microseismic Signal Detection Using Weighted Particle Motion Linearity Measures

Microseismic data provides important information about the subsurface during hydraulic fracturing jobs. However, microseismic signals are not as easy to identify as conventional seismic signals. I developed a new technique to detect microseismic signals by measuring displacement information along with the three-dimensional time coherence analysis of the 3D particles motion (linearity). It was tested on microseismic data from a horizontal well in the Marcellus Shale. The method multiplies the linearity calculation with a function of the amplitude of oscillation that is generated using the envelope. In addition, I developed techniques to detect signals from the new, weighted linearity (or the traditional, unweighted linearity) that help with the goal of more effective signal detection. The results from the new method show that it can detect 16 signals from two microseismic datasets, including barely noticeable (amplitude of 0.0003), weak (amplitude of 0.002), and strong (amplitude of 0.02) signals. These were compared with the results from the traditional, unweighted linearity calculation, where I detect only 9 signals and give results contaminated with noise. This indicates that there is a 40% improvement in signal detection using the new approach. Furthermore, the weighted linearity showed more detail in the signals and less noise compared to unweighted linearity results. With this new approach, I am able to detect signals that unweighted linearity cannot identify, while not compromising the quality of signals detectable by linearity

Modified Le Fort I Osteotomy and Genioplasty for Management of Severe Dentofacial Deformity in β-Thalassaemia Major: Case report and review of the literature

β-thalassaemia major is an autosomal recessive form of haemoglobinopathy that is characterised by complete lack of production of the β-chains resulting in multiple complications that include severe anaemia, failure to thrive and skeletal abnormalities. Facial deformities induced by β-thalassaemia major are rare and are very challenging to treat from a surgical point of view. We report a 33-year-old female patient with β-thalassaemia major who presented to the Dental & Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, in 2017 with gross dentofacial skeletal deformity contributing to her psychosocial issues. The facial deformity was corrected surgically by excision of the enlarged maxilla, modified Le Fort I osteotomy and advancement genioplasty. This case highlights the pre-operative preparation, surgical management, encountered complications and treatment outcome within 24 months of follow-up.Keywords: Beta-Thalassaemia; Thalassaemia Major; Cooley's Anemia; Le Fort Osteotomy; Genioplasty; Dentofacial Deformities; Case Report; Oman

Pediatric Dermatology In Family Medicine: Common Conditions And Management Strategies

Among the most prevalent disorders are those related to the skin.  However, in medical education and training, this class of illnesses is frequently disregarded. The first line of defence for the treatment of common dermatological diseases is a family physician. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the particular identification, management, encountering, and referral practices related to dermatological illnesses in family care. We also looked into the challenges and opportunities that family doctors experience in family medicine and saw a few of the paediatric dermatological diseases that family doctors may encounter.  Finding areas of weakness in the clinical therapy of certain dermatological disorders, however, will be aided by assessing how family doctors treat particular ailments. Thus, this needs assessment might serve as a foundation for future research on the efficacy of family medicine in treating common paediatric dermatological problems as well as aid in the development of evidence-based training for family physicians in the area

Evaluation of Bio-Friendly Formulations From Siderophore-Producing Fluorescent \u3ci\u3ePseudomonas\u3c/i\u3e as Biocontrol Agents for the Management of Soil-Borne Fungi, \u3ci\u3eFusarium oxysporum\u3c/i\u3e and \u3ci\u3eRhizoctonia solani\u3c/i\u3e

Secretion of siderophores by Pseudomonas aeruginosa F2 and P. fluorescens JY3 was evaluated on chrome azurol S (CAS) agar plates and their inhibitory effect was inspected against Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani. Production of siderophores as biocontrol agents from F2 and JY3 was accomplished in two optimized media. Afterward, cell-free supernatants of the bacterial cultures containing siderophores were used for the preparation of two bio-friendly formulations for the management of F. oxysporum and R. solani under greenhouse conditions. The investigated bacterial isolates, F2 and JY3, showed antagonistic activity in vitro against F. oxysporum and R. solani and produced siderophores in optimized media with high efficiency. Colonies of both bacterial isolates were grown exponentially with a constant specific growth rate of 0.07 h−1 and 0.27 h−1, correspondingly. Siderophores estimated in 10 µL reached their highest value of 16.95% at 47 h and 19.5% at 48 h for isolate F2 and JY3, respectively. Formulations of siderophore-generating F2 and JY3 reduced damping-off caused by F. oxysporum by 40% and 80%, while the reduction percentage of damping-off caused by R. solani reached 87.5% and 62.5%, correspondingly. Moreover, both formulations encouraged the growing of wheat plants where the fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots were increased compared to the treatment with each fungus. In conclusion, bio-friendly formulations resulting from this investigation can play an active role in managing soil-borne diseases

Sickle Cell Illness Awareness among the General Public

Background: Lifelong ickle cell disease (SCD), a group of inherited blood disorders, afflicts millions of individuals. Sickle cell disease (SCD), with a global prevalence of 112 cases per 100,000 individuals, frequently gives rise to this condition. Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) exhibits a high prevalence in various regions, including Sub-Saharan Africa, Saudi Arabia, India, South and Central America, as well as the Mediterranean. We conducted a study in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia to assess the level of public knowledge and awareness of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Methods: The present study employed a cross-sectional observational design, encompassing a sample of 386 individuals residing in Tabuk, who were over the age of 18 and represented both genders and various nationalities. Demographic data and sickle cell disease awareness were obtained through the utilization of a structured questionnaire that was developed from previous research. Results: The present study included a total of 386 adults residing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, who satisfied the predetermined inclusion criteria. Among the participants, 47.4% fell between the age range of 18 to 25 years. The majority of participants had a satisfactory level of knowledge, with 24.1% of individuals aged 18-25, 10.1% of those aged 26-35, 7.3% and 6.55% of individuals aged 36-45, and a significant proportion of participants aged over 45. Conclusion: The survey participants demonstrated a satisfactory degree of understanding on the prevalence of sickle cell disease (SCD) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).&nbsp

Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Infants, Review Article

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) or germinal matrix (GM) in other words, is a condition that can occur in premature births and can lead to long-term medical and developmental effects. While GM/IVH can happen in full-term infants, the hemorrhage in this group of infants is different from periventricular hemorrhage (PVH)/IVH in premature infants. Family members and caregivers of preterm infants and those at risk of preterm birth are confronted with two significant uncertainties concerning these newborns: Is the survival of this child likely? Will the child experience long-term sequelae, particularly developmental sequelae, if they survive? The significance of these questions lies in their potential to impact future medical decisions, including the level of intensity in the care provided. Infants born prematurely can suffer from various acquired lesions in the central nervous system (CNS), leading to long-term disability. These lesions include GM/IVH, periventricular white matter injury, hemorrhage, and diffuse injury to the developing brain. GM/IVH continues to be a major contributor to both illness and death in premature newborns.  GM/IVH is primarily diagnosed by brain imaging techniques, typically cranial ultrasonography, as depicted below. Screening and serial examinations are essential for diagnosing GM/IVH, as it can occur without any noticeable clinical indications

A cross-sectional study on the flood emergency preparedness among healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia

This study used a descriptive cross-sectional methodology to measure healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and willingness to respond to a flood scenario in Saudi Arabia. A validated survey was distributed to collect data using a convenience sampling technique through multiple social media platforms. A total of 227 participants were included in this study: 52% of them were aged between 26 to 34 years, 74% were residents from Riyadh, and 52.4% worked in nursing divisions. A significant number of respondents (73.2%) had positive perceptions towards their hospitals’ ability to provide an effective response to a flood, 89% were willing to report to work following a flood, and 90% of participants reported the need to develop both guidelines and training for flood disaster preparedness. Preparation and successful flood mitigation in the hospital setting requires staff that have both knowledge and training in emergency management. One way to obtain such readiness is through competency-based training, including both table-top and full-scale live exercises. Although the willingness to respond to such a flooding emergency was high among staff, the development of guidelines and educational programs is needed in order to develop the competencies and skills sets to improve disaster preparedness response and preparedness efforts

Assessment and Management of Atopic Dermatitis in Primary Care Settings

An increasingly common chronic inflammatory skin condition is atopic dermatitis (AD). It exhibits severe itching as well as recurring eczematous lesions. New difficulties for treatment selection and approach occur with the expansion of available therapy alternatives for healthcare professionals and patients.  The article highlights recent developments in scientific research on atopic dermatitis diagnosis and assessment that have led to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and the development of targeted therapies, both of which have the potential to completely change the way AD is treated, particularly in a primary care setting

Association Between Lipid Profile and Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Diabetic foot ulcer is a serious disabling consequence of Diabetes Mellitus. They are characterized by the breakdown of skin and underlying tissues in the feet, and are a major cause of lower limb amputations. Various risk factors have been identified for the development of diabetic foot ulcers, including poor glycemic control, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, and impaired wound healing. it is considered that the lipid profile is one of many factors that contribute to the formation and progression of diabetic foot ulcers. To stratify the incidence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), biomarkers are required. The aim of this review is to assess the relationship between the risk of DFU and lipid profile in diabetic patients

Radially oriented mesoporous TiO2 microspheres with single-crystal–like anatase walls for high-efficiency optoelectronic devices

Highly crystalline mesoporous materials with oriented configurations are in demand for high-performance energy conversion devices. We report a simple evaporation-driven oriented assembly method to synthesize three-dimensional open mesoporous TiO2 microspheres with a diameter of ~800 nm, well-controlled radially oriented hexagonal mesochannels, and crystalline anatase walls. The mesoporous TiO2 spheres have a large accessible surface area (112 m2/g), a large pore volume (0.164 cm3/g), and highly single-crystal–like anatase walls with dominant (101) exposed facets, making them ideal for conducting mesoscopic photoanode films. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on the mesoporous TiO2 microspheres and commercial dye N719 have a photoelectric conversion efficiency of up to 12.1%. This evaporation-driven approach can create opportunities for tailoring the orientation of inorganic building blocks in the assembly of various mesoporous materials.State Key Basic Research Program of China (2013CB934104 and 2012CB224805), the National Science Foundation (21210004), the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (08DZ2270500), the Shanghai Leading Academic Discipline Project (B108), King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (project no. 29-280), and Deanship of Scientific Research, King Saud University–The International Highly Cited Research Group Program (IHCRG#14-102). Y.L. also acknowledges the Interdisciplinary Outstanding Doctoral Research Funding of Fudan University (EZH2203302/001)