Monitoring Of Remote Hydrocarbon Wells Using Azure Internet Of Things

Remote monitoring of hydrocarbon wells is a tedious and meticulously thought out task performed to create a cyber-physical bridge between the asset and the owner. There are many systems and techniques on the market that offer this solution but due to their lack of interoperability and/or decentralized architecture they begin to fall apart when remote assets become farther away from the client. This results in extreme latency and thus poor decision making. Microsoft\u27s Azure IoT Edge was the focus of this writing. Coupled with off-the-shelf hardware, Azure\u27s IoT Edge services were integrated with an existing unit simulating a remote hydrocarbon well. This combination successfully established a semi-autonomous IIoT Edge device that can monitor, process, store, and transfer data locally on the remote device itself. These capabilities were performed utilizing an edge computing architecture that drastically reduced infrastructure and pushed intelligence and responsibility to the source of the data. This application of Azure IoT Edge laid a foundation from which a plethora of solutions can be built, enhancing the intelligence capability of this asset. This study demonstrates edge computing\u27s ability to mitigate latency loops, reduce network stress, and handle intermittent connectivity. Further experimentation and analysis will have to be performed at a larger scale to determine if the resources implemented will suffice for production level operations

The assessment of efforts to return to work in the European Union

Background: Assessment of efforts to promote return-to-work (RTW) includes all efforts (vocational and non-vocational) designed to improve the work ability of the sick-listed employee and increase the chance to return to work. Aim of the study was to investigate whether in 13 European countries these RTW efforts are assessed and to compare the procedures by means of six criteria. METHODS: Data were gathered in the taxonomy project of the European Union of Medicine in Assurance and Social Security and by means of an additional questionnaire. RESULTS: In seven countries RTW efforts are subject of the assessment in relation to the application for disability benefits. Description of RTW efforts is a prerequisite in five countries. Guidelines on the assessment of RTW efforts are only available in the Netherlands and no countries report the use of the ICF model. Based on the results of the additional questionnaire, the assessor is a social scientist or a physician. The information used to assess RTW efforts differs, from a report on the RTW process to medical information. A negative outcome of the assessment leads to delay of the application for disability benefits or to application for rehabilitation subsidy. Conclusion: RTW efforts are assessed in half of the participating European countries. When compared, the characteristics of the assessment of RTW efforts in the participating European countries show both similarities and differences. This study may facilitate the gathering and exchange of knowledge and experience between countries on the assessment of RTW efforts

Use and perceived added value of patient-reported measurement instruments by physiotherapists treating acute low back pain:a survey study among Dutch physiotherapists

Contains fulltext : 217665.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access

The Distressed (Type D) Personality Is Independently Associated With Tinnitus:A Case-Control Study

Background: Tinnitus is a common and disturbing condition, reported by 10% to 20% of the general population. Objective: The authors sought to determine personality characteristics associated with tinnitus patients versus a control group of ear-nose-throat (ENT) patients without tinnitus. Method: Adult chronic tinnitus sufferers (N = 265) and ENT patients without tinnitus (N = 265) participated in a cross-sectional study. The authors evaluated personality characteristics with tests for distressed personality (Type D), neuroticism, extraversion, and emotional stability. Results: As compared with control subjects, tinnitus patients had statistically significant and clinically relevant higher levels of neuroticism, negative affectivity, and social inhibition, on one hand, and lower levels of extraversion and emotional stability on the other hand. Also, tinnitus patients were more likely to have a type D personality. Conclusions: Neuroticism, reduced extraversion, and reduced emotional stability were associated with tinnitus, but the level of prediction of the model improved with the addition of type D personality to the single traits. This might indicate that personality characteristics, and type D personality, in particular, are associated with having tinnitus and might contribute to its perceived severity. (Psychosomatics 2010; 51: 29-38)</p