Search Results (28)

Background: Arterial hypertension (HTN) is the leading modifiable cardiovascular risk factor for overall mortality worldwide. In Austria, 1.6 million individuals above the age of 15, representing 20% of the total population and 70% of adults aged 65 and older, suffer from HTN. Despite numerous antihypertensive treatment options on the European market, only 38.8% of patients on optimal medical treatment (OMT) reach their treatment goal. Primary prevention remains a challenge, particularly for HTN and the consequential risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Thus, there is an urgent need for Disease Management Programs (DMPs). We sought to study a possible trial to diagnose hypertension in a non-medical setting at a very early stage of the disease and raise awareness for hypertension in affected people to avoid future complications of unrecognized and untreated HTN. For a non-medical setting, hairdressers fulfil many criteria for an optimal blood pressure (BP) measurement. Methods: This is a pilot study. A total of 193 individuals were included at a Viennese hairdresser. Metric data were described either using mean ± SD given normal distribution or median otherwise. Categorical data were described using absolute frequencies and percentages. For comparison, either independent t-tests or Mann–Whitney U tests or chi² tests were assessed. The staff received expert training on how to measure blood pressure in a guideline-compliant way. All members signed the written and informed consent and received a questionnaire about their demographic data and cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Of the 193 participants in this study, 56.5% (109/193) were female and 43.5% (84/193) were male. The mean age was 54 ± 15.1 years. In the automatically measured office blood pressure (AOBP) measurement, the mean systolic BP was 137.1 ± 17.8 and the mean diastolic BP was 91.6 ± 11.2. Of all participants, 65.8% (127/193) were hypertensive, whereof 74.8% (95/127) had no treatment at all. Among 127 individuals evaluated, 63% (80/127) were unaware of their elevated blood pressure levels, while 28% (44/127) had a prior diagnosis of HTN. The control rate of the individuals with previously diagnosed HTN was very low, with only 18.5% [10.4; 30.9] reaching normotensive values in the current measurement. There was no difference in BP values of patients with previously diagnosed HTN and patients who were unaware of their disease. Antihypertensive treatment was being received by 20.2% (39/193), while 62.2% had not taken their prescribed blood pressure medication on the day of recruitment. Conclusions: This is the first Austrian study to show that screening for HTN in an unconventional non-medical setting is effective to diagnose HTN and raise awareness. Based on the even-higher-than-expected prevalence of HTN, we plan to conduct a cohort study in Vienna, inviting all hairdressers in socially deprived districts to act as gate openers for hypertensive subjects to raise awareness and to contact a regional GP for provision of medical care. An implementation of such a cost-effective and feasible disease management program in Austria might therefore reduce the burden of preventable cardiovascular events associated with HTN. Full article

Background: Decision-making under risk is a crucial process for undertaking health behaviors. Although the influence of individual differences on decision-making under risk has been widely examined, there is no clear consensus yet as to how to explain this process considering both young and older adults. The main aim of this preliminary study was to examine age differences in decision-making under risk, risk propensity, sensation-seeking, and self-conscious emotions between younger and older adults. Methods: A total of 40 subjects (20 young adults and 20 older adults) participated in the present study. The young adults were aged 18–35 years (M = 23.25, SD = 2.59). The older adults were aged 65–70 years (M = 68.50, SD = 4.01). Participants completed the Risk Propensity Scale, the Sensation-Seeking Scale, the Test of Self-Conscious Affect, and the Prisoner’s Dilemma Game. Results: The results indicated that the groups showed different behaviors in sensation-seeking (p < 0.001, pη2 = 0.14). The older group showed a larger propensity to seek recreational activities and unconventional behaviors than the younger group (p < 0.0001, d = 0.78; p = 0.001, d = 0.75). Also, the older adults demonstrated a greater inclination toward pride (p < 0.01, d = 0.78), whereas younger adults exhibited a stronger tendency towards shame (p < 0.01, d = 0.76). Conclusions: These data suggest a shift in risk preferences as individuals age, potentially influenced by a variety of psychological, social, and experiential factors. The applications of this study can support psychological well-being, productivity, and quality of life in later adulthood. Full article

Transportation infrastructure systems sit at the nexus of urban economic development and emission mitigation. The primary objective is to identify and quantify the key factors influencing CI, with a focus on both the conventional and emerging indicators through an innovative MLP neural network developed using the data of 20 Chinese transportation enterprises that have a business focus on the construction and operation sector from 2018 to 2022. The hypothesis is that integrating unconventional indicators—such as business model entropy and green revenue share—alongside traditional metrics can significantly enhance the predictive accuracy for CI. The results show that business model entropy explains 42.6% of carbon intensity (Cl) variability through green revenue diversification pathways, while emissions trading system (ETS) exposure accounts for 51.83% of decarbonization outcomes via price-signaling effects. The analysis reveals that a critical operational threshold–renewable energy capacity below 75% fails to significantly reduce Cl, and capex/revenue ratios exceeding 73.58% indicate carbon lock-in risks. These findings enable policymakers to prioritize industries with sub-75% renewable adoption while targeting capex-intensive sectors for circular economy interventions. The novelty of this work lies in the application of advanced machine-learning techniques to a comprehensive, multi-source dataset, enabling a nuanced analysis of CI drivers and offering actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders aiming to decarbonize transport infrastructure. Full article

The widespread application of horizontal drilling technology has significantly enhanced the development efficiency of unconventional resources, particularly shale gas, by overcoming key technical challenges in reservoir exploitation. However, wellbore instability remains a critical challenge during shale gas horizontal drilling, as borehole wall collapse often results in the accumulation of large-sized cuttings (or blocky cuttings), increasing the risk of stuck pipe incidents. In this study, a large-scale circulating loop experimental system was developed to investigate the hydrodynamic behavior of blocky cuttings transport under the influence of multiple factors, including rate of penetration (ROP), well inclination, flow rate, drilling fluid rheology, and block size. The experimental results reveal that when ROP exceeds 15 m/h, the annular solid-phase concentration increases non-linearly. At a well inclination of 60°, the axial and radial components of gravitational force reach a dynamic equilibrium, resulting in the maximum cuttings bed height. To enhance cuttings transport efficiency and mitigate deposition, a minimum flow rate of 35 L/s and a drill pipe rotation speed of 90 rpm are required to maintain sufficient turbulence in the annulus. Drilling fluid plastic viscosity (PV) in the range of 65–75 mPa·s optimizes suspension efficiency while minimizing circulating pressure loss. Additionally, increasing fluid density enhances the transport efficiency of large blocky cuttings. A drill pipe rotation speed of 80 rpm is recommended to prevent the formation of sand-wave-like cuttings beds. These findings provide valuable hydrodynamic insights and practical guidelines for optimizing hole-cleaning strategies, ensuring safer and more efficient drilling operations in shale gas horizontal wells. Full article

Objectives: The present study was conducted to examine the cross-sectional associations between the dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and cardiometabolic risk factors in a large sample of Italian community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Longevity Check-up 8+ (Lookup 8+) is an ongoing project that started in June 2015. The project is conducted in unconventional settings (e.g., exhibitions, malls, and health promotion campaigns) across Italy with the aim of fostering the adoption of healthy lifestyles in the general population. For the present study, participants were eligible if they were 65+ years and provided written informed consent. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and blood glucose and cholesterol levels were assessed. A 12-item food frequency questionary was used to estimate the dietary intake of PUFAs, which included omega-3 (α-linolenic acid [ALA], eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) and omega-6 fatty acids. Results: Data of 4461 older adults (♀56%, mean age: 72.9 years, mean body mass index [BMI]: 26.1 kg/m², blood glucose: 109 mg/dL, total blood cholesterol: 198.5 mg/dL, ALA: 8.8%, EPA: 16.0%, and DHA: 26.1%) were cross-sectionally analyzed. Multilinear regression results indicated that a high consumption of EPA, DHA, and DHA+EPA was negatively and significantly associated with glucose levels. Furthermore, binary regression analysis indicated that the dietary intake of ALA and omega-6 PUFAs was inversely and significantly associated with the prevalence of diabetes. In contrast, BMI values were positively associated with ALA and omega-6 PUFAs, and negatively with the consumption of EPA and DHA+EPA. Conclusions: Findings of the present study indicate that the dietary intake of PUFAs was cross-sectionally, inversely, and significantly associated with blood glucose levels and the prevalence of diabetes in a large sample of Italian community-dwelling older adults. Full article

Background/Objectives: The ongoing avian influenza (H5N1) outbreak, one of the most widespread and persistent in recent history, has significantly impacted public health and the poultry and dairy cattle industries. This review covers lessons from past outbreaks, risk factors for transmission, molecular epidemiology, clinical features, surveillance strategies, and socioeconomic impacts. Since 1997, H5N1 has infected over 900 individuals globally, with a fatality rate exceeding 50%. Key factors influencing infection rates include demographic, socioeconomic, environmental, and ecological variables. The virus’s potential for sustained human-to-human transmission remains a concern. The current outbreak, marked by new viral clades, has complicated containment efforts. Methods: This review discusses how to integrate technological advances, such as mathematical modeling and artificial intelligence (AI), to improve forecasting, hotspot detection, and early warning systems. Results: We provide inventories of data sources, covering both conventional and unconventional data streams, as well as those of mathematical and AI models, which can be vital for comprehensive surveillance and outbreak responses. Conclusion: In conclusion, integrating AI, mathematical models, and technological innovations into a One-Health approach is essential for improving surveillance, forecasting, and response strategies to mitigate the impacts of the ongoing avian influenza outbreak. Strengthening international collaboration and biosecurity measures will be pivotal in controlling future outbreaks and protecting both human and animal populations from this evolving global threat. Full article

With the development of unconventional natural gas resources, plunger gas lift technology has gained widespread application. Accurately predicting gas production from unconventional gas reservoirs is a crucial step in evaluating the effectiveness of plunger gas lift technology and optimizing its design. However, most existing prediction methods are mechanism-driven, incorporating numerous assumptions and simplifications that make it challenging to fully capture the complex physical processes involved in plunger gas lift technology, ultimately leading to significant errors in capacity prediction. Furthermore, engineering design factors and production system factors associated with plunger gas lift technology can contribute to substantial deviations in gas production forecasts. This study employs three powerful regression algorithms, XGBoost, Random Forest, and SVR, to predict gas production in plunger gas lift wells. This method comprehensively leverages various types of data, including collected engineering design, production system, and production data, directly extracting the underlying patterns within the data through machine learning algorithms to establish a prediction model for gas production in plunger gas lift wells. Among these, the XGBoost algorithm stands out due to its robustness and numerous advantages, such as high accuracy, ability to effectively handle outliers, and reduced risk of overfitting. The results indicate that the XGBoost algorithm exhibits impressive performance, achieving an R² (coefficient of determination) value of 0.87 for six-fold cross-validation and 0.85 for the test set. Furthermore, to address the “black box” problem (the inability to know the internal working structure and workings of the model and to directly understand the decision-making process), which is commonly associated with conventional machine learning models, the SHAP (Shapley additive explanations) method was utilized to globally and locally interpret the established machine learning model, analyze the main factors (such as starting time of wells, gas–liquid ratio, catcher well inclination angle, etc.) influencing gas production, and enhance the credibility and transparency of the model. Taking plunger gas lift wells in southwest China as an example, the effectiveness and practicality of this method are demonstrated, providing reliable data support for shale gas production prediction, and offering valuable guidance for actual on-site production. Full article

The adaptive response occurs only after 7–10 days of antigen presentation. Nevertheless, the autoreactive T cells infiltrate the stroke lesion within the first 48 h. Thus, we hypothesized that the unconventional lymphocytes as invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT) and γδT cells that share immediate innate and delayed adaptive response features are involved in acute stroke pathophysiology. We assessed prospectively the quantity of circulating iNKT cells, γδT cells, and NK cells with flow cytometry in 52 subjects within three months after stroke, and we compared the results with those obtained in age-, sex-, and vascular risk factor-matched controls. We studied lymphocyte parameters regarding clinical outcomes, infarct volume, stroke-associated infection (SAI), and burden risk factors. The reduced number of circulating γδT cells and decreased percentage of the Vδ2 subset in the acute phase of stroke correlated with worse neurological status in the recovery phase. In subjects treated with thrombolysis and those who developed SAI, a lower percentage of γδT cells in the 90-day follow-up was observed. An increased percentage of iNKT cells in the acute and subacute phases of stroke was observed, and it was related to the worse clinical status. The circulating NK cells do not change temporarily or affect the outcomes after stroke. It seems that γδT cells play a long-lasting role in ischemic stroke, mainly related to the Vδ2 subset. The role of iNKT cells appears to be detrimental, especially in the acute and subacute phases of stroke. The effect of circulating NK cells on the outcome after stroke seems negligible. Full article

Not only is solving freshwater resource shortages effective but also an important measure for realizing the sustainable development of agriculture through the development and use of unconventional water resources. This pot experiment investigated the role of exogenous silicon in the risk of secondary soil salinization and the growth physiology of Lvxiu pakchoi cabbage under irrigation by using brackish water alone (BW), reclaimed water alone (RW), and compound irrigation with brackish water and reclaimed water at a ratio of 1:1, as well as the distribution of silicon in a soil–crop system. The results showed that with the extension of the spraying period of silicon fertilizer, the electrical conductivity (EC) decreased under 1:1 compound irrigation. The pH values in all treatments ranged from 7.95 to 8.10 without a potential risk of alkalization. Spraying silicon fertilizer had a positive effect on increasing the ratio of exchangeable potassium to sodium in soil. Spraying silicon fertilizer significantly reduced the percentage of exchangeable sodium (ESP) and the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) in soils irrigated using BW, and increased the soil ESP and SAR under compound irrigation and RW irrigation, but these factors did not exceed the threshold of soil salinization. The proper application of silicon fertilizer had no significant effect on the total silicon content in the soil but increased the total silicon content in the plants to some extent. In addition, the yield was improved through proper silicon fertilizer application. In summary, exogenous silicon has positive effects on soil physical and chemical properties and crop growth, and relieves secondary salinization risk under compound irrigation via brackish water and reclaimed water. Full article

Irrigators are increasingly challenged to maintain or even increase production using less water, sometimes of poorer quality, and often from unconventional sources. This paper describes the main features of a newly developed software-based Decision Support System (DSS), with which the fitness for use (FFU) of water for irrigation (IrrigWQ) can be assessed. The assessment considers site-specific factors, several non-traditional water constituents, and the risk of negative effects. The water balance components of a cropping system and the redistribution of solutes within a soil profile are assessed with a simplified soil water balance and chemistry model. User-friendly, colour-coded output highlights the expected effects of water constituents on soil quality, crop yield and quality, and irrigation infrastructure. Because IrrigWQ uses mainly internationally accepted cause–effect relationships to assess the effect of water quality constituents, it is expected to find universal acceptance and application among users. IrrigWQ also caters for calculating so-called Water Quality Requirements (WQRs). WQRs indicate the threshold levels of water quality constituents for irrigation at specified levels of acceptability or risk. WQRs assist water resource managers in setting site-specific maximum threshold levels of water quality constituents that can be tolerated in a water source before impacting negatively on successful irrigation. Full article

In a globally interconnected economy marked by volatility, this study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to examine financial contagion’s impact on Romania’s financial stability. It investigates both conventional and unconventional channels through which financial contagion is transmitted, emphasizing its sensitivity to factors such as geopolitical events and investor sentiment. The study also assesses the influence of unemployment, market capitalization, and financial freedom on Romania’s Human Development Index (HDI) from 2000 to 2022. Using HDI, which encompasses health and education alongside economic aspects, the research provides a holistic view of well-being and quality of life. In addition to the ARDL model’s insights, this study expands its scope by conducting a multilinear regression analysis, with GDP as the dependent variable. We have incorporated independent variables such as HDI, transaction volume, and the BET-FI index to comprehensively assess their relationships and potential impact on Romania’s economic growth. This analytical approach unveils intricate connections between key economic and financial indicators, paving the way for a deeper understanding of how these variables interact. Furthermore, to shed light on the financial dynamics within Romania, a supplementary analysis in the Altreva Adaptive Modeler was undertaken, focusing on the BET-FI index. This software-based exploration provides a nuanced perspective on the index’s behavior and its interactions with other economic and social indicators. This additional dimension contributes to our holistic understanding of the effects of financial contagion and the implications for sustainable human development in Romania. By combining traditional econometric methodologies with cutting-edge modeling techniques, this study strives to offer a robust framework for comprehending the multifaceted nature of financial contagion and its implications for both the national economy and well-being. These findings have the potential to guide policymakers and financial institutions in implementing more effective risk management strategies, driving economic development, and ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life in Romania. Full article

Shale oil represents a relatively new form of unconventional oil and gas resource, and the extensive exploration and development of shale oil resources carry significant implications for China’s oil and gas supply and demand dynamics. At present, within the realm of low-maturity shale oil extraction technologies, the reservoir must be subjected to elevated temperatures ranging between 400 to 60 °C. Prolonged exposure of wellbores to such high temperatures can result in a substantial decrease in cement strength, the formation of microcracks due to cement cracking, and damage stemming from thermal stresses on the casing. Casing damage stands out as a prominent factor contributing to wellbore integrity failures and well shutdowns within the context of shale oil development. Given the limited natural energy reservoirs of shale oil formations, it becomes necessary to supplement the reservoir’s energy during the development process. Furthermore, shale oil exhibits high viscosity and poor flowability, and conventional water injection methods yield limited efficacy. This situation can induce significant shifts in the stress field and rock mechanical parameters, potentially activating specific formations and complicating the load dynamics on the casing. Consequently, the risk of failure increases. In light of these considerations, this study uses numerical simulations to study the integrity of high-temperature injection and production wellbores in shale oil and aims to encompass a comprehensive evaluation and analysis of the principal factors that influence casing damage, the fluctuations in thermal stress, and the yield strength of various steel grades of casings exposed to alternating stress conditions. Subsequently, this paper developed a model for simulating the temperature and pressure within shale oil and steam injection wellbores to support engineering design analysis. The research results indicate that the application of pre-stress results in a significant increase in stress at the casing pipe head while causing a noticeable decrease in stress within the pipe wall. When N80 casing is used, the entire casing experiences thermal stresses surpassing the casing’s yield limit. Stress concentration may arise at both ends of the external seal, potentially leading to casing contraction, shear failure, and, under non-uniform stress conditions, casing bending deformation. The temperature of steam injection significantly influences the temperature field of the casing wall, with stress values experiencing a marked reduction when the steam injection temperature decreases from 350 °C to 200 °C, underscoring the substantial impact of temperature on casing thermal stress. As the steam injection process advances along with injection-production cycles, shear stresses at the interface can exceed the bond strength, resulting in relative slippage between the cement and the casing. The bonding force between the wellbore and the cement primarily depends on the interface’s friction, particularly in the context of friction during wellhead lifting. This study endeavors to determine rational injection and production parameters under varying conditions, optimize completion methods, reduce casing damage, and extend the casing’s operational life; it aims to offer critical technical support for the safe and efficient development of shale oil resources. Full article

Current trends in the transportation industry prioritize competitive rivalry, compelling manufacturers to prioritize concepts such as quality and reliability. These concepts are closely associated with public expectations of safety, vehicle lifespan, and trouble-free operation. However, the public must recognize that a vehicle weighing several hundred kilograms, moving at a non-zero speed, only contacts the road surface through a few points (depending on the number of wheels), each no larger than a human palm. Therefore, it is imperative to operate the vehicle in a manner that optimizes the behavior of these contact points. There are situations where drivers find themselves requiring dynamic vehicle handling, often unpredictable with a high degree of uncertainty. Rapid changes in direction become necessary in these cases. Such maneuvers can pose a significant risk of rollover for three-wheeled vehicles. Hence, the vehicle itself should contribute to increased ride safety. This paper presents key findings from the development of an unconventional three-wheeled vehicle utilizing the delta arrangement. Rollover safety for three-wheeled vehicles is currently well-managed, thanks to the utilization of electronic or mechatronic systems in delta-type vehicles to enhance stability. However, these systems require additional components. In contrast, the proposed control system operates solely on a mechanical principle, eliminating operational costs, energy consumption, maintenance expenses, and similar factors. The study also explores the absence of equivalent suspension and steering systems for front-wheel steering. Such designs are lacking in both practical applications and theoretical realms. Analytical and simulation calculations are compared in this study, highlighting the effectiveness of the newly proposed control system in enhancing stability and safety compared to conventional front-wheel suspension systems. Simulation programs provide more realistic results than analytical calculations due to their ability to account for dynamic effects on vehicle components and passengers, which is practically unfeasible in analytical approaches. Furthermore, this study focuses on investigating the fatigue life of material frames subjected to dynamic loading, which is a crucial aspect of ensuring safety. It is essential to have various testing devices to examine the fatigue life of materials under both uniaxial and multiaxial loading conditions. However, obtaining experimental results for fatigue life measurements of specific materials, which can be directly applied to one’s research, poses significant challenges. Hence, the proposed testing device plays a vital role in measuring material fatigue life and advancing the development of unconventional transportation methods. The information about the original testing device aligns perfectly with the article’s emphasis on dynamic analysis. The ultimate objective of all these efforts is to put the vehicle into practical operation for commercial utilization. Full article

The problem of casing deformation caused by large-scale hydraulic fracturing in shale oil wells severely restricts the efficient development of Gulong shale oil. In order to clarify the mechanism of casing deformation in shale oil wells, comprehensive analysis was conducted on engineering factors, multi-arm caliper logging, seismic attributes, and the distribution characteristics of casing deformations. This study shows that casing strength, cementing quality, and wellbore curvature are not the main controlling factors for casing deformation. Casing deformation is caused by the communication between hydraulic fractures and natural fractures during the fracturing process, which increases the fluid pressure in the natural fracture and induces shear slip, resulting in casing deformation due to shear stress. Based on the understanding of the mechanism of casing deformation in shale oil wells, two targeted casing deformation prevention and control methods are proposed. First, temporary plugging was implemented during the hydraulic fracturing process when the fluid volume reached 1000 m³, and the pumping rate was reduced to below 16 m³/min to reduce the internal fluid pressure of the fractures and control fracture slip, thereby minimizing the risk of casing deformation. Second, hollow particles were added to the cement to enhance the consolidation effect of the cement sheath and mitigate casing deformation caused by fracture slip. Research indicates that a hollow particle content of 15% can meet the requirements for casing deformation control in Gulong shale oil. These research results can provide important references for the prediction and prevention of casing deformation risks in shale oil and similar unconventional reservoirs during hydraulic fracturing. Full article

The work environment is a factor that can significantly influence the composition and functionality of the gut microbiota of workers, in many cases leading to gut dysbiosis that will result in serious health problems. The aim of this paper was to provide a compilation of the different studies that have examined the influence of jobs with unconventional work schedules and environments on the gut microbiota of workers performing such work. As a possible solution, probiotic supplements, via modulation of the gut microbiota, can moderate the effects of sleep disturbance on the immune system, as well as restore the dysbiosis produced. Rotating shift work has been found to be associated with an increase in the risk of various metabolic diseases, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Sleep disturbance or lack of sleep due to night work is also associated with metabolic diseases. In addition, sleep disturbance induces a stress response, both physiologically and psychologically, and disrupts the healthy functioning of the gut microbiota, thus triggering an inflammatory state. Other workers, including military, healthcare, or metallurgy workers, as well as livestock farmers or long-travel seamen, work in environments and schedules that can significantly affect their gut microbiota. Full article