Joint International Research Articles

Successful ACL repair by dynamic intraligamentary stabilisation is non-inferior in functional performance and worse in proprioception compared to healthy controls in a case-matched study.

The primary aim of this study was to assess non-inferiority in functional performance of the knee after dynamic intraligamentary stabilisation (DIS) surgery at a minimal follow-up of 1 year compared to healthy controls, based on limb symmetry index (LSI) of the single leg hop test (SLH). Additionally, functional performance based on the single leg triple hop test (SLTH) and side hop test (SH), proprioception and subjective outcome were evaluated. A total of 45 DIS patients were 1-to-1 matched to a healthy control. Functional performance was evaluated by LSI and absolute values on the SLH, SLTH and SH. Proprioception was assessed by joint position sense (JPS) test and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were obtained. Non-inferiority in functional performance after DIS compared to healthy controls was confirmed based on the mean LSI of the SLH and SLTH (97.6% vs. 99.6% and 97.5% vs. 100.6%, respectively) and non-confirmed on the SH (98.8% vs. 100.0%, respectively). No significant differences were found in absolute value of the SLH and SLTH and a significantly higher absolute value of the SH was found in the DIS group (p = 0.01). JPS absolute angular error was significantly higher in the DIS group compared to the control group (p = 0.01). The median IKDC score of the DIS group was significantly lower (92, IQR 85-95) than the control group (100, IQR 99-100), p < 0.001. In conclusion, functional performance after DIS was confirmed non-inferior compared to healthy controls based on the SLH and SLTH, although non-confirmed on the SH. Level III.

Preface

The 2023 Joint Cryogenic Engineering Conference (CEC) and International Cryogenic Materials Conference (ICMC) were held from July 9 through July 13 at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. As at past conferences, the international scope of these meetings was strongly maintained with 19 countries being represented by 555 attendees who gathered to enjoy the joint technical programs and industrial exhibits. In total, 213 papers were submitted for publication of which 207 are published in these conference proceedings.The program for the joint conferences included a total of 494 presentations organized into 110 sessions - plenary, oral and posters, as well as awards presentations. Five plenary talks gave interesting in-depth updates and overviews on exciting topics: Amanda Simpson (Airbus Americas) discussed the Airbus hydrogen aircraft development plans in “Airbus: A Discussion About the Use of Cryogenic Hydrogen for Aviation Propulsion”, An overview of the history and recent developments in high temperature superconductors was given by Paul C. W. Chu (University of Houston) in “From High-temperature Superconductivity to Room-temperature Superconductivity: From Ambient Pressure to Very High Pressure”, Suhas Bhandarkar (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory) presented an overview of Lawrence Livermore National Lab’s net positive energy fusion demonstration and the detailed development and operations of the hydrogen fuel in “Overview of the Fabrication of Cryogenic Hydrogen Fuel Ice Layer for Nuclear Fusion Ignition Experiments”, an overview of the developments ongoing at Robinson Research Institute for the development of electric aircraft was given by Rodney Badcock (Robinson Research Institute) in “Electric Aircraft: Solving the Key Materials and Engineering Challenges to Manufacture a Complete Electrical Propulsion System”, and a discussion on the cryogenic requirements and needs for the development of quantum computers was given by Nicholas Masluk (IBM) in “Cryogenic Infrastructure for 400 Qubits and Beyond”. The attendees also convened for two special Joint CEC-ICMC sessions organized: i) Liquid Hydrogen for Large-Scale Vehicles and ii) Superconducting Quantum Systems. Special sessions, two of them with panel discussions, were included in the programming emphasizing high-quality invited talks on seven different topics: Electromechanical Behaviors of HTS Coated Conductors for Applications, Topological Materials for Electronics, High Strength Materials, High Field Superconducting Materials for Accelerator Magnets, Low Temperature Materials Database A - Superconductors, Low Temperature Materials Database B - Functional & Structural Materials, Cryogenic Clean Energy and Mobility, and Orbital Flight Demonstrations of Cryogenic Fluid Management. A large Transportation Symposium consisting of 5 sessions and 26 talks with topics ranging from government funding perspectives, power electronics, cables, motors, and generators to system level studies was also held at CEC/ICMC’23. Contributed papers covered a wide range of topics including many aspects and advances in cryogenics and superconductors, along with their applications.Both CEC and ICMC boards are encouraging student participation, education, and career growth. It was very exciting and rewarding to have 77 students register for the conference this year. And 36 of the students received sponsorship of the registration fees. The strong session attendance was exciting and very positive and made the conference a more rewarding experience for the presenters and attendees.The CEC/ICMC Cryo Industrial Expo displayed the products and services of 31 industrial exhibitors and provided a congenial venue for a reception and refreshments throughout the week as well as for the conference poster sessions.Conference Chairs for 2023 were Wesley Johnson from the NASA Glenn Research Center for CEC and Sonja Schlachter from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology for ICMC. The CEC Program Chair was Jacob Leachman from the Washington State University with CEC Program Vice Chair, Ram Dhuley, from the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the ICMC Program co-chairs were Klaus-Peter Weiss from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Judy Wu from the University of Kansas. The Exhibit Chair was Austin Capers of Scientific Instruments, Inc. who also served as Publicity and Sponsorship Chair. Finally, the Awards Chairs were Peter Kittel, Consultant, for CEC and Eric Hellstrom from the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory at Florida State University for ICMC. Michael Sumption, ICMC Board President and Peter Bradley, CEC Board President greatly participated in the conference development as part of the leadership team.

Preface

The 2023 Joint Cryogenic Engineering Conference (CEC) and International Cryogenic Materials Conference (ICMC) were held from July 9 through July 13 at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. As at past conferences, the international scope of these meetings was strongly maintained with 19 countries being represented by 555 attendees who gathered to enjoy the joint technical programs and industrial exhibits. In total, 213 papers were submitted for publication of which 207 are published in these conference proceedings.The program for the joint conferences included a total of 494 presentations organized into 110 sessions - plenary, oral and posters, as well as awards presentations. Five plenary talks gave interesting in-depth updates and overviews on exciting topics: Amanda Simpson (Airbus Americas) discussed the Airbus hydrogen aircraft development plans in “Airbus: A Discussion About the Use of Cryogenic Hydrogen for Aviation Propulsion”, An overview of the history and recent developments in high temperature superconductors was given by Paul C. W. Chu (University of Houston) in “From High-temperature Superconductivity to Room-temperature Superconductivity: From Ambient Pressure to Very High Pressure”, Suhas Bhandarkar (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory) presented an overview of Lawrence Livermore National Lab’s net positive energy fusion demonstration and the detailed development and operations of the hydrogen fuel in “Overview of the Fabrication of Cryogenic Hydrogen Fuel Ice Layer for Nuclear Fusion Ignition Experiments”, an overview of the developments ongoing at Robinson Research Institute for the development of electric aircraft was given by Rodney Badcock (Robinson Research Institute) in “Electric Aircraft: Solving the Key Materials and Engineering Challenges to Manufacture a Complete Electrical Propulsion System”, and a discussion on the cryogenic requirements and needs for the development of quantum computers was given by Nicholas Masluk (IBM) in “Cryogenic Infrastructure for 400 Qubits and Beyond”. The attendees also convened for two special Joint CEC-ICMC sessions organized: i) Liquid Hydrogen for Large-Scale Vehicles and ii) Superconducting Quantum Systems. Special sessions, two of them with panel discussions, were included in the programming emphasizing high-quality invited talks on seven different topics: Electromechanical Behaviors of HTS Coated Conductors for Applications, Topological Materials for Electronics, High Strength Materials, High Field Superconducting Materials for Accelerator Magnets, Low Temperature Materials Database A - Superconductors, Low Temperature Materials Database B - Functional & Structural Materials, Cryogenic Clean Energy and Mobility, and Orbital Flight Demonstrations of Cryogenic Fluid Management. A large Transportation Symposium consisting of 5 sessions and 26 talks with topics ranging from government funding perspectives, power electronics, cables, motors, and generators to system level studies was also held at CEC/ICMC’23. Contributed papers covered a wide range of topics including many aspects and advances in cryogenics and superconductors, along with their applications.Both CEC and ICMC boards are encouraging student participation, education, and career growth. It was very exciting and rewarding to have 77 students register for the conference this year. And 36 of the students received sponsorship of the registration fees. The strong session attendance was exciting and very positive and made the conference a more rewarding experience for the presenters and attendees.The CEC/ICMC Cryo Industrial Expo displayed the products and services of 31 industrial exhibitors and provided a congenial venue for a reception and refreshments throughout the week as well as for the conference poster sessions.Conference Chairs for 2023 were Wesley Johnson from the NASA Glenn Research Center for CEC and Sonja Schlachter from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology for ICMC. The CEC Program Chair was Jacob Leachman from the Washington State University with CEC Program Vice Chair, Ram Dhuley, from the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the ICMC Program co-chairs were Klaus-Peter Weiss from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Judy Wu from the University of Kansas. The Exhibit Chair was Austin Capers of Scientific Instruments, Inc. who also served as Publicity and Sponsorship Chair. Finally, the Awards Chairs were Peter Kittel, Consultant, for CEC and Eric Hellstrom from the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory at Florida State University for ICMC. Michael Sumption, ICMC Board President and Peter Bradley, CEC Board President greatly participated in the conference development as part of the leadership team.

Abstracts of the Joint International Symposia "Vitamin D in Prevention and Therapy" and "Biologic Effects of Light".

Abstracts of the Joint International Symposia "Vitamin D in Prevention and Therapy" and "Biologic Effects of Light".

Analysis of the 50 Most Impactful Publications Pertaining to COVID-19 and Orthopaedic Surgery: What Have we Learned?

Purpose There has been abundant research published regarding the impact of COVID-19 on orthopaedic surgical patients which have varying degrees of impact on clinical practice. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the most influential articles relating to COVID-19 and patients undergoing orthopaedic surgical procedures. Though the global pandemic is over, it is beneficial to understand how the resilience of the healthcare system adapted to guide policy development and improve patient care amidst a worldwide time of crisis. Methods The Clarivate Web of Science Core Collection was searched for ‘COVID-19 AND orthopaedic surgery’ and returned 388 articles. The most influential peer-reviewed publications were determined by citation number. Expert opinion and review articles were excluded. Article title, journal name, type of study, country of publication, and clinically relevant findings of each study were collected. Results The top-50 most influential manuscripts concluded these articles were collectively cited 1875 times. The total citations ranged from 13 to 111 citations per article with a mean of 38 (95% confidence interval [31, 44]). England (14), the United States (11), and Italy (10) had the top number of publications. The top affiliations were IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi (5) and the University of London (4). The most popular journals were Bone &amp; Joint Open (10) and International Orthopaedics (10). Though the articles were largely heterogeneous, they described the necessity of orthopaedic surgeons during the pandemic as well as safety precautions to prevent COVID-19 transmission in orthopaedic patients. Conclusion This comprehensive analysis identified the 50 most influential peer-reviewed clinical publications regarding COVID-19 and orthopaedic surgery, which is a concise resource that can be used to inform patient decision-making regarding orthopaedic care and COVID-19. The top-50 articles highlighted the importance of resource utilization, increased use of telemedicine, enhanced infection control measures, patient-centered care, and the well-being of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Proceedings of the 28th Annual Congress of the International Liver Transplantation Society.

The 2023 Joint International Congress of the International Liver Transplantation Society (ILTS), the European Liver and Intestine Transplant Association (ELITA), and the Liver Intensive Care Group of Europe (LICAGE) held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, marked a significant recovery milestone for the liver transplant community after COVID-19. With 1159 participants and a surge in abstract submissions, the event focused on "Liver Disorders and Transplantation: Innovations and Evolving Indications." This conference report provides a comprehensive overview of the key themes discussed during the event, encompassing Hepatology, Anesthesia and Critical Care, Acute Liver Failure, Infectious Disease, Immunosuppression, Pediatric Liver Transplantation, Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Transplant Oncology, Surgical Approaches, and Machine Perfusion. The congress provided a platform for extensive discussions on a wide range of topics, reflecting the continuous advancements and collaborative efforts within the liver transplant community.

The Future of Return of the African Artefacts: A Review of African Union (AU) Vision 2063 on Africa with a Strong Cultural Identity Common Heritage, Values and Ethics

The successful return of African artefacts was absolutely echoed by the later Zairian President, Kukugbedu Zambanga Seseseko Mobuto, at the United Nations in New York. The parliaments' legislation, enactment of the national laws, and mutual agreement treaties in the joint International Council of Museums (ICOM) were implemented at a slow pace across Africa. The paper reviews discourse on "Africa with a Strong Cultural Identity Common Heritage, Values and Ethics" since unveiling the African Union (AU) Vision 2063 in the year 2021. It aims to unravel some issues that affect the return of African artefacts and its way forward. The paper has employed qualitative research design and historical methodologies. It has explored the desktop research framework by reviewing related literature on the restitution or return of African artefacts and formulation of the Africa Union's Vision 2063. The paper has analysed the experts' voices, reviewed relayed literature, and formulated government policies on the return of African art. It has randomly looked at some of the few African countries, such as the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of Kenya, among others, as examples. The paper is cognisant that the artefacts that were returned and preserved at various local sites of Kenya and African Heritage Houses such as the Murumbi Collection, Koitalel Arap Samoei Museum, and Alan Donovan House of Heritage. It applauds the candid documentation done by the African governments through social media on African culture, arts, and heritage in modern times. The paper concludes by alluding that African leaders should champion the bringing back of remaining African artefacts still held in other countries

Methodology and Results of a Joint IFSO-WGO Delphi Survey of 94 Intercontinental, Interdisciplinary Experts in Obesity Management

BackgroundObesity affects 1.5 billion people worldwide, yet few are treated effectively and considerable variability exists in its management. In 2020, a joint International Federation of Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases (IFSO) and World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) advisory committee initiated the drafting of consensus guidelines on obesity management, to be based on detailed literature reviews and the results of an extensive multi-disciplinary survey of intercontinental experts. This paper reports on the latter. The objective of this study is to identify areas of consensus and non-consensus among intercontinental, inter-disciplinary experts in obesity management.MethodsGuided by an international consensus-survey expert, a three-round online Delphi survey was conducted in the summer of 2021 of international obesity-management experts spanning the fields of medicine, bariatric endoscopy and surgery, psychology, and nutrition. Issues like epidemiology and risk factors, patient selection for metabolic and bariatric surgery (ASMBS-Clinical-Issues-Committee, Surg Obes Relat Dis : Off J Am Soc Bariatric Surg. 8:e27-32, 1), psychological issues, patient preparation for MBS, bariatric endoscopy, and outcomes and follow-up were addressed.ResultsNinety-four experts from six continents voted on 180 statements, with consensus reached on 158, including consensus agreement with 96 and disagreement with 24 statements (38 had other response options besides agree/disagree). Among unanimous opinions were the need for all medical societies to work together to address obesity, for regular regional and national obesity surveillance, for multi-disciplinary management, to recognize the increasing impact of childhood and adolescent obesity, to accept some weight regain as normal after MBS, and for life-long follow-up of MBS patients.ConclusionsObesity is a major health issue that requires aggressive surveillance and thoughtful multidisciplinary management.

Abstracts of Oral Presentations and Poster Presentations: The Sri Lanka Surgical Congress 2023 52&lt;sup&gt;nd&lt;/sup&gt; Annual Academic Sessions of the College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka and Joint International Conference with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the SAARC Surgical Care Society; September 14&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; - 16&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; 2023, Colombo, Sri Lanka

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The rationale for the development and publication of the World Health Organization reporting systems for cytopathology and a brief overview of the first editions of the lung and pancreaticobiliary systems.

The International Academy of Cytology has joined with the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop international systems for reporting the cytopathology of lung, pancreas and biliary tract, lymph nodes, soft tissue, liver, breast, and kidney and adrenal gland. The WHO recently published the reporting systems for lung and pancreaticobiliary cytopathology. The objectives of this collaboration are to standardize the reporting of cytopathology; improve the quality of reporting by establishing the key diagnostic cytopathological features of entities and neoplasms; provide detailed best-practice guidelines in sampling techniques, specimen handling and processing, and the use of ancillary techniques; and facilitate communication between cytopathologists and clinicians to improve patient care. Each WHO system has defined specific categories and terminology for reporting cytopathology, and each category has an estimated risk of malignancy as far as the current literature allows and a suggested diagnostic management algorithm to assist clinicians. The WHO systems recognize that local medical and pathology infrastructure will vary, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries, and the WHO systems and their diagnostic management recommendations have been developed to allow them to be applied worldwide in all resource settings. The process of the selection of editors and authors and the writing and editing responsibilities has used the same model as that used for the fifth edition WHO Classification of Tumours, to which the WHO cytopathology systems are directly linked. This review provides the rationale and history of this joint International Academy of Cytology, International Agency for Research on Cancer, and WHO cytopathology project and a brief overview of the WHO reporting systems for lung and pancreaticobiliary cytopathology.

ILTS 2023 Joint International Congress of ILTS, ELITA and LICAGE, May 3-6, 2023.

ILTS 2023 Joint International Congress of ILTS, ELITA and LICAGE, May 3-6, 2023.

Special Issue on the 2022 JSME-IIP/ASME-ISPS Joint International Conference on Micromechatronics for Information and Precision Equipment (MIPE 2022)

Special Issue on the 2022 JSME-IIP/ASME-ISPS Joint International Conference on Micromechatronics for Information and Precision Equipment (MIPE 2022)

IADC Code Upgrade: Interpretation of Surface and Downhole Data to Support Drilling Forensics

Summary This paper establishes drilling surveillance interpretation and monitoring techniques for digital drilling data which can be used to support drilling forensics and improve drilling performance. One significant advancement in the last 20 years has been the widespread availability and use of sensors to monitor all aspects of the drilling process. The majority of sensors will take surface and downhole data at several hundred samples per second, process the data, and store a record at one sample per second. The data from these sensors are collated and processed using some form of electronic data recording (EDR) system. The information is subsequently displayed in real time and stored for off-site transmittal. This paper extensively evaluates the impact on drilling performance due to how data from such sensors are collected and processed and the information is displayed. A number of observations are investigated, analyzed, and explained identifying how data quality, consistency, frequency, sensor errors, and data artifacts can skew the displayed results. This can critically impact the drilling forensic analysis and subsequent interpretation. Failing to account for these data quality issues in real time may mask drilling dysfunction, causing accelerated damage to the drill bit and drilling assembly. This paper also aims to highlight techniques for displaying and interpreting drilling data to enhance drilling performance as well as diagnose dysfunction during reviews of historic wells. Understanding these limitations in advance and incorporating them in a team’s surveillance strategy can help with the diagnosis of drilling dysfunction and aid performance improvement. These recommended practices have been developed to offer a foundation for drilling surveillance, interpretation, and monitoring as well as training for the industry. They have been created such that they can grow organically and may be used for developing subsequent industry publications. The work described in this paper is part of a joint International Association of Drilling Contactors (IADC)/Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) industry effort to revise the IADC dull-grade process.

Differences in the components of metabolic syndrome by age and sex: a cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of a cohort of middle-aged and older Japanese adults

BackgroundThe prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Japan, a super-aged society, is increasing and poses a major public health issue. Several studies have reported sex differences in the association between age and MetS prevalence. This study aimed to examine the association between age and the prevalence of MetS based on multiple screening criteria and MetS components by sex.MethodsWe used 6 years of individual-level longitudinal follow-up data (June 2012 to November 2018; checkup year: 2012–2017) of middle-aged and older adults aged 40–75 years in Japan (N = 161,735). The Joint Interim Statement criteria, International Diabetes Federation criteria, and another set of criteria excluding central obesity were used as the screening criteria for MetS. The prevalence of MetS and MetS components was cross-sectionally analyzed according to sex and age. A longitudinal association analysis of age, MetS, and MetS components by sex was performed using a multilevel logistic model, adjusted for lifestyle- and regional-related factors.ResultsSex differences were observed in the prevalence and association of MetS and MetS components. In all age groups, the prevalence of central obesity was higher among women, and the prevalence of high blood pressure and fasting glucose was higher among men (P < 0.001). The prevalence of high triglyceride and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was higher among women aged > 60 years (P < 0.05). Based on the criteria of the Joint Interim Statement and International Diabetes Federation, the prevalence of MetS was higher among women than in men aged > 55 years (P < 0.001). Men had a higher prevalence of MetS without central obesity than women in all age groups (P < 0.001). The odds ratio for MetS and MetS components with aging was greater among women than in men.ConclusionsMedical management should be based on the prevalence of MetS and its components according to sex and age. In particular, the high prevalence of MetS without central obesity in middle-aged and older Japanese men suggests that the adoption of the Joint Interim Statement criteria, which do not precondition central obesity, should be considered.

Mitigating Weight Stigma in Long-Term Care With Trauma-Informed Principles

Mitigating Weight Stigma in Long-Term Care With Trauma-Informed Principles

The Relations Between Urban Development and Sustainable Municipal Facilities Construction

Advancements in Civil Engineering & Technology The Relations Between Urban Development and Sustainable Municipal Facilities Construction Xinyue GU1* and Yihan LI2 1The School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China 2HNU-ASU Joint International Tourism College, Hainan University, Haikou, China *Corresponding author:Xinyue GU, The School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China. Submission: March 02, 2023;Published: March 10, 2023 DOI: 10.31031/ACET.2023.05.000617 ISSN: 2639-0574 Volume5 Issue4

Spatial Proposals for The Post Pandemic City. Panacea Planning and Architecture for The Third Millenium Settlement. The Case of Lezha Region

This publication is the result of a research project, within the framework of the National Research and Development Projects (PKKZH) for the period 2021-2023, co-financed by Polis University (U_POLIS) and the Agjencia Kombëtare e Kërkimit Shkencor dhe Inovacionit (AKKSHI) / National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation. In the call opened by AKKSHI in March 2021, U_POLIS in cooperation with Co-PLAN - Institute for Habitat Development presented a research proposal with the title "Spatial Solution for the post Pandemic City: The Case of Lezha Region". This research proposal won the call made by AKKSHI and in this way it was funded as research by AKKSHI and by U_POLIS in cooperation with CO_PLAN. According to the chrono-program, the two-year project started in October 2021 and ends in September 2023, even though the staff involved in this project had been working on this topic for months since the beginning of the pandemic problem. So this publication is the product of an almost three-year research on the state of settlements after the global crisis caused by the Sars-Cov-2 pandemic that had its beginnings at the end of 2019 in China and later spread throughout the planet. The working group of this project was directed by Prof. Besnik Aliaj, Rector of U_POLIS, and consists of Dr. Llazar Kumaraku, Dr. Skender Luarasi, Dr. Endri Duro as members of U_POLIS and Dr. Rudina Toto and Dr*. Rodion Gjoka from CO-PLAN. The project began with preliminary studies of the condition of the settlements affected by the pandemic and later was detailed in specific studies by international scientific researchers who are part of the joint International Doctorate in Architecture and Urban Planning (IDAUP) that U_POLIS organizes in collaboration with the University of Ferrara in Italy (UNIFE). In this research project, beyond the working group, more than twenty other young researchers at different academic levels gave a scientific contribution via a scientific paper in this volume.

IADC Code Upgrade: PDC Bit and BHA Forensics Using Rig-Based Photographic Documentation Practices

Summary This paper establishes uniform recommended industry practices for photo documentation of polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bits and bottomhole assemblies (BHAs). These recommended practices were developed by a subcommittee of the joint International Association of Drilling Contactors (IADC)/Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) industry in an effort to upgrade the IADC dull grading practices. Effective field photographic documentation and training to identify the causes of damage enables the team to modify parameters used and make other immediate changes in the BHA/drilling system with a higher degree of confidence that they will increase drill rate or extend bit life. The field documentation also provides the basis for more detailed post-drill shop grading and extensive redesign, if needed. The recommended photographic documentation consists of a specific set of photos of each blade, a top view, a side view, and views of each contact point in the BHA (i.e., kick pads, stabilizer blades, and reamers). It is common for rigsite teams to take photos of bits pulled, but these have not historically provided the detail required to distinguish one potential cause from another. There are proven changes in practices or BHA configuration that can be made to mitigate each type of dysfunction, but this cannot occur unless the cause is identified correctly. Appropriate photographic documentation, when coupled along with an understanding of the different PDC cutter and bit damage mechanisms which may occur, enables the rigsite team to identify the dysfunction and implement the changes needed. While other data sources, such as digital drilling data, should be analyzed to estimate the event timing and confirm the cause, the damage that is observed in the photographic documentation plays a critical role in directing the actual redesign effort. For example, downhole accelerometer data may indicate the presence of BHA whirl, but whether this damages the bit in a given situation is dependent on formation hardness and other factors. Whirl may not be the priority of redesign unless the photographic documentation shows a pattern of damage that is known to be specifically due to BHA whirl. These photographic documentation practices were developed specifically to support drilling forensics. The guidelines were compiled from the practices of multiple operators, bit manufacturers, and service companies with significant experience in utilizing similar photographic documentation to support timely rigsite decisions. The photographic documentation is not complex and experience has shown that within a short period of training and daily discussions, the collection of high-quality photos becomes a routine, sustainable practice. To obtain the greatest value from photographic documentation, operators must also develop training for field personnel in how to recognize the dysfunction that caused the damage. This document is intended to both standardize field photographic documentation practices and provide training material appropriate for field personnel on how to suitably document bit and BHA components using photos.

7th Malaysia-Japan Joint International Conference 2022 (MJJIC 2022) Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 25th – 26th October 2022

The Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia hosted the 7th Malaysia-Japan Joint International Conference (MJJIC) in conjunction with the International Conference on Advanced Technology and Applied Science (ICaTAS), and the University-Industry-Government Partnership for Environmental Resilience and Sustainability on 25th and 26th October 2022 at the Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This 2-day event attracted about 200 participants, including academics, researchers, and industry experts, with the goal of promoting environmental resilience and sustainability through the development of new ideas in research and applied technology.List of Track 1: Sustainable Energy and Environment, Track 2: Disaster Risk Reduction, Management and Resilience, Organizing Committee are available in this Pdf.

23-Hydroxybetulinic Acid, A Natural Compound, Alleviates DSS-induced Colitis by Regulating NF-κB Signaling

Article 23-Hydroxybetulinic Acid, A Natural Compound, Alleviates DSS-induced Colitis by Regulating NF-κB Signaling Shuangli Xiang 1, # , Miaojuan Wang 2, # , and Xiuping Chen 2, * 1 Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China. 2 State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao, China. * Correspondence: xpchen@um.edu.mo, Tel.: +853-88224679, Fax: +853-28841358 # Co-First author. Received: 8 November 2022 Accepted: 2 December 2022 Published: 11 January 2023 Abstract: Ulcerative colitis (UC), an inflammatory intestinal disease, is a growing epidemic affecting people worldwide and requires the development of effective therapeutic drugs. In this study, the effect of 23-hydroxybetulinic acid (23-HBA), a compound isolated from the traditional herb Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel, on experimental UC was studied. C57BL/6J male mice were administrated with 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water to establish the UC model. 23-HBA was orally administrated at either 3.75, 7.5, or 15 mg/kg for 6 days. Mesalazine was used as a positive control. Examination of the body weight, colon length, disease activity index (DAI), histopathology examination, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and protein expression was performed. The pathological changes were examined with hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) and Aixian blue-glycogen (AB-PAS) staining. In cultured RAW 264.7 cells, the effects of 23-HBA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and oxidative stress were analyzed. Compared with the colitis model, 23-HBA treatment significantly increased the body weight and colon length and decreased the DAI score. Pathological staining showed that 23-HBA mitigated the damage in intestinal structures, the increase in inflammatory cell infiltration, the increase in submucosa edema, and the decrease in goblet cell number. Furthermore, 23-HBA decreased IL-1β, IL-6, and MDA levels in the colon tissues. In addition, 23-HBA inhibited the protein expressions of COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB p65 both in the colon tissues and in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In conclusion, these results showed that 23-HBA alleviated DSS-induced acute UC in mice and inhibited LPS-stimulated inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells possibly mediated by regulating the NF-κB pathway.