Presence Of Leak Research Articles

The impact of leak gap size and position on surgical mask performance of source control: A numerical study

Surgical masks are widely used for infectious source control by preventing infected individuals from transmitting pathogens. However, poor fit can create gaps between the mask and face, reducing their effectiveness. In this study, a numerical model was developed based on realistic surgical mask geometry with peripheral gaps of varying sizes and positions, fitted onto a breathing manikin. Exhalation leakage airflow dynamics and aerosol pathogen dispersion were investigated using a validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model with porous media. Results indicate that despite the presence of leaks, surgical masks are effective in controlling the spread of pathogens, with maximum airflow leakage at 9.11% and pathogen leakage at 16.83%. The average velocity of leaked airflow ranged from 0.12 m/s to 1.43 m/s, depending on the gap size and position. The position of the gap had little impact on the airflow and pathogen leakage fractions. Correlations between the average velocity of net leakage flow, leakage fractions of airflow and pathogens, and gap size were developed. Pathogens spread most widely from bottom leaks, followed by side and top leaks, with bottom leaks releasing up to 9.7 times more contaminated air than top leaks and 6.5 times more than side leaks. The findings also suggest that smaller gaps are associated with higher initial velocities of leakage, which in turn lead to wider dispersion of pathogens.

Subjective indicators of fuel poverty in Zarqa Governorate, Jordan

Fuel poverty is a pressing global issue for households, particularly low-income ones. This study employs a subjective approach to examine fuel poverty in Jordan. Analyzing data from a survey of 490 participants in Zarqa Governorate, it evaluates the main determinants of subjective fuel poverty. The survey was conducted over 1 month, from March 10 to April 10, 2022. Findings reveal that the sample households experience challenges related to fuel poverty. The modeling of subjective indicators indicates an association between income level and the probability of being in arrears with utility bills. Moreover, the results highlight issues such as an inability to maintain adequate summer and winter temperatures and the presence of leaks, damp, and rot. In light of these findings, policy interventions should focus on enhancing energy efficiency and supporting vulnerable low-income households, particularly those in rural areas.

The Application of Three-Dimensional High-Density Electrical Method in Detecting Vertical HDPE Membranes at Landfill Sites

Landfilling is one of the important methods in hazardous waste treatment. In order to prevent the landfill leachate from connecting with external groundwater and prevent leachate from flowing into external polluted water bodies and soil, vertical anti-seepage membranes will be installed along the perimeter of the reservoir area. Given the structural characteristics of vertical HDPE membranes and site conditions, this study proposes the application of three-dimensional high-density electrical resistivity (3D-HDER) tomography for the detection of these membranes. Compared with the traditional resistivity method, the high-density resistivity method can realize automatic switching of electrode device type, electrode spacing and measuring points during the measurement process, thereby improving detection accuracy and work efficiency. By employing 3D-HDER for data collection on vertical HDPE membranes and inverting the subsurface resistivity distribution, the presence of leaks can be inferred based on the distribution of low-resistivity anomalies in the target underground area, thereby facilitating the integrity assessment of the vertical HDPE membranes. This research was applied in a practical investigation at a municipal landfill site in Hunan Province, where field tests were conducted, and the effectiveness of 3D-HDER in detecting vertical HDPE membranes was validated through excavation. The experimental results indicate that: (1) 3DHDER is capable of effectively and accurately locating shallow leaks, and (2) low resistivity anomalies were observed in the vicinity of the leaks.

Three-dimensional intracardiac echocardiography for left atrial appendage sizing and percutaneous occlusion guidance.

Left atrial appendage (LAA) imaging is critical during percutaneous occlusion procedures. 3D-intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) features direct visualization of LAA from multiple cross-sectional planes at a time. We aimed at reporting procedural success of 3D-ICE-guided LAA occlusion and the correlation between pre-procedural transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and intraprocedural 3D-ICE for LAA sizing. Among 274 patients undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with a Watchman FLX, periprocedural ICE guidance was achieved via a commercially available 2D-ICE catheter (220 patients) or a novel (NUVISION™) 3D-ICE one (54 patients). Primary endpoint was a composite of procedural success and LAA sealing at follow-up TEE. Secondary endpoint was a composite of periprocedural device recapture/resizing plus presence of leaks ≥ 3 mm at follow-up TEE. 3D-ICE measurements of maximum landing zone correlated highly with pre-procedural TEE reference values [Pearson's: 0.94; P < 0.001; bias: -0.06 (-2.39, 2.27)]. The agreement between 3D-ICE-based device selection and final device size was 96.3% vs. 79.1% with 2D-ICE (P = 0.005). The incidence of the primary endpoint was 98.1% with 3D-ICE and 97.3% with 2D-ICE (P = 0.99). 2D-ICE patients had a trend towards a higher incidence of periprocedural device recapture/redeployment (31.5% vs. 44.5%; P = 0.09). The secondary endpoint occurred in 31.5% of 3D-ICE patients vs. 45.9% of 2D-ICE ones (P = 0.065). Intracardiac echocardiography-guided LAAO showed a very high success, with no major adverse events. A very high level of agreement for LAA sizing was found between pre-procedural TEE and periprocedural 3D-ICE. 3D-ICE performed significantly better than 2D-ICE for FLX size selection and may provide better guidance during device deployment.

Diet-induced shifts in the gut microbiota influence anastomotic healing in a murine model of colonic surgery

ABSTRACT Host diet and gut microbiota interact to contribute to perioperative complications, including anastomotic leak (AL). Using a murine surgical model of colonic anastomosis, we investigated how diet and fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) impacted the intestinal microbiota and if a predictive signature for AL could be determined. We hypothesized that a Western diet (WD) would impact gut microbial composition and that the resulting dysbiosis would correlate with increased rates of AL, while FMT from healthy, lean diet (LD) donors would reduce the risk of AL. Furthermore, we predicted that surgical outcomes would allow for the development of a microbial preclinical translational tool to identify AL. Here, we show that AL is associated with a dysbiotic microbial community characterized by increased levels of Bacteroides and Akkermansia. We identified several key taxa that were associated with leak formation, and developed an index based on the ratio of bacteria associated with the absence and presence of leak. We also highlight a modifiable connection between diet, microbiota, and anastomotic healing, potentially paving the way for perioperative modulation by microbiota-targeted therapeutics to reduce AL.

Simultaneous Pipe Leak Detection and Localization Using Attention-Based Deep Learning Autoencoder

Water distribution networks are often susceptible to pipeline leaks caused by mechanical damages, natural hazards, corrosion, and other factors. This paper focuses on the detection of leaks in water distribution networks (WDN) using a data-driven approach based on machine learning. A hybrid autoencoder neural network (AE) is developed, which utilizes unsupervised learning to address the issue of unbalanced data (as anomalies are rare events). The AE consists of a 3DCNN encoder, a ConvLSTM decoder, and a ConvLSTM future predictor, making the anomaly detection robust. Additionally, spatial and temporal attention mechanisms are employed to enhance leak localization. The AE first learns the expected behavior and subsequently detects leaks by identifying deviations from this expected behavior. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, the Water Network Tool for Resilience (WNTR) simulator is utilized to generate water pressure and flow rate data in a water supply network. Various conditions, such as fluctuating water demands, data noise, and the presence of leaks, are considered using the pressure-driven demand (PDD) method. Datasets with and without pipe leaks are obtained, where the AE is trained using the dataset without leaks and tested using the dataset with simulated pipe leaks. The results, based on a benchmark WDN and a confusion matrix analysis, demonstrate that the proposed method successfully identifies leaks in 96% of cases and a false positive rate of 4% compared to two baselines: a multichannel CNN encoder with LSTM decoder (MC-CNN-LSTM) and a random forest and model based on supervised learning with a false positive rate of 8% and 15%, respectively. Furthermore, a real case study demonstrates the applicability of the developed model for leak detection in the operational conditions of water supply networks using inline sensor data.

Peri-device leak after left atrial appendage closure: echocardiographic characteristics and thromboembolism risk

Abstract Background Structural variations in left atrial appendage (LAA) ostial morphology can contribute to incomplete closure of the LAA and peri-device leak (PDL) after LAA closure (LAAC). Prior data suggests that there is an increased residual risk of thromboembolism in patients with PDL after LAAC. However, there is a paucity of information on the interpretation of imaging data to risk stratify patients with PDL. Purpose We evaluated echocardiographic characteristics on post-LAAC imaging, and their association with residual risk of thromboembolism. Methods We analyzed data from follow up imaging with transesophageal echocardiograms (TEEs) which were performed at ∼1-year follow up after the LAAC with either the Watchman or Watchman-FLX device (Boston Scientific Inc). The images were reviewed in a blinded manner with regard to thromboembolic events after LAAC. In our analyses, we further classified the TEE images into 3 categories: 1) no leak, and completely thrombosed distal LAA, 2) no leak, but echolucent distal LAA (indicative of some residual, but undetectable, connection), or 3) presence of leak and echolucent distal LAA (Figure 1). Results A total of 650 patients underwent LAAC at our center between 3/2015 and 12/2021: age 75.8±8.9 years, 64% male, and CHA2DS2-Vasc 4.2±1.4. TEE imaging data (performed at 1-year or later after LAAC) was available for review in 460 patients. In 238 of 460 patients (51.7%) there was no leak and the LAA was completely thrombosed (Cohort 1). In 83 of 460 (18%) patients there no detectable leak but the LAA was echolucent (Cohort 2), and in 139 of 460 (30.2%) patients there was a discernible leak and the LAA was echolucent (Cohort 3). In this subset of 460 patients, there were 29 (3.2% per year) thromboembolic events (stroke or transient ischemic attack) over 2.0±0.2 years of follow-up; of these, only 3 (0.6% per year) strokes were disabling, and none were fatal. The median NIH stroke scale in patients with stroke/TIA was 2 (range 0-14; NIHSS &amp;lt; 5 is considered mild to moderate severity). During follow-up (2.0±0.2 years), the incidence of thromboembolism was highest in Cohort 3 (7.5% per year) in comparison to Cohort 2 (3.1% per year) and Cohort 1 (0.84% per year) (Figure 2). Upon analysis with 2 separate multivariable models, the risk of thromboembolism was highest in Cohort 3 vs Cohort 1 (adjusted OR 10.0, 95% CI: 3.3-30.0; p &amp;lt; 0.001) after adjusting for age, gender, CHA2DS2-VASc and LVEF. In contrast, when comparing Cohort 2 vs Cohort 1 in a multivariable model, the difference in thromboembolic risk was an adjusted OR 3.4 (95% CI: 0. 9-13.1; p = 0.07). Conclusions The presence of PDL after LAAC is not uncommon and confers a significant residual thromboembolic risk in patients with AF. TEE imaging characteristics aid in risk stratification of patients with PDL, and may help guide management decisions such as leak closure or resumption/continuation of anticoagulation to mitigate stroke risk.Figure 1:Classification based on reviewFigure 2:Comparison of incidence of th

3D intracardiac echocardiography for left atrial appendage sizing and percutaneous occlusion guidance

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Left atrial appendage (LAA) imaging is critical during percutaneous occlusion procedures. 3D-intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) features direct visualization of LAA from multiple cross-sectional planes at a time. Purpose To report procedural success of 3D-ICE-guided LAA occlusion and the correlation between pre-procedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and intraprocedural 3D-ICE for LAA sizing. Methods Among 274 patients undergoing LAAO, periprocedural ICE guidance was achieved via a commercially available 2D-ICE catheter (220 patients) or a novel 3D-ICE one (54 patients; Fig.1). Primary endpoint was a composite of procedural success and LAA sealing at follow-up TEE. Secondary endpoint was a composite of periprocedural device recapture/resizing plus presence of leaks≥3mm at follow-up TEE. Results 3D-ICE measurements of maximum landing zone correlated highly with preprocedural TEE reference values [Pearson’s: 0.94; p&amp;lt;0.001; bias: -0.06 (-2.39, 2.27)] (Fig.2). The agreement between 3D-ICE-based device selection and final device size was 96.3% versus 79.1% with 2D-ICE (p=0.005). The incidence of the primary endpoint was 98.1% with 3D-ICE and 97.3% with 2D-ICE (p=0.99). 2D-ICE patients had a trend towards a higher incidence of periprocedural device recapture/redeployment (31.5% vs 44.5%; p=0.09). The secondary endpoint occurred in 31.5% of 3D-ICE patients versus 45.9% of 2D-ICE ones (p=0.065). Conclusions ICE-guided LAAO showed a very high success, with no major adverse events. A very high level of agreement for LAA sizing was found between pre-procedural TEE and periprocedural 3D-ICE. 3D-ICE performed significantly better than 2D-ICE for device size selection and may provide better guidance during device deployment.

PO-04-065 THREE-DIMENSIONAL INTRACARDIAC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY FOR LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE SIZING AND PERCUTANEOUS OCCLUSION GUIDANCE

Left atrial appendage (LAA) imaging is critical during percutaneous occlusion procedures. 3D-intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) features direct visualization of LAA from multiple cross-sectional planes at a time. To report procedural success of 3D-ICE-guided LAA occlusion and the correlation between pre-procedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and intraprocedural 3D-ICE for LAA sizing. Among 274 patients undergoing LAAO with a Watchman FLX, periprocedural ICE guidance was achieved via a commercially available 2D-ICE catheter (220 patients) or a novel (NUVISION™) 3D-ICE one (54 patients). Technical success was defined as successful device implantation without periprocedural evidence of leaks≥3mm on color Doppler. Procedural success was a composite of technical success plus absence of procedure- or device-related major complications. Primary endpoint was a composite of procedural success and LAA sealing at follow-up TEE. Secondary endpoint was a composite of periprocedural device recapture/resizing plus presence of leaks≥3mm at follow-up TEE. We also compared mean and maximum mean and maximum landing zone (LZ) diameters obtained from same patient’s TEE and 3D-ICE; these measurements were used to assess the degree of correlation and agreement between the two imaging techniques. Procedural success was achieved in all 274 patients; all final devices met release criteria. The agreement between 3D-ICE-based device selection and final device size was 96.3% versus 79.1% with 2D-ICE (p=0.005). No major procedure- and device-related adverse events were documented The incidence of the primary endpoint was 98.1% with 3D-ICE and 97.3% with 2D-ICE (p=0.99). 2D-ICE patients had a trend towards a higher incidence of periprocedural device recapture/redeployment (31.5% vs 44.5%; p=0.09). The secondary endpoint occurred in 31.5% of 3D-ICE patients versus 45.9% of 2D-ICE ones (p=0.065). 3D-ICE measurements of maximum and mean LZ correlated highly with preprocedural TEE reference values [Pearson’s: 0.94; p<0.001; bias: -0.06 (-2.39, 2.27)] (Figure 1). ICE-guided LAAO showed a very high success, with no major adverse events. A very high level of agreement for LAA sizing was found between pre-procedural TEE and periprocedural 3D-ICE. 3D-ICE performed significantly better than 2D-ICE for FLX size selection and may provide better guidance during device deployment.

Determination of Arsenic Species Distribution in Arsenide Tailings and Leakage Using Geochemical and Geophysical Methods

This study describes the distribution of arsenic mobile species in the tailings of Cu–Co–Ni–arsenide using the sequential extraction and determining the contents of arsenate (AsV) and arsenite (AsIII). The object of this study is the tailings ponds of the Tuvakobalt plant, which contains waste from the hydrometallurgical arsenide ore processing of the Khovu-Aksy deposit (Republic of Tuva, Russia). A procedure of sequential extraction for arsenic was applied, and it includes the extraction of the following forms: water-soluble, potentially water-soluble and exchangeable, easily sorbed on the surface of carbonates, associated with Fe/Mn oxides/hydroxides, associated with easily oxidized minerals, and accounted for by non-oxidized arsenic minerals. This procedure, which takes into account the peculiarities of the physical and chemical composition of the waste, was supplemented by the analytical determination of the arsenite and arsenate content by using the methods of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) combined with the hydride generation technique (HG-ICP-AES). The content of the most mobile forms of arsenic, which are water-soluble, potentially water-soluble, and exchangeable species, is equal to 56% of the total arsenic content, 23% and 33% of which are arsenite and arsenate, respectively. Unlike arsenic, the mobile forms of metals have been determined in small quantities. The largest proportion of water-soluble and exchangeable forms is formed by Mg, Ca, and Sr at 11, 9.4, and 20%, respectively (residual and redeposited carbonates). The proportion of water-soluble forms of other metals (Cu, Zn, Co, and Ni) is &lt; 1% or 0. The main part of the metals is adsorbed on the surface of Fe and Mn hydroxides, enclosed in easily and hardly oxidized minerals. In addition to geochemical studies, the presence of leaks from the tailing ponds into ground waters was determined by using electrical resistivity tomography. The data obtained indicate a high environmental hazard of tailings and the possibility of water-soluble and highly toxic arsenic compounds entering ground waters and aquifers.

Assessing Fossil Fuels and Renewables’ Impact on Energy Poverty Conditions in Europe

The disadvantages of fossil fuels and their impact on the environment have made the transition to renewable energy sources essential to cover our energy needs. However, different energy resources have a different impact on energy poverty conditions in the world, an issue that is important to examine and properly address. This study examines the impact that fossil fuels final energy consumption in households per capita and renewables and biofuels final energy consumption in households per capita have on energy poverty conditions in Europe, using panel data from 28 European countries for the time period 2004–2019 and static and dynamic regression models, while also performing various econometric tests. The findings indicate that GDP per capita and fossil fuels are linked to an inverse relationship to energy poverty conditions. Renewables and biofuels are also linked to an inverse relationship to the inability to keep homes adequately warm and the presence of leaks, damp, or rot in the dwelling, but they could be considered a driver of arrears on utility bills. In addition, a comparative analysis between Sweden, Germany, and Greece and their conditions on energy poverty and energy transition was conducted, highlighting the differences existing between the three European countries. The findings of the research can be useful for governments and policy makers to develop strategies that promote energy transition while protecting energy consumers.

Integrated Design Fabrication and Control of a Bioinspired Multimaterial Soft Robotic Hand.

Machines that mimic humans have inspired scientists for centuries. Bioinspired soft robotic hands are a good example of such an endeavor, featuring intrinsic material compliance and continuous motion to deal with uncertainty and adapt to unstructured environments. Recent research led to impactful achievements in functional designs, modeling, fabrication, and control of soft robots. Nevertheless, the full realization of life-like movements is still challenging to achieve, often based on trial-and-error considerations from design to fabrication, consuming time and resources. In this study, a soft robotic hand is proposed, composed of soft actuator cores and an exoskeleton, featuring a multimaterial design aided by finite element analysis (FEA) to define the hand geometry and promote finger's bendability. The actuators are fabricated using molding, and the exoskeleton is 3D-printed in a single step. An ON-OFF controller keeps the set fingers' inner pressures related to specific bending angles, even in the presence of leaks. The FEA numerical results were validated by experimental tests, as well as the ability of the hand to grasp objects with different shapes, weights, and sizes. This integrated solution will make soft robotic hands more available to people, at a reduced cost, avoiding the time-consuming design-fabrication trial-and-error processes.

Вплив забруднення повітря приміщень мікроскопічними грибами на здоров’я населення

Objective: to determine the impact of mycomycete contamination of air in residential and public buildings on human health. Materials and methods of research: Microbiological and mycological analysis of indoor air was studied by conventional methods. A questionnaire was developed and a survey of residents of the surveyed housing was conducted. Statistical processing of the obtained results, reliability of the obtained data, calculations were performed with using the STATISTICA 8 program and Microsoft Excel program. Results: As a result of field studies of houses’ residential premises of different construction periods and a questionnaire survey of residents, the features of microbiological contamination of the air environment were established. It is shown that in houses commissioned more than twenty years before, air pollution by spores of microscopic fungi was almost twice as high as in the buildings’ air of later development. At the same time, the role of maintenance’s state of the living space, that is, the economic behavior of the residents themselves, was also revealed. Based on the questionnaire, informational characteristics of the relationship between the health status of residential premises residents and objective indicators of the microclimate on the basis of biodamages were developed. The reliability of the obtained data is p&lt;0.001. It has been proven that in the presence of constantly high humidity, leaks and flooding, infection with mold fungi indoors can be overwhelming even with regular ventilation and the use of antiseptics. Conclusions: 1. It has been established that air contamination of living quarters with mold fungi depends on the state of maintenance of the living quarters. 2. The number of mold fungi is affected by the presence of leaks and flooding, the visible growth of mold fungi on the surfaces of the room. 3. A direct correlation of the relationship between the health status of residents and indicators of the microclimate of residential premises was revealed on the basis of the developed questionnaires with informational characteristics.

A Force Sensitive Resistor Based Wireless Sensor Network for Pipeline Monitoring and Oil Spillage Control in Nigeria

This article, a force sensitive resistor (FSR) based wireless sensor network- an underground wireless monitoring system whose components are insulated against physical attacks from malicious intruders, proffers solution to abate the incidences of pipeline vandalisation, crude oil theft, and control oil pollution in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. A force sensitive resistor based wireless sensor network was implemented in MATLAB /Simulink environment to find out leaks in an oil bearing pipeline. Two scenarios were studied. One in the absence of leak with four sensor nodes/four auxiliary sensor nodes, and the other when leak was present with four sensor nodes/four auxiliary sensor nodes. Results obtained indicate that the sensed pressure of each of the sensor nodes/ auxiliary sensor nodes of scenario 1 are within the preset pressure threshold of 120-125 kPa at 120.2–120.6 kPa, while for the second scenario, the results found indicate that the sensed pressure of each of the sensor nodes/ auxiliary sensor nodes of scenario 2 are lower than the preset pressure threshold at 114.2–105.6 kPa. The reduced pressure in any segment indicates the presence of leak in that segment. Thus, leaks are detected whenever the sensed pressure within any of the segments of the pipeline being monitored drops below the preset pressure threshold upon comparison by the microcontroller of the designed system. The node/auxiliary node within the segment where the leakage is found out then sends a pre-installed leak report containing node/auxiliary node location with time stamp to designated office(s) and personnel for necessary action(s) to be taken.

CE-538-04 INTRACARDIAC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY-GUIDED LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE OCCLUSION WITHOUT CINEANGIOGRAPHY

Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with the WATCHMAN device relies on contrast cineangiography of the left atrial appendage. Clinical indications for LAAC commonly overlap with substantial comorbidities including renal dysfunction. An approach to limit or eliminate the use of contrast agents is highly desirable. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) has been shown to be effective in guiding LAAC. We seek to evaluate the safety and feasibility of ICE-guided LAAC without the need of cineangiography of the LAA. Patients (N=22) with indications for LAAC underwent WATCHMAN device placement entirely guided by intracardiac echocardiography without cineangiography of the left atrial appendage (LAA). Three cases were performed with assisted guidance by a 3D rendition of the LAA. Follow up imaging was performed after 6 weeks to assess device position, presence of leaks or device thrombus. Deployment of LAA occlusive device was successful in all patients without acute peri-device leak. There were no procedural complications. There was no contrast utilized. Procedural time was 58 ± 31minutes. Compression rate was 22 ± 8%. Upon follow-up there were no device related thrombus detected. A mild (<3mm) peri-device leak was noted in one patient. ICE-guided WATCHMAN device LAAC without the use of contrast or fluoroscopy is safe and feasible.

Studies on Leak Detection in Process Pipelines Using Artificial Neural Networks/Machine Learning

In process industries, leakage in pipelines is common and an environmental, health and economic issue to be addressed without fail. To detect the presence of leaks in pipelines, there are several conventional leak detection techniques that are available. From the literature, conventional leak detection techniques can be mainly classified into: hardware-based, visual and software-based methods. Researchers have focused more on software-based methods due to simple and reliable operation. Under software-based methods, using machine learning algorithms that is a data driven approach for leak detection and localization is becoming popular because of learning capabilities. Therefore, in this review, several recent conventional leak detection methods and artificial neural networks/machine learning based leak detection methods are described. It is an attempt made to identify leak detection techniques along with the common methodology followed for building a leak detection system using artificial neural networks/machine learning.

Effect of reinforcement suture on anastomotic healing in rectal and sigmoid tumor resections, single-center experience: a retrospective case-controlled study.

Healing of colorectal anastomosis is burdened with a number of risk factors and the development of leak carries with it higher morbidity and mortality associated not only with worse quality of life but also worse oncological outcomes. The purpose of the study was an evaluation of the effect of reinforcement suture in the healing of stapler rectal anastomosis and risk factors for anastomotic leakage in mid, upper rectal and sigmoid tumors. A total of 357 patients who underwent curative resection for rectal or sigmoid tumor over 5 years were analyzed. Risk factors, baseline demographic and clinical data, and presence of leak were recorded. All statistical analyses were carried out at a significance level of P<0.05. One hundred fifty-one patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. The overall incidence of leak was 2.8% in the group with reinforcement suture and 6.3% in the group without reinforcement suture. Because of the low incidence of leak the results were not statistically significant. Further results also show that none of the monitored parameters (age, weight, body mass index, tumor distance, preoperative radiotherapy, tumor stage, type of surgery) were significant predictors of anastomotic leakage. Although the reinforcement suture is a safe and simple option for anastomosis protection after rectal or sigmoid resections, its statistical significance was not demonstrated in our study.

How do patients manage their urostomy in everyday life? A questionnaire survey

The complications of stoma and peristomal are encountered by nearly 80% of patients within two years of surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the practical modalities of daily management of stoma and possible skin complications in a series of patients with non-continent urinary stoma. Monocentric study by questionnaires including all patients with non-continent urinary stoma between 2007 and 2019 in a French university center. The STOMA-QOL and a self-report questionnaire with 15 specific questions were used. Among the 87 patients included in the analysis whose median age was 71 years, 57.5% used a 2-piece system, 69% used leg or thigh pockets, 74.7% were self-sufficient in emptying their stoma pockets. Autonomy on cutaneous support change was 38%. 62.1% of patients reported a peristomal skin event and 74.7% reported leaking stoma. In multivariate analysis, BMI>30, the presence of leaks and physical activity were significantly associated with the onset of peristomal skin events. This study sheds light on the practical modalities of management of urinary stoma and the occurrence of skin complications related to stoma in terms of frequency and predisposing factors. The results obtained are likely to guide practitioners in the information of future operations and in the management of complications of urinary stoma. III.

Pipeline Condition Assessment by Instantaneous Frequency Response over Hydroinformatics Based Technique—An Experimental and Field Analysis

A common issue in water infrastructure is that it suffers from leakage. The hydroinformatics technique for recognizing the presence of leaks in the pipeline system by means of pressure transient analysis was briefly explored in this study. Various studies have been done of improvised leak detection methods, and Hilbert Huang Transform has the potential to overcome the concern. The HHT processing algorithm has been successfully proven through simulation and experimentally tested to evaluate the ability of pressure transient analysis to predict and locate the leakage in the pipeline system. However, HHT relies on the selection of the suitable IMF in the pre-processing phase which will determine the precision of the estimated leak location. This paper introduces a NIKAZ filter technique for automatic selector of Intrinsic Mode Function (IMF). A laboratory-scale experimental test platform was constructed with a 68-metre long Medium Polyethylene (MDPE) pipe with 63 mm in diameter used for this study and equipped with a circular orifice as an artificial leak in varying sizes with a system of 2 bar to 4 bar water pressure. The results showed that, although with a low ratio of signal-to-noise, the proposed method could be used as an automatic selector for Intrinsic Mode Function (IMF). Experimental tests showed the efficiency, and the work method was successful as an automatic selector of IMF. The proposed mathematical algorithm was then finally evaluated on field measurement tested on-site of a real pipeline system. The results recommended NIKAZ as an automatic selector of IMF to increase the degree of automation of HHT technique, subsequently enhancing the detection and identification of water pipeline leakage.

Quality of self-propelled sprayers through periodic inspection

The inspection of agricultural sprayers is a vital tool for the increment of quality of spray technology for phytosanitary products. The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance conditions of self-propelled sprayers on-farm, using the periodical inspection methodology for sprays and analyzing the climatic conditions during the spraying. The evaluations were carried on farms visited randomly. A questionnaire was filled out by the operator or farmers and the inspection itself of the sprayers. The items evaluated were the condition and location of hoses, presence of leaks, monitor performance, spacing between nozzles, spray nozzles, in-line filter, primary filter, the performance of anti-dripping gauges, and limiting environmental conditions. Most interviewed operators and farmers did not know the methodology for inspecting agricultural sprayers, demonstrating the need to create specific training programs in the region. Self-propelled sprayers have a few technical problems when they were new, however, spraying beyond the ideal weather conditions can reduce the spraying quality.