Reduction In Flow Research Articles

Comparison of Flow Reduction Efficacy of Nominal and Oversized Flow Diverters Using aNovel Measurement-assisted in Silico Method.

The high efficacy of flow diverters (FD) in the case of wide-neck aneurysms is well demonstrated, yet new challenges have arisen because of reported posttreatment failures and the growing number of new generation of devices. Our aim is to present ameasurement-supported in silico workflow that automates the virtual deployment and subsequent hemodynamic analysis of FDs. In this work, the objective is to analyze the effects of FD deployment variability of two manufacturers on posttreatment flow reduction. The virtual deployment procedure is based on detailed mechanical calibration of the flow diverters, while the flow representation is based on hydrodynamic resistance (HR) measurements. Computational fluid dynamic simulations resulted in 5 untreated and 80virtually treated scenarios, including 2 FD designs in nominal and oversized deployment states. The simulated aneurysmal velocity reduction (AMVR) is correlated with the HR values and deployment scenarios. The linear HR coefficient and AMVR revealed apower-law relationship considering all 80 deployments. In nominal deployment scenarios, asignificantly larger average AMVR was obtained (60.3%) for the 64-wire FDs than for 48-wire FDs (51.9%). In oversized deployments, the average AMVR was almost the same for 64-wire and 48-wire device types, 27.5% and 25.7%, respectively. The applicability of our numerical workflow was demonstrated, also in large-scale hemodynamic investigations. The study revealed arobust power-law relationship between aHR coefficient and AMVR. Furthermore, the 64wire configurations in nominal sizing produced asignificantly higher posttreatment flow reduction, replicating the results of other in vitro studies.

A non-overlapping optimization-based domain decomposition approach to component-based model reduction of incompressible flows

We present a component-based model order reduction procedure to efficiently and accurately solve parameterized incompressible flows governed by the Navier-Stokes equations. Our approach leverages a non-overlapping optimization-based domain decomposition technique to determine the control variable that minimizes jumps across the interfaces between sub-domains. To solve the resulting constrained optimization problem, we propose both Gauss-Newton and sequential quadratic programming methods, which effectively transform the constrained problem into an unconstrained formulation. Furthermore, we integrate model order reduction techniques into the optimization framework, to speed up computations. In particular, we incorporate localized training and adaptive enrichment to reduce the burden associated with the training of the local reduced-order models. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the overall methodology.

EARLY FLUID PLUS NOREPINEPHRINE RESUSCITATION DIMINISHES KIDNEY HYPOPERFUSION AND INFLAMMATION IN SEPTIC NEWBORN PIGS.

Sepsis is the most frequent risk factor for acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill infants. Sepsis-induced dysregulation of kidney microcirculation in newborns is unresolved. The objective of this study was to use the translational swine model to evaluate changes in kidney function during the early phase of sepsis in newborns and the impact of fluid plus norepinephrine resuscitation. Newborn pigs (3-7-day-old) were allocated randomly to three groups: 1) sham, 2) sepsis (cecal ligation and puncture) without subsequent resuscitation, and 3) sepsis with lactated Ringer plus norepinephrine resuscitation. All animals underwent standard anesthesia and mechanical ventilation. Cardiac output and glomerular filtration rate were measured noninvasively. Mean arterial pressure, total renal blood flow, cortical perfusion, medullary perfusion, and medullary tissue oxygen tension (mtPO 2 ) were determined for 12 h. Cecal ligation and puncture decreased mean arterial pressure and cardiac output by more than 50%, with a proportional increase in renal vascular resistance and a 60-80% reduction in renal blood flow, cortical perfusion, medullary perfusion, and mtPO 2 compared to sham. Cecal ligation and puncture also decreased glomerular filtration rate by ~79% and increased AKI biomarkers. Isolated foci of tubular necrosis were observed in the septic piglets. Except for mtPO 2 , changes in all these parameters were ameliorated in resuscitated piglets. Resuscitation also attenuated sepsis-induced increases in the levels of plasma C-reactive protein, proinflammatory cytokines, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and renal NLRP3 inflammasome. These data suggest that newborn pigs subjected to cecal ligation and puncture develop hypodynamic septic AKI. Early implementation of resuscitation lessens the degree of inflammation, AKI, and liver injury.

Effects of Short-Term Lenvatinib Administration Prior to Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with lenvatinib, employing a 4-day lenvatinib administration followed by TACE without an interval (short-term LEN-TACE), was performed for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim was to assess tumor hemodynamics following the 4-day lenvatinib and to evaluate the treatment outcomes after the short-term LEN-TACE. 25 unresectable HCC patients received this combined therapy. Lenvatinib (4-12 mg) was administrated for 4 days prior to TACE. Perfusion CT scans were obtained before and after the lenvatinib administration. Either cTACE (76%) or DEB-TACE (24%) were performed. intra-tumor blood flow significantly decreased after the 4-day lenvatinib (p < 0.05). The TACE procedure was successful with no severe adverse events in all patients. The overall complete response (CR) rate was 75% (cTACE 84%, DEB-TACE 40%). The lipiodol-washout ratio between 1 week and 4 months after cTACE correlated with the arterial flow reduction ratio by lenvatinib prior to TACE (r = -0.55). The 12-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 75.0%. The short-term LEN-TACE is feasible and safe, demonstrating promising outcomes with a high CR ratio, contributing to lipiodol retention in the tumor after cTACE, and extended PFS. To confirm the advantages of this treatment protocol, a prospective clinical trial is mandatory.

Design of an improved layout for a steel processing facility using SLP and lean Manufacturing techniques

AbstractImplementing lean manufacturing practices in the systematic layout planning (SLP) process for improving facility layouts in various industries is essential. This approach enhances material handling processes and effectively manages space utilization. An efficient plant employing systematic layout planning leads to improved resource utilization and facilitates the integration of lean manufacturing techniques such as value stream mapping, 5 S, Ohno’s 7 wastes, and cellular manufacturing. This research article presents a case study on a steel processing plant in Dubai with an area of 160 m × 160 m, where systematic layout planning and lean manufacturing techniques were applied. The factors considered included space and material flow optimization, incorporating layout alternatives based on systematic layout planning principles along with lean manufacturing techniques. The study revealed a 34% reduction in material flow and an efficient overall space utilization improvement of 26%. Additionally, cost analysis validation was conducted.

Numerical modeling and experimental validation of air-side forced convection on a Wire-on-tube condenser for a domestic refrigerator

In this study, the effects of various parameters on the air-side performance of a condenser used in a domestic refrigerator were investigated numerically and experimentally. A new condenser design with streamlined eye and kammtail tube shapes was studied to delay flow separation. The kammtail form was utilized in a wire-and-tube heat exchanger for the first time in this work instead of traditional round or elliptical geometry. Different design parameters were studied for the outer tube height (3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, and 5 mm), aspect ratio of the tube (1.5, 2, and 2.5), tube pitch (20 and 15 mm), tube arrangement (inline and staggered), and tube shapes (eye, kammtail, and ellipse forms) to improve the air-side performance. The model was validated using experimental data based on a performance test setup and wind tunnel measurements conducted at different air velocities. The impact of tube shape and tube dimensions on the convection coefficient and pressure drop were found to be dominant due to delayed flow separation and reduction in the recirculation area. The results showed that, for a similar heat-transfer rate, the total tube surface area was reduced by 7%, the convection coefficient was increased by 9.4%, and the static pressure drop was decreased by 27% with the new Kamm tail-form design of 3 × 6 mm compared to the respective values of the original condenser. In addition, for a similar air-side performance, decreasing the tube pitch from 20 to 15 mm resulted in subsequent decreases of up to 30% in the heat exchanger volume. When the tube arrangement was changed from inline to staggered, the convective coefficient increased by 23% and the pressure decreased by 14%. The numerical results were in good agreement with the experimental results, showing errors of less than 10% for air pressure drop and less than 9% for heat-transfer capacity.

Economic Fundamentals and Real Exchange Rate in African Oil Producing Countries: Evidence from Asymmetric Cointegration

The role of exchange rates is very important in the international market and the variability of exchange rates both in the case of appreciation or depreciation is directly connected with the economic performance of a country. Exchange rate variations in oil-producing countries in Africa have been too high resulting in volatilities due to domestic and foreign shocks. High volatility of exchange rate may translate into reduction of trade flows, foreign direct investment, and instability in both interest rates and inflation rates. Several studies on the relationship between economic fundamentals and exchange rates focused more on Africa or country-specific with limited focus on African oil-producing countries using asymmetric cointegration. Therefore, this study examines the relationship between some economic fundamentals and real exchange rates in oil-producing countries in Africa. The dynamics panel non-linear autoregressive distributed lag and linear autoregressive distributed lag were used to investigate the relationship between economic fundamentals and real exchange rate (RER). The NARDL result shows evidence that there exists both short and long-run asymmetric relationship between economic fundamentals and RER. The study recommended that policymakers in these countries pay more attention to their macroeconomic policies to reduce the production and transaction costs of foreign direct investment (FDI).

Continuous Flow Process for Carbonyl and α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds Reduction Using NaBH4 Solutions: Toward Implementation of Luche Reduction in Flow

Continuous Flow Process for Carbonyl and α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds Reduction Using NaBH₄ Solutions: Toward Implementation of Luche Reduction in Flow

Preoperative recovery sleep ameliorates postoperative cognitive dysfunction aggravated by sleep fragmentation in aged mice by enhancing EEG delta-wave activity and LFP theta oscillation in hippocampal CA1

Sleep fragmentation (SF) is a common sleep problem experienced during the perioperative period by older adults, and is associated with postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Increasing evidence indicates that delta-wave activity during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep is involved in sleep-dependent memory consolidation and that hippocampal theta oscillations are related to spatial exploratory memory. Recovery sleep (RS), a self-regulated state of sleep homeostasis, enhances delta-wave power and memory performance in sleep-deprived older mice. However, it remains unclear whether RS therapy has a positive effect on cognitive changes following SF in older mouse models. Therefore, this study aimed to explore whether preoperative RS can alleviate cognitive deficits in aged mice with SF. A model of preoperative 24-h SF combined with exploratory laparotomy-induced POCD was established in 18-month-old mice. Aged mice were treated with preoperative 6-h RS following SF and postoperative 6-h RS following surgery, respectively. The changes in hippocampus-dependent cognitive function were investigated using behavioral tests, electroencephalography (EEG), local field potential (LFP), magnetic resonance imaging, and neuromorphology. Mice that underwent 24-h SF combined with surgery exhibited severe spatial memory impairment; impaired cognitive performance could be alleviated by preoperative RS treatment. In addition, preoperative RS increased NREM sleep; enhanced EEG delta-wave activity and LFP theta oscillation in the hippocampal CA1; and improved hippocampal perfusion, microstructural integrity, and neuronal damage. Taken together, these results provide evidence that preoperative RS may ameliorate the severity of POCD aggravated by SF by enhancing delta slow-wave activity and hippocampal theta oscillation, and by ameliorating the reduction in regional cerebral blood flow and white matter microstructure integrity in the hippocampus.

Treatment for middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms: in silico comparison of the novel Contour device and conventional flow-diverters.

Endovascular treatment has become the standard therapy for cerebral aneurysms, while the effective treatment for middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation aneurysms remains a challenge. Current flow-diverting techniques with endovascular coils cover the aneurysm orifice as well as adjacent vessel branches, which may lead to branch occlusion. Novel endovascular flow disruptors, such as the Contour device (Cerus Endovascular), are of great potential to eliminate the risk of branch occlusion. However, there is a lack of valid comparison between novel flow disruptors and conventional (intraluminal) flow-diverters. In this study, two in silico MCA bifurcation aneurysm models were treated by specific Contour devices and flow-diverters using fast-deployment algorithms. Computational fluid dynamic simulations were used to examine the performance and efficiency of deployed devices. Hemodynamic parameters, including aneurysm inflow and wall shear stress, were compared among each Contour device, conventional flow-diverter, and untreated condition. Our results show that the placement of devices can effectively reduce the risk of aneurysm rupture, while the deployment of a Contour device causes more flow reduction than using flow-diverters (e.g. Silk Vista Baby). Besides, the Contour device presents the flow diversion capability of targeting the aneurysm neck without occluding the daughter vessel. In summary, the in silico aneurysm models presented in this study can serve as a powerful pre-planning tool for testing new treatment techniques, optimising device deployment, and predicting the performance in patient-specific aneurysm cases. Contour device is proved to be an effective treatment of MCA bifurcation aneurysms with less daughter vessel occlusion.

Predicting Quantum-Mechanical Partial Charges in Arbitrarily Long Boron Nitride Nanotubes to Accurately Simulate Nanoscale Water Transport.

Single-walled boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) have been explored for various applications, ranging from water desalination to osmotic power harvesting. However, no simulation work so far has modeled the changes in the partial charge distribution when a flat sheet is rolled into a tube, hindering the ability to perform accurate molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of water flow through BNNTs. To address this knowledge gap, we employ electronic density functional theory (DFT) calculations to precisely estimate quantum-mechanically derived partial charges on boron (B) and nitrogen (N) atoms in BNNTs of varying lengths and diameters. We observe a spatially varying charge distribution inside both armchair and zigzag nanotubes of finite lengths. Performing DFT calculations for longer BNNTs is computationally intractable, even with state-of-the-art computing resources. To solve this issue, we devise a charge assignment scheme to predict partial charges for longer BNNTs using DFT data for shorter nanotubes, thus overcoming the need to perform more expensive DFT calculations. We show that these charges reproduce the electrostatic potential predicted from first-principles simulations. Subsequently, we carried out MD simulations to predict the effect of the charge distribution inside BNNTs on water flow enhancement via them. We find that using uniform charges leads to an underprediction in flow enhancement, as compared to using quantum-mechanical charges for both armchair and zigzag BNNTs. We also incorporate atomic vibrations into our simulations and show that these vibrations lead to a reduction in the water flow through aperiodic BNNTs. Our work demonstrates the requirement of a quantum-mechanical charge assignment scheme for BNNTs and evolves a framework to assign charges to nanotubes of arbitrary length, thus allowing realistic MD simulations of long BNNTs using accurate partial charges.

Detecting High-Dose Methotrexate-Induced Brain Changes in Pediatric and Young Adult Cancer Survivors Using [18F]FDG PET/MRI: A Pilot Study.

Significant improvements in treatments for children with cancer have resulted in a growing population of childhood cancer survivors who may face long-term adverse outcomes. Here, we aimed to diagnose high-dose methotrexate-induced brain injury on [18F]FDG PET/MRI and correlate the results with cognitive impairment identified by neurocognitive testing in pediatric cancer survivors. Methods: In this prospective, single-center pilot study, 10 children and young adults with sarcoma (n = 5), lymphoma (n = 4), or leukemia (n = 1) underwent dedicated brain [18F]FDG PET/MRI and a 2-h expert neuropsychologic evaluation on the same day, including the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, second edition, for intellectual functioning; Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (DKEFS) for executive functioning; and Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning, second edition (WRAML), for verbal and visual memory. Using PMOD software, we measured the SUVmean, cortical thickness, mean cerebral blood flow (CBFmean), and mean apparent diffusion coefficient of 3 different cortical regions (prefrontal cortex, cingulate gyrus, and hippocampus) that are routinely involved during the above-specified neurocognitive testing. Standardized scores of different measures were converted to z scores. Pairs of multivariable regression models (one for z scores < 0 and one for z scores > 0) were fitted for each brain region, imaging measure, and test score. Heteroscedasticity regression models were used to account for heterogeneity in variances between brain regions and to adjust for clustering within patients. Results: The regression analysis showed a significant correlation between the SUVmean of the prefrontal cortex and cingulum and DKEFS-sequential tracking (DKEFS-TM4) z scores (P = 0.003 and P = 0.012, respectively). The SUVmean of the hippocampus did not correlate with DKEFS-TM4 z scores (P = 0.111). The SUVmean for any evaluated brain regions did not correlate significantly with WRAML-visual memory (WRAML-VIS) z scores. CBFmean showed a positive correlation with SUVmean (r = 0.56, P = 0.01). The CBFmean of the cingulum, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex correlated significantly with DKEFS-TM4 (all P < 0.001). In addition, the hippocampal CBFmean correlated significantly with negative WRAML-VIS z scores (P = 0.003). Conclusion: High-dose methotrexate-induced brain injury can manifest as a reduction in glucose metabolism and blood flow in specific brain areas, which can be detected with [18F]FDG PET/MRI. The SUVmean and CBFmean of the prefrontal cortex and cingulum can serve as quantitative measures for detecting executive functioning problems. Hippocampal CBFmean could also be useful for monitoring memory problems.

Recent advances in mesenchymal stem cell therapy for myocardial infarction.

Myocardial infarction refers to the ischemic necrosis of myocardium, characterized by a sharp reduction or interruption of blood flow in the coronary arteries due to the coronary artery occlusion, resulting in severe and prolonged ischemia in the corresponding myocardium and ultimately leading to ischemic necrosis of the myocardium. Given its high risk, it is considered as one of the most serious health threats today. In current clinical practice, multiple approaches have been explored to diminish myocardial oxygen consumption and alleviate symptoms, but notable success remains elusive. Accumulated clinical evidence has showed that the implantation of mesenchymal stem cell for treating myocardial infarction is both effective and safe. Nevertheless, there persists controversy and variability regarding the standardizing MSC transplantation protocols, optimizing dosage, and determining the most effective routes of administration. Addressing these remaining issues will pave the way of integration of MSCs as a feasible mainstream cardiac treatment.

Fishes move to transient local refuges, not persistent landscape refuges during river drying experiment

Abstract Anthropogenically driven flow intermittency is increasing in freshwater streams, with important implications for the management and conservation of aquatic ecosystems. Because most freshwater fishes are mobile, they are expected to emigrate from intermittent reaches, but this may not be true in streams transitioning from perennial to intermittent. Here, we attempt to determine if riverine fishes vacate drying reaches before intermittency or remain in local refuges. We implemented a controlled, in situ experimental flow reduction resulting in intermittency, reducing flows from ~1.0 to 0 m3/s over a 3‐week period. We monitored fish and fish‐habitat changes over a 5‐week period before, during and after flow reductions. During flow reductions, total wetted habitat was ultimately reduced by 91%. Habitat loss over time was not equal among habitat types: pool habitat increased slightly as run habit was lost, and backwater and isolated pool habitats were not strongly related to discharge. Likewise, water depth in run habitats decreased faster than other habitats. Only the river carpsucker Carpiodes carpio appeared to move upstream during flow recession; seven other species remained within drying sites. Habitat loss negatively affected fish populations, but at a lower rate than that at which habitat was lost, until sites dried completely. Overall, two species, red shiner Cyprinella lutrensis and western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis, had increased population growth during the study, whereas the remaining species had population declines. Fishes were able to find transient local refuges during flow reductions but did not vacate sites before intermittent conditions. Accounting for lack of emigration from anthropogenic flow‐intermittent reaches will be important for designing conservation actions for fishes threatened by increasing flow intermittency. Creation of refuge habitats may not be effective for widely dispersed species that do not actively seek refuge habitats, unless those habitats support enough individuals to maintain resilience following the intermittent conditions.

Drag reduction in a minimal channel flow with scientific multi-agent reinforcement learning

We study drag reduction in a minimal turbulent channel flow using scientific multi-agent reinforcement learning (SMARL). The flow is controlled by blowing and suction at the wall of an open channel, with observable states derived from flow velocities sensed at adjustable heights. We explore the actions, state, and reward space of SMARL using the off-policy algorithm V-RACER. We compare single- and multi-agent setups, and compare the identified control policies against the well-known mechanism of opposition-control. Our findings demonstrate that off-policy SMARL reduces drag in various experimental setups, surpassing classical opposition-control by up to 20 percentage points.

Evaluation of the effect of phacoemulsification surgery on retinal and choroidal microvasculature in diabetic patients using optical coherence tomography angiography

Aim To evaluate the effect of phacoemulsification surgery on retinal and choroidal microvasculature in diabetic patients using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Settings and design A prospective comparative case-control study was performed at the Ophthalmology Department of Ain Shams University hospital, between November 2020 and November 2022. Patients and material A total 50 eyes of 35 cataractous patients were included in this prospective study and divided into two groups: the control group (25 eyes of 19 patients) and the diabetic group (25 eyes of 16 patients with mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy). All patients underwent routine ophthalmic examination, OCT and OCTA scans of the macula before phacoemulsification surgery and 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months after the surgery. Results The best corrected visual acuity significantly improved in both groups by ∼ 0.26 logMAR units in control and diabetic groups (P &lt;0.001 for both). The mean change in central subfoveal thickness was 23.44±43.7 versus 13.6±22 um (P=0.3) in the control group and the diabetic group, respectively but statistically insignificant. There was insignificant change in each group in all vascular parameters during the follow-up period. In addition, there was insignificant difference between the two groups at each visit in most vascular parameters of superficial vessel density, deep vessel density (DVD), and choriocapillaris vessel density (CC VD). On the other hand, the diabetic groups have significantly lower superficial vessel density of whole image and perifovea at 1 week than controls (42.92±4.54% vs. 46.16±3.98%, P=0.01 in the whole image, respectively) (44.29±4.87% vs. 47.32±3.85%, P=0.018 in perifovea, respectively). The diabetic group also showed significantly higher parafoveal deep vessel density than the control group at 1 month postoperatively: 52.67±4.00 versus 47.24±9.85% (P=0.014) that leveled up on month 3 and 6 (P=0.397, 0.538, respectively). The diabetic group showed lower CC VD of the whole image than the control group at 1 week postoperatively: 70.60±2.87 versus 72.22±1.98%, respectively (P=0.025), and also significantly lower CC VD of perifovea than the control group at 1 week: 71.19±2.82 versus 72.72±2.20% (P=0.038), 1 month: 71.08±2.87 versus 72.78±2.61% (P=0.033) and 3 months: 71.35±2.63 versus 72.83±2.52% (P=0.048). Those values leveled up at the last postoperative visit at month 6 (P=0.152). Conclusion Phacoemulsification surgery may lead to the transient and mild reduction of choroidal blood flow in diabetic eyes rather than retinal blood flow. Most of choroidal and retinal vascular changes happened in the perifoveal area within 1 week to 1 month postoperatively and rarely extended to 3 months.

An Improvised Modulation and Control Approach for Dual Active Bridge DC–DC Converter System

Aimed at the control and modulation of dual active bridge bi-directional dc (DAB-BIDC) converter, an unconventional approach is applied to explore its effect in symmetrical wave-based isolated dc-dc converters. The existing control schemes of DAB-BIDC converter with unified or optimal phase shift (UPS/OPS) modulation have the constraints like complex control schemes, light load efficiency, current stress, and reactive power. Since a 50 Hz, grid-connected conventional converter system uses the sinusoidal pulse width modulation method to minimize the requirement for passive filters. Similarly, this work investigates the same analogy for the high-frequency (HF) symmetrical wave converters to get effective modulation and control scheme for the DAB-BIDC converter. Furthermore, the proposed sinusoidal pulse width-phase shift (SPW-PS) modulation scheme has been implemented by the optimally derived control parameters using Lagrange's Multiplier Method (LMM) to minimize the reactive power flow and current stress reduction at the HF link. Therefore, the DAB-BIDC converter with the proposed modulation and control approach can be used for EV charging and solid-state transformers applications. Finally, the proposed work is validated using MATLAB simulation and experimental setup having turn ratio 36/12 V, fundamental frequency 5-kHz, and switching frequency 100-kHz for the experimental validation using OPAL-RT.

Global analysis of groundwater pumping from increased river capture

In many regions globally, groundwater overuse exceeds natural replenishment, leading to immediate consequences such as reduced river flows and devastating impacts on freshwater ecosystems. In alluvial aquifers in particular, groundwater pumping contributes to river flow reduction in two significant ways: first, by intercepting water that would naturally discharge into the river, and second, by lowering groundwater levels below the riverbed, causing river water to infiltrate. Despite these critical interactions, large-scale water resources assessments often overlook the relationship between groundwater and surface water, hindering a comprehensive understanding of the consequences of groundwater pumping on both the groundwater and surface water systems. Our study, utilizing a coupled global-scale groundwater–surface water model, reveals that approximately 20% of globally pumped groundwater stems from diminished streamflow, while 16% results from reduced storage. Projections for the end of the century, accounting for climate change, suggest potential increases to 30% from reduced streamflow and a decrease to 12% from reduced storage. Notably, our results highlight that the impact on streamflow is more widespread and linked to smaller pumping rates, contrasting with impacts on storage associated with higher pumping rates. This study shows the crucial need to include groundwater–surface water interactions in large-scale water resources assessments, not only for accurate estimates of freshwater availability but also for a comprehensive understanding of the far-reaching impacts of groundwater overuse related to increasing water demands and climate change.

Prevalence and Impact of Modifiable Risk Factors on Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Case Control Study

Highlights: 1. Smoking duration, dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and hyperuricemia, are significantly associated with ACS. 2. Obesity and hypertension are identified as risk factors for inpatient ACS. - Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is defined by the abrupt reduction or total obstruction of blood flow to the myocardium. Recognized risk factors for ACS include conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, obesity, diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia, as well as variables like age, gender, and family history of the ailment. The objective of this research was to examine the prevalence and importance of modifiable risk factors associated with ACS. Material and Methods: The study is structured as a prospective case-control study. The research sample comprises 100 ACS patients, categorized into three groups: STEMI, NSTEMI, and UAP. The Chi-Square test and logistic regression were used to examine the samples. The threshold for statistical significance was set at p&lt;0.05. Results: ACS occurred more frequently in male patients (54%) and those aged ≥ 40 years (85%). Several factors demonstrated significant associations with ACS, including smoking habits, dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and hyperuricemia. Among these, inpatient ACS was notably linked with obesity (OR: 7.42; 95% CI: 1.48-37.11; p=0.015) and hypertension (OR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.03-0.53; p=0.005). The presence of ACS was also correlated with a notable increase in inpatient care, with obesity and hypertension emerging as risk factors for inpatient ACS. Conclusion: ACS was more common in males and individuals aged 40 or older, with significant associations identified between ACS and various factors, including smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, hyperuricemia, and hypertension, with obesity and hypertension specifically linked to inpatient ACS.

Simulations of low impact development designs using the storm water management model

This study assessed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) for urban water management challenges. This study conducted a sensitivity analysis to identify the most influential factors in the SWMM. Moreover, the performance of SWMM was evaluated with the HYDRUS-1D module in simulating infiltration rates. The sensitivity results showed field capacity as the most significant factor, highlighting the need for advanced modeling techniques to consider factors like field capacity. The SWMM was evaluated by the HYDRUS-1D that SWMM consistently underestimated peak infiltration rates and commenced infiltration calculations only when soil moisture exceeded field capacity. It reveals its limitations in handling unsaturated soil conditions and highlights the consideration of the matric head of the soil during the infiltration calculation in soil media. Moreover, the evaluation of bioretention areas showed larger areas resulting in more substantial flow reductions but with significant variability under different rainfall conditions. Accordingly, this result emphasizes the importance of careful consideration for environmental factors in bioretention design. This study contributes by enhancing understanding of SWMM's limitations in simulating urban water management challenges. Thus, this research will offer technical assistance to stakeholders focused on challenges such as runoff, hydrologic cycle, and urban flooding in urban areas.