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Negative symptoms in schizophrenia impose a significant burden with limited effective pharmacological treatment options. Recent trials have shown preliminary evidence for the efficacy of using intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) in treating negative symptoms in schizophrenia. We aim to systematically review the current evidence of iTBS in the treatment of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia as an augmentation therapy. The study protocol was developed and registered on Prospero (registration ID: 323381). MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science (Scopus), PsycINFO and Wan Fang databases were searched for sham-controlled, randomized trials of iTBS among patients with schizophrenia. The mean difference in major outcome assessments for negative symptoms was calculated. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (version 1) and the GRADE system. Moreover, 12 studies including a total of 637 participants were included. Compared to sham treatment, the pooled analysis was in favor of iTBS treatment for negative symptoms (mean weight effect size: 0.59, p = 0.03) but not for positive symptoms (mean weight effect size: 0.01, p = 0.91) and depressive symptoms (mean weight effect size: 0.35, p = 0.16). A significant treatment effect was also observed on the iTBS target site left dorsal prefrontal cortex (mean weight effect size: 0.86, p = 0.007) and for stimulation with 80% motor threshold (mean weight effect size: 0.86, p = 0.02). Thus, our synthesized data support iTBS as a potential treatment for negative symptoms among patients with schizophrenia. However, the long-term efficacy and safety issues of iTBS in a larger population have yet to be examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface treatment of natural fibers with the help of chemicals has been proved to be an effective method for improving the properties of its associated composites. The present research investigates the effect of nonacidic and cost-effective chemical treatment using sodium acetate on the properties of kenaf mats reinforced Polylactic acid (PLA) composites. In particular, geometrically different kenaf fiber mats (unidirectional, bidirectional, and randomly oriented) were chemically treated with varying concentrations (10%, 15%, and 20% w/v) of sodium acetate, for three different time periods (24, 48, and 72 h) at room temperature. Effect of chemical treatment on the surface of kenaf fibers was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical characterization of the developed composites was done on the basis of tensile, flexural, and impact tests to investigate the effect of treatment on interfacial adhesion. The composites in which fibers were treated with a 20% concentration of sodium acetate at 48 hr of treatment time exhibited the highest tensile, flexural, and viscoelastic properties. Apart from impact strength, the effect of chemical treatment on the properties of green composites was found to be significant. Eco-friendly treatment of natural fibers using sodium acetate may offer huge potential for commercialization of green composites in furthermore applications.

This study directly compared blood flow and oxygenation during six treatment parameters used with vertical and side alternating whole body vibration (WBV). Twenty-seven healthy adults were randomized into the vertical or side-alternating (vibration type) WBV group. Participants completed three WBV sessions a week apart, 5 sets of 1 min on/off, at 3 conditions (Vertical: 30 Hz and 4 mm, 40 Hz and 2 mm, 45 Hz and 4 mm; Side-alternating: 10 Hz and 4 mm, 18 Hz and 3 mm and 26 Hz and 2 mm). Blood flow velocity and popliteal artery diameter, muscle oxygenation, skin temperature, heart rate and blood pressure were assessed. Muscle oxygenation was significantly increased for all vibration frequencies and types following two minutes of WBV (14.78%, p = 0.02) and continued until immediately after the cessation of WBV (24.7%, p < 0.001). WBV also increased heart rate (23.9%, p < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (8.9%, p < 0.001) regardless of frequency and vibration type. Side-alternating and vertical WBV increased muscle oxygenation and heart rate in healthy participants completing an isometric squat. Muscle oxygenation was not increased until the second vibration set indicating the amount of time spent on the platform may have a significant effect on increases in blood flow.

Negative symptoms in schizophrenia impose a significant burden with limited effective pharmacological treatment options. Recent trials have shown preliminary evidence for the efficacy of using intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) in treating negative symptoms in schizophrenia. We aim to systematically review the current evidence of iTBS in the treatment of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia as an augmentation therapy. The study protocol was developed and registered on Prospero (registration ID: 323381). MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science (Scopus), PsycINFO and Wan Fang databases were searched for sham-controlled, randomized trials of iTBS among patients with schizophrenia. The mean difference in major outcome assessments for negative symptoms was calculated. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (version 1) and the GRADE system. Moreover, 12 studies including a total of 637 participants were included. Compared to sham treatment, the pooled analysis was in favor of iTBS treatment for negative symptoms (mean weight effect size: 0.59, p = 0.03) but not for positive symptoms (mean weight effect size: 0.01, p = 0.91) and depressive symptoms (mean weight effect size: 0.35, p = 0.16). A significant treatment effect was also observed on the iTBS target site left dorsal prefrontal cortex (mean weight effect size: 0.86, p = 0.007) and for stimulation with 80% motor threshold (mean weight effect size: 0.86, p = 0.02). Thus, our synthesized data support iTBS as a potential treatment for negative symptoms among patients with schizophrenia. However, the long-term efficacy and safety issues of iTBS in a larger population have yet to be examined.

Surface treatment of natural fibers with the help of chemicals has been proved to be an effective method for improving the properties of its associated composites. The present research investigates the effect of nonacidic and cost-effective chemical treatment using sodium acetate on the properties of kenaf mats reinforced Polylactic acid (PLA) composites. In particular, geometrically different kenaf fiber mats (unidirectional, bidirectional, and randomly oriented) were chemically treated with varying concentrations (10%, 15%, and 20% w/v) of sodium acetate, for three different time periods (24, 48, and 72 h) at room temperature. Effect of chemical treatment on the surface of kenaf fibers was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical characterization of the developed composites was done on the basis of tensile, flexural, and impact tests to investigate the effect of treatment on interfacial adhesion. The composites in which fibers were treated with a 20% concentration of sodium acetate at 48 hr of treatment time exhibited the highest tensile, flexural, and viscoelastic properties. Apart from impact strength, the effect of chemical treatment on the properties of green composites was found to be significant. Eco-friendly treatment of natural fibers using sodium acetate may offer huge potential for commercialization of green composites in furthermore applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation (NPWTi) has the dual function of negative pressure sealing drainage and irrigation, which overcomes the disadvantages of NPWT, such as tube obstruction, inability to apply topical medicine, and poor anti‐infection ability. NPWTi has been researched extensively and widely used in various types of wounds, and certain effects have been achieved. A series of parameters for NPWTi have not been unified at present, including the flushing fluid option, flushing mode, and treatment period. This paper reviews the research progress of these parameters for NPWTi and their application in the treatment of orthopaedic wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate how differences in treatment parameters account for survival differences between races of patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: National Cancer Database. Methods: Data of patients with OPSCC undergoing radiation therapy (RT) or concurrent chemoradiation therapy as primary treatment were obtained from the National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2016. We analyzed 4 treatment-related time intervals to determine their impact on survival between races when controlling for human papilloma virus (HPV) status. Cox proportional hazards models, stepwise logistic regressions, covariate adjustments, and propensity score matching were performed. Results: A total of 3152 patients were identified (2877 White, 275 Black). In HPV– cases, Black patients with prolonged radiation duration had a significantly worse overall survival as compared with White patients (hazard ratio, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.03-3.05; P =.039). In a logistic regression model, the only covariate that was significantly associated with prolonged RT was facility type. When further adjusted for facility type, the survival difference between Black and White patients with HPV– status and prolonged RT times was no longer significant (hazard ratio, 1.55; 95% CI, 0.90-2.69; P =.116). Conclusions: There is a significant disparity in overall survival between Black and White patients with HPV– OPSCC when RT duration is prolonged. Clinicians should be aware of the negative impact of prolonged RT, especially in Black patients, so that they can attempt to decrease treatment-related time intervals. Facility type was also found to affect the outcomes of patients with OPSCC, and efforts should be made to improve patient access to well-equipped, high-volume facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sandstone-mudstone interbedded reservoirs in Bohai Bay Basin, eastern China are typically characterized by high in-situ stress difference, low permeability, and significant heterogeneity. A better understanding of hydraulic fracturing mechanisms and optimization strategies of fracturing treatments is crucial for stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) enhancement and efficient oil recovery. In this study, laboratory tests were conducted on the sandstone and mudstone cores to analyze the mechanical and structural properties. A finite element method (FEM)-based numerical model was developed to simulate the 3D nature of complex hydraulic fracture (HF) propagation. Rock heterogeneity and seepage-stress-damage coupling were both considered to reproduce the fracturing behaviors. A novel approach for SRV simulation was proposed and implemented in the model, which can be used to comprehensively reflect the fracturing performance. A series of numerical simulations were performed to explore the effect of reservoir thickness and treatment parameters on hydraulic fracturing performance. Furthermore, a simultaneous variable injection rate and alternate fluid injection technology were proposed, and the effects of operation procedures on hydraulic fracturing performance were investigated. The results show that HFs tend to present more complex morphology in thick interbedded layers than that in thin interbedded layers under a certain treatment condition. In thin layers, complex HFs can be created when the injection rate is greater than 10 m3/min, while in thick layers, complex HFs can be created when the injection rate is greater than 7 m3/min. With the increase of injection rate, the HF complexity, SRV, and fracture height increase. With the increase of fluid viscosity, the SRV decreases, while the fracture height increases. The simultaneous variable injection rate and alternate fluid injection technology could improve SRV by 19.6%, which appears to be an effective technique to achieve massive fracturing stimulation and fracture height containment for the heterogeneous interbedded reservoirs. The results can provide an insight into the fracturing mechanisms and offer a guideline for fracturing design and treatment optimization in tight sandstone-mudstone interbedded reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intermittent theta-burst stimulation priming (iTBS-P) can improve clinical outcome of patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who do not show early benefit from 10 Hz stimulation of left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), also known as high-frequency left-sided (HFL) stimulation. The intensity and pulse number for iTBS-P needed to induce clinical benefit have not been systematically examined. To study the effect of intensity and pulse number on the clinical efficacy of iTBS-P. We conducted a retrospective review of 71 participants who received at least five sessions of HFL with limited clinical benefit and received iTBS-P augmentation for between 5 and 25 sessions. Intensity of iTBS-P priming stimuli ranged from 75 to 120% of motor threshold (MT) and pulse number ranged from 600 to 1800. Associations among intensity, pulse number, and clinical outcome were analyzed using a mixed methods linear model with change in IDS-SR as the primary outcome variable, priming stimulation intensity (subthreshold or suprathreshold), pulse number (<1200 or >1200 pulses), and gender as fixed factors, and number of iTBS-P treatments and age as continuous covariates. Subjects who received subthreshold intensity iTBS-P experienced greater reduction in depressive symptoms than those who received suprathreshold iTBS-P (p = 0.011) with no effect of pulse number after controlling for stimulus intensity. Subthreshold intensity iTBS-P was associated with greater clinical improvement than suprathreshold stimulation. This finding is consistent with iTBS-P acting through homeostatic plasticity mechanisms. • Subthreshold iTBS priming (iTBS-P) of standard rTMS treatment improved MDD outcomes compared to suprathreshold iTBS-P • Priming pulse number (i.e. 600 pulses versus 1200 or more pulses) did not influence clinical response • Brief, subthreshold iTBS-P may be an efficient, tolerable, and effective way to augment outcomes from standard rTMS for MDD [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Impact of 8 electron treatment parameters on secondary neutron spectra was assessed. • Secondary neutron spectra were measured using the NNS. • The electron beam energy and the measurement location had the most significant impact. • Other parameters showed little or no impact on secondary neutron spectra. • The results are useful for assessing the secondary neutron risk in electron therapy. High-energy electron treatment procedures in radiotherapy pose a potential iatrogenic cancer risk as well as a critical health risk to patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices due to the generation of secondary neutrons in the linac head, the treatment room, and the patient. It may be argued that the neutron production from photons is well characterized, but the same is not true for electrons. Therefore, to assess the risk involved in an electron treatment, one must determine the neutron flux spectrum generated by the treatment procedure. The neutron spectrum depends on the treatment parameters used and therefore it is crucial to study its dependence on these parameters. In this work, eight experiments were devised to analyze how eight electron treatment parameters impacted the neutron spectrum. The parameters we considered were the electron beam energy, location of measurement, cutout size, collimator size, applicator size, collimator angle, choice of treatment room, and the presence or absence of a solid water phantom. For each experiment, we used a Nested Neutron Spectrometer™ (NNS) to measure the neutron flux spectra for multiple settings of the treatment parameter of interest. The resulting spectra were plotted and compared. We found that the electron beam energy and the location of measurement had the most impact on the neutron flux spectra, while the other parameters had a smaller or insignificant impact. This report may serve as a reference tool for medical physicists to help estimate the risk associated with a particular high-energy electron treatment procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • New treatments are critically needed to treat Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). • Whether high or low frequency right prefrontal rTMS is better for PTSD is unclear. • Veterans with PTSD were randomized to right prefrontal 1 Hz rTMS versus 10 Hz rTMS. • Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in PTSD and depression symptoms. • No significant difference between groups on measures of PTSD, depression or function. Abstract The purpose of this trial was to test whether right prefrontal cortex 1 Hz versus 10 Hz rTMS provides a significantly greater improvement in PTSD symptoms and/or function. Veterans 18 to 50 years of age suffering from PTSD were randomized to right prefrontal 1 Hz rTMS [2400 pulses/session] versus right prefrontal 10 Hz rTMS [2400 pulses/session]. The treatments were performed 5 days a week for 6 weeks with a 3-week taper using the NeuroStar system. There were one month and three months post treatment follow-up evaluations. Forty-four participants were enrolled with 17 being randomized to 1 Hz rTMS and 18 to 10 Hz rTMS. Both groups had significant improvement in PTSD and depression scores from baseline to the end of acute treatment. The 10 Hz group but not the 1 Hz group demonstrated significant improvement in function. Although both groups demonstrated significant improvement in PTSD and depression symptoms, a significant advantage for either the 1 Hz or 10 Hz frequency group on any of the scales acquired was not demonstrated. Further work is required with larger samples sizes to test whether low or high frequency is superior or if individual differences would indicate the more effective frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel approach for fabricating tungsten copper functionally gradient materials (FGMs) with escalated electrical conductivity and sufficiently high density was proposed. It mainly consists of three procedures namely oxidation & volatilization and infiltration. In this way, a 98.5% theoretical density of W/Cu FGM was successfully fabricated. Furthermore, an equation for the increased porosity of tungsten skeleton which has been treated is derived by Shrinking nucleus dynamics model of heterogeneous reaction. Meanwhile, the effect of the different ratio of tungsten powder with different particle size, treatment temperature and time on pore-forming was investigated individually. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersed X-ray spectrometer analysis demonstrate that the W/Cu FGMs can be obtained by the oxidation & volatilization and infiltration method. Tungsten skeletons with porosity of continuous gradient distribution was fabricated, the copper content of the W/Cu FGMs decreases gradually from the surface layer to core layer. The fine particle size of W powder is favorable to the formation of porosity, that is, the porosity and amplitude of variation of porosity of the samples with more fine W power are larger. The W/Cu FGMs where tungsten skeletons were treated at higher temperature can acquire higher copper content. The W/Cu FGMs where tungsten skeletons were treated for a longer time can obtain a higher content of copper and a thicker gradient layer. The macro-hardness of W/Cu FGM increases gradually from the near-surface layer to the core layer. The thermal conductivity of the sample is about 198 W/m·K at room temperature and decreases with increasing temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of the fluence regulation on the inactivation efficiency of pulsed light (PL) surface disinfection treatments was investigated. E. coli and L. innocua were exposed to PL on a gel surface under variation of the applied voltage, the number of light flashes as well as the distance between the flash lamp and the sample surface. The results revealed deviations from the reciprocity law when the total fluence striking the sample surface was not applied at once, but subdivided into several successive light flashes. No differences were found when the fluence was delivered with only single light flashes, irrespective of the applied voltage. The pulse frequency did not have an impact on the microbial reduction within 1–5 Hz. Furthermore, the sensitivities of various bacterial strains, endospores and conidiospores were compared. Differences occurred for vegetative bacteria without a clear pattern, while bacterial endospores were more resistant. Dark pigmented mold spores were slightly more resistant than bacterial endospores. All dose-response curves exhibited a downward concavity, except for P. aeruginosa . Industrial relevance This study shows that the inactivation of bacteria on e.g. food surfaces by pulsed light systems depends on the way of fluence dosage. While it is irrelevant whether the fluence is regulated by the discharge voltage or the distance between the flash lamp and the treated surface, it is more effective to apply only single light flashes of high fluence instead of several consecutive light flashes. There is furthermore no distinct trend regarding the sensitivity of bacteria to PL, variations occur on species and strain level. Bacterial spores are in general more resistant while pigmented conidiospores show a slightly higher resistance than bacterial endospores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method is proposed for calculating the stress in roasted zonal fluxed pellets. The method is based on the appearance of a stress state at the boundary zones with different solidification temperatures of the slag inclusions on cooling. The stress state is calculated for Kachkanar pellets with different positions of the hematite and magnetite zones. It is shown that, on cooling annealed zonal pellets in air, tensile normal stress appears in the radial direction at the boundary of the magnetite core and the hematite shell. The presence of a three-zone structure in the pellets (magnetite core + hematite shell + surface magnetite film) facilitates the redistribution of normal stress over the cross section. Increasing the thickness of the surface magnetite film reduces the tensile stress in the radial direction at the boundary of the core and the shell. As a result, the pellet strength is increased. On cooling roasted pellets with a hematite core and a magnetic shell in a neutral atmosphere, tensile normal stress appears in the tangential direction, tending to reduce the pellet strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound wave is a physical method commonly used in the rehabilitation process. Biological effects of ultrasound wave are complex, and they have been subject of several studies for many years. It is assumed that ultrasound wave causes an increase in tissue temperature; however, some study results stay in opposition to this statement. Thermal imaging is a method that helps to determine, in a precise way, the temperature distribution of the tested body surface area, which allows us to verify whether ultrasound waves always have thermal effects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the differences in temperature distribution depicted by thermal imaging, after the use of ultrasonic waves with two different values of frequency (1 and 3 MHz) in the area of Achilles tendon. The study involved 50 healthy students group in which there were 28 women and 22 men. The average age in the group was 20.54 years (±1.09). All study participants underwent ultrasound treatment with two different values of frequency. Skin temperature of the tested area was recorded with the use of thermographic camera. Ultrasound wave was applied to the area of Achilles tendon. Each person had the procedure performed twice with a seven-day time interval. There were ultrasonic waves with a frequency of 1 MHz applied one time and then ultrasonic wave with a frequency of 3 MHz applied once for the second time. Paraffin oil was used as a coupling medium. The result of Student's t test showed a statistically significant difference in mean temperature values measured immediately after treatment (3.3341) and 5 min after the treatment (2.6037) for a frequency of 3 and 1 MHz. A comparison of temperature values for both frequencies 10 min after the treatment and 15 min after the treatment was not statistically relevant. The results of the studies indicate that only ultrasonic treatment at a frequency of 3 MHz has influence on an increase of surface temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia plasma treatment is an efficient method to modify the surface of polymeric biomaterials to improve their hydrophilicity and biocompatibility. In this study, poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) films were treated with ammonia plasma to investigate the effects on the surface properties and cytocompatibility. Surface morphologies of the films were observed with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the surface roughness was analyzed with the software attached to the AFM. Mass loss density and contact angles associated to plasma treatment power and time were also studied. The stability of the treated films was evaluated by testing the contact angle change. The cytocompatibiliy was evaluated by cell adhesion, proliferation and cell cycle. The results showed that the surface morphology and roughness of the treated PLLA surfaces increased with treatment power. The mass loss density increased with plasma treatment power and time. With increasing treatment power and time, the resulting amino group density on treated PLLA film surface increased first and decreased later, while the contact angle showed an opposite trend. The contact angle of the treated films increased with storage time and returned to its original value after about 2 weeks. The cell experiments indicated that promotion of cell adhesion and proliferation were significantly improved on the treated PLLA surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims, based on experimental data to determine the equation of correlation between treatment parameters LF steel plant type and yield of hydrogen removal. Experiments were conducted in a steel mill type electric furnace equipped with an EBT, installation LF and continuous casting plant. Treatment facility as parameters LF those of argon bubbling were considered next: bubbling duration, flow and pressure of argon, they were considered as independent parameters and as an independent parameter were considered hydrogen removal efficiency. Independent parameters were determined by measuring and control devices and the degree of hydrogen removal based on hydrogen content determined from samples of steel, taken before and after treatment with argon. The data were processed in Excel and MATLAB programs, which allowed obtaining simple and multiple correlation equations between the parameters chosen in the investigations. Based on the technological analysis of correlation equations, the optimum parameters change of bubbling was established. Results have practical applicability in developing steels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous progress in hydraulic fracturing technology results in pinpoint fracturing, which allows multiple precisely targeted sands to be stimulated. Recently, this technique has frequently been used in the industry with low per fracture cost and reduced cycle time. However, the design methods for fracture treatment parameters with constraints are not well presented in the literature. This article illustrates computational modeling of single-stage and pinpoint multistage hydraulic fracture designs with controllable treatment parameters to increase the knowledge base of this fracturing technique. This model integrates the fracture geometry, design parameters, design constraints, and production model. A parametric study is conducted to compare between the conventional single-stage and multistage hydraulic fracturing with their basic design concepts and postfracture benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many injection/production wells have been hydraulically fractured to enhance injectivity/productivity. Various engineering models for fracture geometry have been developed, which define the propagation of a fracture with time and wellbore treatment pressure. These models combine with elasticity, fluid flow, material balance, and propagation criterion/in-situ stresses. When this combination describes the fracture dimensions, the fracture-geometry can be of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D), depending on the number of dimensional variables. For design purposes, several 2D and 3D models are already developed. But it is still a concern in the oil industry as to which model is beneficial to design optimum treatment parameters for a particular tight sand, because despite many successes, there have been many wells of poor post-fracture productivity. This article provides a review of 2D and 3D fracture models for prediction of fracture geometry. A P-3D (pseudo) model has been improved by incorporating Carter solution of material balance for the first time and was named P-3D-C model, which has predicted higher fracture conductivity. The improved model is highly potential for repetitive computation in hydraulic fracture design optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acid fracturing is a well stimulation process commonly used in low-permeable carbonate reservoirs. Carbonates are generally low permeable but with high storativity and are natural candidates for acid fracturing. Increased hydraulic fracture penetration with minimum acid fluid loss is the key to effective stimulation in carbonates. This article presents a program integrating acid fracture penetration, fluid loss control, fluid diffusion, conductivity, reservoir fluid flow model, and well productivity index with a two-dimensional hydraulic fracture model. This program shows the post-fracture productivity index, which increases by three to five times, depending on the treatment parameters. The present work will assist the designer in estimating the range of treatment parameters based on parametric sensitivity analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The petroleum industry needs cost-effective hydraulic fracturing technique to increase recovery from low permeable reservoirs. That leads to the widespread use of various fracture optimization methods to find optimum values of controllable treatment design parameters. Inappropriate values of these parameters cause uncontrolled fracture, resulting in unnecessarily high treatment cost and finally low productivity. Application of the designed treatment parameters obtained from many commercial tools may not be successful to the full extent, as the realistic design constraints are not well defined. Such wells invariably display poor post-frac productivity. While understanding the deficiency of these tools, this article presents a model integrating optimization tool with design constraints, design variables, fracture geometry, a production module, and a cost module. The effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing is highly dependent on successful viscosity scheduling of the fracturing fluid and is particularly influenced by fluid flow behavior index, consistency index, and shear rate in the fracture. These parameters are also included in the free design variables in this work for the first time. The integrated model demonstrates its merits with optimum treatment parameters while applying to a low permeable oil reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]