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Shale gas, as an important unconventional oil and gas resource, plays an important role in energy supply. Due to the strong mechanical heterogeneity and compactness, which requires the use of fracturing to crush the formation to obtain industrial production capacity. Therefore, it is very important to analyze shale’s mechanical properties and fracturing propagation laws. In this paper, the shale numerical model is established by adopting discrete element method (DEM). The mesoscopic constitutive parameters of shale with different matrix and bedding strength are determined based on rock samples tests. The reliability of the model is verified by finite element method. And the fracture propagation laws under the influence of shale beddings are studied. The results show that the existence of bedding fractures leads to the nonuniformity of fractures propagation in shale reservoirs. The stress difference of 5 MPa and the approach Angle of 75° are the key factors affecting the interaction between hydraulic fractures and natural fractures. As the bedding number increases, the borehole pressure increases and the total number of fractures’ propagation decreases. The results provide a theoretical basis for further understanding of fractures’ propagation in deep shale reservoirs, and have important guiding significance for optimization and improvement of fracture complexity in the subsequent construction.

We evaluated lethal temperatures and times for killing bed bugs in diverse covered and uncovered conditions simulating their natural habitats. A total of 5400 adult bed bugs were collected alive from 17 infested locations in Paris. They were morphologically identified in laboratory as Cimex lectularius. They were then distributed in multiple sets of 30 specimens to examine in covered (tissue, furniture, mattress or blanket) and uncovered (direct exposure) conditions and in diverse step-function temperatures (50, 55 and 60°C) and times (15, 30, 60 and 120 minutes), replicated three times. Effective mortality was observed in 1080 specimens exposed directly to 50°C for 60 minutes. In specimens covered by tissue (1080 specimens), furniture (1080) or mattress (1080), all were dead at 60°C within 60 minutes. The specimens covered by blanket (1080) at the same temperature were dead after 120 minutes. A 60-minutes delay in reaching to lethal temperature within blanket compared to uncovered thermometer was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Equine asthma, a chronic respiratory disease in horses, is primarily caused by environmental factors. In this review, we will present and compare the most relevant and recent information about the environmental management of equine asthma. In terms of feeding, not only the type of forage but also its production method and potential contamination are the most important factors to consider. Soaking and steaming forage can improve its hygienic quality, but these practices also reduce its nutritional value, necessitating dietary supplementation. Concerning housing, despite some contradictory results, avoiding straw bedding and improving barn ventilation remain common recommendations when pasture turnout is not possible. Finally, owners' compliance has been identified as the most crucial aspect of effective environmental management and the focus of equine asthma treatment should be a detailed explanation to owners of the real benefits of these measures. Environmental practices related to the inhalation of airborne dust have been identified as the main cause of equine asthma (EA) and reasonably, they are truly relevant in its treatment and control, especially for horses with its severe form. Vast research regarding environmental recommendations has been conducted in recent years. However, no recent exhaustive reviews exist that gather all this new evidence. The aim of this review is to report and compare the most pertinent information concerning the environmental management of EA. The main findings highlight the importance of the type of forage used for feeding but also its method of production and possible contamination during manufacture and/or storage. Procedures to reduce this, such as soaking and steaming hay, improve its hygienic quality, although they also decrease forage's nutritional value, making dietetic supplementation necessary. Regarding stabling, despite some conflicting results, avoiding straw as bedding and improving barn ventilation continue to be the common recommendations if turning to pasture is not feasible. Finally, owners' compliance has been identified as the most critical point in correct environmental control. Educating owners about the genuine benefits of these measures should be a cornerstone of EA management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weak planes in the sandstone bedding generate anisotropy in the mechanical behavior of the rock. These discontinuities affect both the strength and deformation behavior of sandstones. Under laboratory circumstances, it is difficult to analyze the brittle fracture mechanism and the micro-cracking process brought upon by crack initiation and propagation at the grain size. In this research, the fracture behavior and the micro-cracking process of anisotropic sandstone were studied using experimental tests and the particle flow code (PFC2D). The fracture behavior of anisotropic sandstone was modeled and confirmed by comparison with laboratory findings using bonded-particle DEM modeling and embedding weakness planes (smooth-joint model) in undamaged rock (flat-joint model). The failure process at the various inclination angles of bedding planes was examined under various loading regimes. Based on a study of the effects of changing the distance between bedding planes and the inclination angle, it was discovered that the inclination angle's influence on strength is more significant than that of spacing. Highlights: Using the DEM modeling in PFC, it is possible to quantify the fracture behavior. The number of cracks in intact and bedding areas determines the failure mechanism. The strength is significantly affected by the inclination angle rather than spacing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insomnia is common among frail older people living in nursing homes. The aim of the study was to explore how frail older people with insomnia experience the use of a weighted blanket. The study was conducted in nine nursing homes in Sweden. A total of 19 people (4 men, 15 women) aged 67 years and older were included. The study had an inductive qualitative design. Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) was utilized as a checklist to ensure transparency and comprehensiveness and enhance reliability by guaranteeing that all relevant aspects of the research process are thoroughly documented. The semi-structured interviews were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. The results formed four categories: Experiencing proximity, which raised older people's encounters with the weighted blankets; Changes in sleeping patterns, where older people encountered the weighted blanket's influence in changing sleep patterns; Experiencing conditions for use, where frail older people experienced the right conditions; and Stimulating senses, where frail older people experienced changes in their senses. Frail older people experienced that weighted blankets could provide comfort, positively influence sleep patterns, and reduce anxiety. This intervention can be considered valuable and offers a possible alternative to medication for frail older people with insomnia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Multiple organizations recommend that individualized end-of-life (EOL) care should be standard practice. However, a standardized approach does not exist because EOL care should be individually tailored. The 3 Wishes Project is an EOL intervention that provides direction for individualized care with 3 goals: dignify death, celebrate the patient's life, and support family members and the intensive care unit clinicians caring for the patient. Patients and families are given the opportunity to choose 3 wishes during the dying process. Objective To ascertain if the implementation of the 3 Wishes Project allowed the medical team to provide individualized EOL care. Methods The Iowa Model was used for this evidencebased project. The project was implemented in the medical intensive care unit at an academic medical center. Outcomes were evaluated by the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data. Results From the 57 patients who died during the 2-month implementation period, 32 wish forms were collected; 31 patients participated and 1 declined. Overall participation among patients was 56%. The top 5 wishes were cloth hearts, blankets, heartbeat printouts, fingerprints and handprints, and music. The total cost was $992, and the average cost per wish was $6.98. Eighty-five percent (33 of 39) of the respondents to the medical team survey indicated that they either agreed or strongly agreed that the project allowed the medical team to consistently provide individualized EOL care. Conclusions The survey data support the 3 Wishes Project as a method that allowed the medical team to individualize EOL care and as a valuable tool for incorporation at the bedside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. This study's purpose was to determine the impact of weighted blanket use on moderate to severe insomnia in adults with sensory sensitivity greater than the average population. Methods. For this study, a four-week, single-case, multiple-participant ABA study design was used. Through convenience sampling, four participants scoring 15 or greater on the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), which categorizes them as having moderate to severe insomnia, and much more than most people in sensory sensitivity on the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile were recruited. First, seven-day baseline sleep data was gathered, followed by two weeks of weighted blanket use, concluding with a seven-day withdrawal phase. Additional outcome measures included: Tuck and Snooze Survey, Consensus Sleep Diary Morning, and Additional Sleep Diary Questions. Data analysis included visual analysis, mean comparisons, Tau- U calculations, and pre- to post-ISI category comparisons. Results. All participants' ISI scores were categorized as one level less severe postintervention. All participants demonstrated increased sleep quality, and three participants showed an increase in sleep duration based on individual mean comparisons between baseline and intervention phases. Conclusion. Weighted blankets appear beneficial in reducing insomnia severity in adults with much more than the average population sensory sensitivity. In addition, those with self-reported anxiety may have increased benefit from this intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the implementation of a warming bundle project at an academic medical center aimed to prevent the incidence of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia (IPH) in head and neck cancer patients undergoing free-flap microvascular surgery. The study compared pre- and intra-operative temperature, body mass index, estimated blood loss and surgery duration before and after implementation of patient warming bundle and it examined the occurrence of IPH.

Introduction: Kratom, an unregulated herbal supplement, has emerged as self-treatment for anxiety/depression. Kratom exhibits inhibition at multiple cytochrome P450 isozymes involved in metabolism of prescription medications, including serotonergic agents. We report a case of possible serotonin syndrome induced by kratom use in combination with prescription psychotropic medications. Case: A 63-year-old male presented with diaphoresis, flushing, aphasia, confusion, dysarthria, right facial droop, and oral temperature of 39.6oC (103.2oF), lactate 2.7 mmol/L, and creatine phosphokinase of 1507 IU/L. Initial differential diagnoses included acute ischemic stroke and bacterial meningitis. Despite partial treatment with alteplase and broad-spectrum antibiotics, symptoms persisted, and subsequent physical exam noted hyperreflexia, clonus, tremors, and temperature of 41.1oC (106oF). Home medications included a chronic regimen for anxiety/depression with bupropion, buspirone, desvenlafaxine, trazodone, and ziprasidone, in addition to kratom. Clinical suspicion for serotonin syndrome led to initiation of cyproheptadine, lorazepam, and cooling blankets. Aphasia, facial droop, and confusion improved after administration of cyproheptadine. Bupropion was restarted during hospitalization; remaining medications restarted at the discretion of the primary care provider. Discussion: Risk of serotonin syndrome with multiple serotonergic agents is well-known. Kratom is metabolized by cytochrome P40 isozymes 3A4, 2C9, and 2D6, and exhibits inhibition at those enzymes, in addition to 1A2. Pharmacokinetic interactions of kratom with prescription serotonergic agents metabolized through these isozymes has the potential to increase systemic exposure of serotonin, potentially leading to serotonin syndrome. Conclusion: Because substances contained in kratom can inhibit metabolism of prescription serotonergic medications, clinicians must be aware of potential development of serotonin syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Our study evaluated relationships among bedding characteristics, milk quality and composition, and subclinical mastitis occurrence in dairy herds housed in compost barn systems. Bedding moisture, temperature at 30 cm depth, and pH affected 63% of the variation in milk composition and quality. Environmental variables affected 77% of the variation in bedding variables, especially pH and the surface temperature. An increase of 1 °C for temperature at 30 cm depth resulted in a 0.6% reduction in the prevalence of subclinical mastitis. The bedding surface temperature at 22.3 °C resulted in the highest incidence of subclinical mastitis (~18.1%). Thus, controlling microclimatic conditions in compost barns optimizes the bedding composting process and ensures milk quality. The compost-bedded pack barn (CBPB) system has been increasingly adopted by dairy farms due to its ability to enhance animal comfort and milk production. This study evaluated the associations among bedding characteristics, milk quality and composition, and subclinical mastitis (SCM) occurrence in dairy herds housed in CBPB systems. Over a period of six months, data related to milk quality and udder health and bedding sampling were collected from eight dairy farms. Monthly measurements of the bedding temperature and wind speed inside the CBPB were taken, while temperature and relative humidity data inside the CBPB were recorded using a datalogger. Bedding samples were subjected to analysis of moisture, pH, microbiological count, and carbon/nitrogen ratio. Data on milk composition (fat, protein, milk urea nitrogen, and total solids) and quality (somatic cell count and standard plate count) of bulk tank milk were obtained from DHIA results. Canonical correlation analyses were used to evaluate the association between the analyzed group variables, and linear regression models were used to identify associations between bedding characteristics and SCM occurrence in the studied herds. The bedding characteristics that most influenced milk composition and quality were moisture, temperature at 30 cm depth (T30), and bedding pH. Environmental variables played an important role in bedding composting, as they were closely related to the surface temperature and pH. Overall, 62.71% of the variation in milk quality and composition could be explained by the bedding variables, and 77.50% of the variation in the bedding variables was associated with environmental variables. Median SCM prevalence and incidence were 28.6 and 13.8%, respectively. An increase of 1 °C for T30 resulted in a 0.6% reduction in the prevalence of SCM. Additionally, the bedding surface temperature at 22.3 °C resulted in the highest incidence of SCM (~18.1%). Our results demonstrate the importance of controlling microclimatic conditions in the CBPB to optimize the bedding composting process and milk quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the transversely isotropic theory and weak plane criterion, and considering the mechanical damages due to stress unloading and hydration during drilling, a shale wellbore stability model with the influence of stress unloading and hydration was established using triaxial test and shear test. Then, factors influencing the wellbore stability in shale were analyzed. The results indicate that stress unloading occurs during drilling in shale. The larger the confining pressure and axial stress, the more remarkable weakening of shale strength caused by stress unloading. The stress unloading range is positively correlated with the weakening degree of shale strength. Shale with a higher development degree of bedding is more prone to damage along bedding. In this case, during stress unloading, the synergistic effect of weak structural plane and stress unloading happens, leading to a higher weakening degree of shale strength and poorer mechanical stability, which brings a higher risk of wellbore instability. Fluid tends to invade shale through bedding, promoting the shale hydration. Hydration also can weaken shale mechanical stability, causing the decline of wellbore stability. Influence of stress unloading on collapse pressure of shale mainly occurs at the early stage of drilling, while the influence of hydration on wellbore stability mainly happens at the late stage of drilling. Bedding, stress unloading and hydration jointly affect the wellbore stability in shale. The presented shale wellbore stability model with the influence of stress unloading and hydration considers the influences of the three factors. Field application demonstrates that the prediction results of the model agree with the actual drilling results, verifying the reliability of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]