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El presente artículo recoge los resultados de las intervenciones arqueológicas realizadas en el castillo de Arguedas en los años 2019 y 2021. La primera de las campañas se realizó en el marco de la adecuación del cerro y sus accesos para su uso turístico, a lo que se añadió la realización de cuatro sondeos y el análisis estratigráfico y caracterización tipológica de los alzados visibles. La segunda intervención se ha centrado en el lateral norte del cerro, donde se ha identificado un potente muro de sillería de aljez, con el objetivo de caracterizar este elemento e identificar una posible puerta de entrada al castillo a través de este muro.

Background Pelvic fractures are often combined with craniocerebral injuries in polytrauma patients. This study aimed to assess the impact of concomitant cranio-cerebral injuries on the clinical and surgical outcomes of pelvic fractures. Methods Retrospective data analysis was conducted on patients registered in the German Pelvic Registry between January 2003 and December 2017. Patients were categorized into groups based on the presence of isolated pelvic fractures (group A), pelvic fractures with cranio-cerebral injuries (group B), isolated acetabular fractures (group C), and acetabular fractures with cranio-cerebral injuries (group D). Surgical parameters, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were compared among the groups. Results Group B exhibited a significantly higher frequency of general surgical procedures and emergency pelvic stabilizations for pelvic injuries compared to Group A (58.4% vs. 35.4% and 31% vs. 2.8%; p < 0.0001 for both). The time until emergency stabilization was shorter in Group B than in Group A (111 ± 87 vs. 153 ± 95 min; p = 0.58). However, the mean time for definitive stabilization of the pelvic fracture was longer in Group B than in Group A (5.3 ± 8.3 vs. 3.7 ± 6.4 days; p = 0.0341). Group B had significantly higher mean duration of treatment, mortality, and morbidity compared to Group A (p < 0.0001 for both mortality and treatment duration, p = 0.0325 for morbidity). In the comparison of acetabular fractures, Group D had a slightly lower incidence of preoperative fracture-dislocation but a slightly higher incidence of postoperative fracture-dislocation compared to Group C. The distribution of Matta grades differed significantly between the two groups. Preoperative fracture step-off was significantly lower in Group D than in Group C (7.24 vs. 7.33 mm, p = 0.025). However, there was no significant difference in postoperative fracture step-off between Groups C and D (1.86 vs. 1.77 mm, p = 0.31). Conclusion The delay in providing definitive surgical treatment for pelvic injuries in the presence of accompanying cranio-cerebral injuries has a negative impact on the clinical and surgical outcomes of pelvic and acetabular fractures, particularly in terms of reduced quality of acetabular fractures. Severe associated injuries such as cranio-cerebral injuries contribute to higher morbidity, long-term disability, mortality, and extended hospital stays. To enhance overall and long-term outcomes for these patients, it is essential to engage in interdisciplinary consultations. By fostering collaboration among different medical specialties, the management and treatment of these complex cases can be optimized, leading to improved patient outcomes and quality of care. Study design Retrospective cohort study, level of evidence III

La enfermedad por coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) que apareció en Wuhan, China, se esparció por el mundo, afectando a distintos grupos poblacionales; los niños, mostraron un comportamiento clínico diferente al adulto frente a la infección. La investigación se desarrolló con el objetivo de identificar las particularidades del contagio de la enfermedad en los niños, además de precisar un abordaje integral para este grupo etario. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura científica acerca de la enfermedad enfocada en el paciente pediátrico en las principales bases de datos científicas, a través de descriptores controlados y sin restricción de idioma. La enfermedad COVID-19 provocada por el nuevo coronavirus causante del síndrome respiratorio agudo severo, dificultó en gran porcentaje el diagnóstico y tratamiento en niños y adolescentes por lo que los niños infectados tienen características clínicas, hallazgos de laboratorio e imágenes radiográficas distintas al cuadro del adulto. Siendo necesarios más estudios para una mejor comprensión del riesgo que conlleva la enfermedad en este sector de la población.

Background Hip abductor tear (HAT) is an increasingly diagnosed cause of refractory lateral hip pain and dysfunction, affecting 10–25% of the general population. Purpose (1) to determine the rate of return to activity and to assess the physical and recreational activity of patients undergoing open hip abductor repair (oHATr) and (2) to describe the modification or initiation of new sports disciplines. Study design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods A total of 28 patients (29 hips) who underwent an oHATr were prospectively analyzed at a midterm follow-up of 3.5 (range 2–5) years. The sports and recreational activity levels, as well as type of sports practiced before and after surgery, and The Veterans RAND 12 Item Health Survey (VR-12) were assessed via questionnaire. Results At the final follow-up, all patients were active in sports after surgery. The duration and frequency of sports activities showed a slight decrease (48–42 min per week and 3.2–2.9 sessions per week, respectively) (p = 0.412 and 0.135, respectively). The VR-12 had a score of 45 (13.12–63.18) points for the physical component and 41 (32–53.8) points for the mental component. 100% of the patients would undergo the surgery again. 95% of patients were satisfied with the overall results of the surgical outcome, with 98% satisfied with their hip pain relief and ability to undertake daily and work activities. Moreover, 94% were satisfied with their ability to return to recreational activities. The failure rate in our cohort was approximately 14%. Conclusion All patients who underwent an oHATr were able to return at least to one type of sport. This cohort was highly satisfied with their sports involvement and recreational activity achievement. In addition, 88% of patients reported that oHATr improved sports activity. There was a shift from higher to lower impact sports. Furthermore, just 3 hips present a retear after surgery.

Purpose: To (1) describe the prevalence of abnormal sleep quality in patients with hip abductor tears (HAT), to (2) determine whether sleep quality improves after open HAT repair, and to (3) to report clinical short-term outcomes in patients undergoing open HAT repair. Methods: The data of 28 patients (29 hips) who underwant open HAT repair were prospectively analyzed at midterm follow-up. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the University of California, Los Angeles activity scale (UCLA), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain were determined via questionnaire. Paired t-tests were applied to compare preoperative and post-operative Patient-reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). Logistic regression was performed to determine the association between PSQI improvement achievement and demographic variables (laterality, sex, age, body-mass-index (BMI), and preoperative mHHS). The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was calculated for the mHHS. Results: A total of 28 patients were included. Four patients (14.3%) suffered post-operative complications after open HAT repair. The predominance of patients was female (77.4%), with a mean age of 60 ± 13 years. The average follow-up was 30.35 ± 16.62 months. Preoperatively, 27 (96.4%) patients experienced poor sleep quality (PSQI &gt, 5), at follow-up, 7 (25%) patients experienced poor sleep quality. Univariate logistical regression analysis demonstrated no significant association between preoperative demographic data and achieving postoperative PSQI &lt, 5. The MCID of mHHS was calculated to be 12.5. Overall, 90% of patients achieved MCID for mHHS. Conclusion: Preoperative sleep quality was impaired in 96.4% of HAT patients (PSQI &gt, 5). However, these patients showed an improvement in sleep disturbances after open HAT repair in the early postoperative period. Ninety percent of patients showed significant improvements in mHHS and achieved the corresponding MCID. Level of Evidence: Case series, Level IV.

Purpose: It remains controversial whether cementless femoral components are safe in elderly patients. The aim of this study was (1) to determine the stem survival rate in patients &gt, 75 years of age who were treated with an uncemented femoral component and (2) to report clinically significant results on a mid-term follow-up. Methods: 107 total hip arthroplasties (THA) were retrospectively evaluated in 97 patients over 75 years of age (mean age 78 years, range 75–87) treated with an uncemented femoral stem. The minimum follow-up was five years (mean 6.4 years, range 5–8). Stem survival rates, clinically meaningful outcomes, and incidence of complications were evaluated. Results: Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, with the endpoint revision for any reason, showed a 6.4-year survival rate of 98% (95% CI, 95–99%, 63 hips at risk). The survival rates were comparable for male and female patients (log-rank test, p = 0.58). The modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) improved from 42.2 (12 to 85) points to 81.1 (22 to 97) points (p &lt, 0.0001). Mid-term minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) were 25, 84, and 70, respectively. Conclusion: An uncemented stem is a viable option in patients over 75 years with good clinical outcomes and survivorship. Periprosthetic fractures were not a relevant failure mechanism with the stem used.

Introduction This retrospective study aimed to compare activity levels before and at mid-term follow-up after primary cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients older than 75 years. Materials and methods A cohort of 79 patients with a mean age at surgery of 78 years (range 76–84 years) was evaluated 6.3 years (range 4–8 years) after cementless THA due to osteoarthritis and was followed up with a questionnaire to determine their activity level. Pre- and post-operative recreational activities were assessed at routine follow-up using the University of California, Los Angeles activity score, and the Schulthess Clinic sports and activity questionnaire. Post-operative health-related quality of life was measured using Veterans Rand 12-item survey (VR-12). Results Six years after THA, 72% of preoperatively active patients had returned to activity. Comparing activity preoperatively (before the onset of symptoms) and 6 years after THA, the number of disciplines and session length has decreased significantly. A significant decline in high-impact activities was observed, while participation in low-impact activities significantly increased. Conclusion The majority of patients maintained a recreational activity level in the mid-term after primary cementless THA. However, a change in disciplines toward low-impact activities was observed.

Background Unicompartmental osteoarthrosis increasingly affects younger patients who have high expectations concerning their postoperative level of activity. However, there is no available data on the activity level after fixed-bearing lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). The aim of this study was to report sports activity after fixed-bearing lateral UKA with a minimum two-year follow up. Methods Nineteen patients were surveyed to determine their sporting activities at a mean follow up of 4.6 years (range 2.0–9.7 years) after fixed-bearing lateral UKA. We also assessed the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Joint Replacement (KOOS JR) Score and the University of California, Los Angeles activity scale (UCLA scale) at baseline and latest follow up. Results Before the onset of the first symptoms, 15 of 19 patients were active in at least one sport compared with 13 of 19 patients after surgery. Eighty-six per cent of the patients returned to activity. Within 6 months, 68% returned to their activities after surgery. The mean postoperative UCLA score was 6.4 (±1.3). Half of the patients reached a high activity level (UCLA ≥ 7). Most common activities after surgery were long walks, biking and hiking. High-impact activities showed a significant decrease. Conclusion Eighty-six per cent of the patients were able to return to regular recreational and sporting activities. In general, a shift from high-impact to low-impact activities was observed. There was no difference in the number of disciplines performed. Overall, the session length and frequency remained unchanged. However, male patients and younger patients participated in sports less frequently compared with preoperative levels.

We report a case of a fractured titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) femoral stem 2 years after revision (debridement, antibiotics and implant retention due to periprosthetic joint infection) total hip arthroplasty (THA). Material analysis revealed a superficial abnormality on the upper neck surface caused by local melting with electrocautery probably acting as a stress amplifier. This lesion presumably was the trigger of a fatigue fracture with typical features on the fracture surface. Electrocautery should therefore be avoided in case of revision THA or used with utmost care to avoid contact with the femoral stem

Background: The management of degenerative hip diseases in young patients remains a challenge. Despite the improvement of hip-preserving procedures, total hip arthroplasty (THA) may be required in some instances. In addition, young patients undergoing THA have high expectations concerning their postoperative level of activity. Purpose: (1) to define the sports activity level and the return to sports after THA, (2) to describe the modification or initiation of new sports disciplines, and (3) to report the clinically meaningful outcomes after THA in patients younger than 40 years. Methods: A total of 36 patients (40 hips) were prospectively analyzed at a midterm follow-up of 3.9 years. The modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scale, and sports and recreational activity levels were assessed via questionnaire. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was determined by calculating half of the standard deviation, and the substantial clinical benefit (SCB) as well as patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS), were calculated by the anchor method for the mHHS. Results: At the final follow-up, there was a significant improvement in mHHS (34.1 to 92.6, p &lt, 0.0001), UCLA (3.2 to 7.6, 0.0001), and VAS for pain (8 to 1, 0.0001). More patients were active in sports at follow-up than before surgery (44% to 92%, p &lt, 0.0001). In addition, the duration and frequency of sports activities showed a significant increase (p &lt, 0.0001). The MCID, SCB and PASS for mHHS were 89% and 58%, respectively. No revision surgery had to be performed. Conclusion: This study showed that a large proportion of patients under 40 years of age who underwent THA increased their physical activity. Eighty-six percent of the patients were highly active, with a UCLA score ≥ 7. Furthermore, the reported MCID, SCB, and PASS for mHHS were achieved by more than 80% of patients.

La dactilología es parte integrante de la Lengua de Signos y es necesario que se utilicen nuevas herramientas informáticas que faciliten a los estudiantes su aprendizaje práctico. Debido a ello, se ha diseñado Dígitus, una aplicación informática para la práctica de la dactilología. Dígitus permite el aprendizaje autónomo de los estudiantes de Magisterio que cursan asignaturas de Lengua de Signos Española que se imparten en el Centro de Magisterio Sagrado Corazón en los Grados en Educación Infantil y Educación Primaria. Dígitus puede ser utilizada por cuatro tipos de usuarios (público, estudiante, docente y administrador) con diferentes privilegios respecto al control de la aplicación y está compuesta por varios módulos: tutorial, cuestionarios, traductor dactilológico y ayuda. Los resultados de su implementación han sido satisfactorios respecto a los aprendizajes adquiridos por el alumnado, así como a la satisfacción manifestada en relación con el uso de la aplicación. Fingerspelling or Dactylology is an integral part of Sign Language and it is necessary to use new computer tools to facilitate the practical learning of the students. Because of this, Dígitus has been designed, a computer application for the practice of the fingerspelling. Dígitus allows the autonomous learning of students of Teaching who study Spanish Sign Language courses that are taught in “Centro de Magisterio Sagrado Corazón” at Córdoba University, in the Grades of Early Childhood Education and Primary Education. Dígitus can be used by four types of users (public, student, teacher and administrator) with different privileges regarding the control of the application and is composed of several modules: tutorial, questionnaires, digital translator and help. The results of its implementation have been satisfactory with respect to the learning acquired by the students, as well as to the satisfaction manifested in relation to the use of the application.

The administration of the formation cultural university student has in the extension process a road and indispensable scenario for its effective execution. The objective of the present article is to systematize a theoretical focus that allows to evidence how by means of this process, in integration with the teaching and the investigation, they are built and they share knowledge, abilities, cultures and civic behaviors formed from the University like cultural institution of more possibility and importance in a specific social context. The methodological strategy was based on the bibliographical revision of the focuses on the administration of extension of the University; as well as in the employment of methods and technical empiric and theoretical, with emphasis in the participant observation as active agent of the university community and university extra. The main obtained result leads to the ideology about the administration cultural university student by means of the extension like system of interactions of the University and the society.

This paper describes how the unique centralizer requirements for extended reach drilling (ERD) wells can be attained. By continuously evaluating past casing runs in combination with engineering input, the learning curve led from a standard centralizer to a highly customized solution. The necessary flow path target to enhance the wellbore isolation through cement placement is met by achieving the right centralizer performance and placing. A single-piece high-restoring-force centralizer is the best solution for the high inclination well profile to obtain the required 9 5/8-in. casing stand-off for ERD wells. The original centralizer design experienced challenges such as high doglegs in some of the longest 9 5/8-in. casing strings that have been run in the UAE to date. Customize the centralizers for different well profiles was necessary. They were developed and tested according to the latest API 10D (2001) specifications using precision equipment to ensure reliable test results that enable accurate hook load and stand-off simulation. Initially, a standard off-the-shelf design of a 9 5/8-in. x 12 1/4-in. single-piece centralizer was used in two wells with the following results:Friction factor exceeded the expected values across the interval on occasion.Total Depth (TD) was sucessfully reached by washing down to bottom.Good centralization as per software design was attained (tageting 80%) with moderate to good isolation. Due to the performance, while running in the hole (RIH), concerns arose due to the unexpectedly high friction factor which, could lead to difficulties RIH and reaching TD in future wells. The modified centralizer design has led to the following improvements:Reduction of friction factor to an average of 0.24 due to a significant decrease in the centralizer running force even through reduced hole diameter intervals and the high dogleg severities (DLS)Reaching TD successfully.Stand-off remained around 80%, as demonstrated by outstanding cement bond log results across the critical sections. It is important to consider that this centralizer was designed not to lose any performance after being run through reduced hole diameter intervals. The application of enhanced centralization design (i.e., standoff >80%) ensured good quality of the cement job.

Lost circulation is a widespread problem in many formations in the United Arab Emirates, including Shallow Unconsolidated, Shallow Vuguler and Limestone. To minimize losses during drilling and cementing, several types of lost circulation solutions such as bridging agents and surface-mixed and downhole-mixed solutions have been used. Still, operators lose huge volumes of mud and cement slurry and expensive rig time. Consequently, many wells also require remedial operations, which can compromise well integrity. Loss-zone diagnosis and characterization helped to tailor the loss-circulation control solution for different requirements. Losses can occur due to unconsolidated formation (surface holes) or induced and natural fractures. Typical loss rates can vary between 150 to over 700 bbl/hr, particularly while drilling the 16-in. and 12 ¼-in. openhole sections. Thus, total losses in shallow vuguler formation require a different treatment than induced losses in shallow unconsolidated or limestone formation. Induced losses in limestone while drilling prevented increase in mud weights required to drill deeper reactive shale formation. A composite fiber-based system based on a novel four-step methodology was designed using advanced software analysis. Prior to the field trial a complete lab-scale and yard-scale testing was done to confirm superior effectiveness. In one of the pilot wells, multiple leakoff tests (LOTs) were performed in the Limestone formation to verify the minimum stress (1.40 SG), which did not change with subsequent LOTs. The formation was then treated with the reinforced composite mat based system, and the following formation LOT showed integrity buildup to 1.51 SG. It proved to be an easy to apply solution that can be mixed and pumped through a qualified bottomhole assembly (BHA). Zone and mechanism specific lost circulation control solutions are most effective in reducing nonproductive time (NPT). It was also demonstrated that fiber-based solutions work well for controlling losses and formation strengthening. The engineered composite fiber-blend system exhibits improved performance and robustness in terms of curing losses and even improves formation integrity.

El impacto sobre los costes de la energia electrica asi como los efectos negativos que produce sobre entornos como la astronomia, la salud y el medio ambiente, han provocado que las administraciones publicas esten regulando las instalaciones de alumbrado considerando la contaminacion luminica como un objetivo relevante a contrarrestar. La actual normativa que regula los aspectos relativos a la contaminacion luminica establece unos valores maximos de luminancia, en particular en lo referente a las senales y anuncios luminosos. La determinacion de los puntos de la escena donde se producen estos valores maximos queda sujeta a la observacion subjetiva del tecnico que realiza la medida. La sensibilidad del ojo humano al brillo no es lineal y resulta enganosa en tanto que su objeto es la identificacion de la escena y no la medida de valores e intensidades. Por otra parte, la utilizacion del luminancimetro convencional implica la medicion punto a punto sobre la escena. Ello obliga a la toma de numerosas mediciones con objeto de barrer la totalidad de la escena y determinar los puntos donde se alcanzan los maximos. Esta accion no solo resulta tediosa y sujeta a errores, sino que implica la toma de medidas en distintos instantes sucesivos lo que afecta a errores de repetitividad y de variacion en el tiempo en escenarios no estables. En este trabajo se propone la utilizacion de camaras fotograficas digitales para la evaluacion de la luminosidad, en particular para senales y anuncios luminosos. En este sentido, una fotografia digital dispone de informacion de color y brillo de todos los puntos que la componen. Originariamente la informacion suministrada por la fotografia esta orientada a la reproduccion de la imagen por lo que contemplan algunas correcciones y compensaciones para adaptarla a la vision humana.

Achieving well integrity relies on achieving zonal isolation among narrowly separated sublayers of the reservoir throughout a long openhole section. This requires flawless primary cementation with a perfect match of optimized fluid design and placement. In a UAE field, there are several challenges experienced while cementing production sections, predominantly due to long open holes with high deviation, use of nonaqueous fluids (NAF) for shale stability, and loss circulation issues while drilling and cementing. The need to pressure-test casing at high pressures after the cement is set and the change in downhole pressures and temperatures during well completion / production phases result in additional stresses that can further endanger the integrity of the cement. Breaking of the cement sheath would lead to sustained annular pressure and compromise the needed zonal isolation. Hence, the mechanical properties for cement systems must be thoroughly tested and tailored to withstand the downhole stresses. A systematic approach was applied that used standard cementing best practices as a starting point and then identified the key factors in overcoming operation-specific challenges. In addition to the use of engineered trimodal slurry systems, NAF-compatible spacers, and loss-curing fibers, an advanced cement placement software was used to model prejob circulation rates, bottomhole circulating temperatures, centralizer placement, and mud removal. To enhance conventional chemistry-based mud cleaning and to significantly improve cleaning efficiency, an engineered fiber-based scrubbing additive was used in spacers with microemulsion based surfactant. Furthermore, a real-time monitoring software was used to compute and monitor equivalent circulating density (ECD) during the cementing operation and to evaluate cement placement in real time. Results of cement jobs were analyzed to define the minimum standards/criteria and then to verify the efficiency of the applied solutions. The 9 5/8-in. casing / liners were successfully cemented using this methodological approach, and lessons learned were progressively used to improve on subsequent jobs. Advanced ultrasonic cement bond logging tools along with advanced processing and interpretation techniques facilitated making reliable, conclusive, and representative zonal isolation evaluation. The cement bond logs showed significant improvement and increased the confidence level towards well integrity. After establishing field-specific guidelines over 2.5 years, continuous success was replicated in every well for all the rigs operating in this UAE field.

This paper presents a case of study of cementing operations in extended reach drilling (ERD) wells on two artificial islands in UAE. The cementing objectives involved covering and isolating the shallower oil or water-bearing zone, sealing any potential crossflow interval between various reservoirs, and mitigating communication between the 13 3/8-in × 16-in. and 9 5/8-in × 12 ¼-in. annulus. Additionally, the cement will become a secondary barrier planned for the 9 5/8-in. casing to prevent potential exposure of the 13 3/8-in. casing in the event of injection gas percolation. For this case was necessary to design the cement with the necessary mechanical properties to extend the well life expectancy. To accomplish the operation objectives, the formations, well design complexity, and possible complications were considered. Understanding these factors facilitated the improvement in the approach and design to obtain better cementing operations results. To achieve all of the targets, various enhancements were implemented systematically over time, which included adding fiber in the cement spacer to mechanically enhance mud removal, adding corrosion inhibitor and bactericide to protect the casing if fluid remained in the well. Various lead cement slurries were designed with tailored rheology to remain within the established narrow margin between the pore pressure and fracture gradient. A flexible and expandable tail cement slurry system was implemented to increase the likelihood of proper isolation. The expansion of the tail cement slurry after the cement sets and the tailored mechanical properties used to achieve the necessary resilience, provide support for the stresses encountered during the life of the well. Upgraded properties, such as fluid loss, reduced permeability, and static gel strength (SGS) development, were used to mitigate possible influx between formations. Both cement slurries were loaded with resilient fiber to enhance the cement ductility. These strategies combined with software simulations enabled equivalent circulating density (ECD) management, contamination avoidance, friction pressure hierarchy, discernment of the top of cement (TOC), determination of possible channels, and appropriate stand-off design. The application of the solutions combined with outstanding consistent field operational performance enabled the following: Fine-tuning various practices, improving isolation across critical zones, achieving the planned TOC, sealing the formations that could create potential future issues, and reducing the probability of interzonal communication or crossflow. A systematic approach was necessary to achieve all the objectives in these challenging wells and determine which practices and technologies provide the appropriate results. Cementing ERD wells with the challenges previously described is not a standard industry practice. This case study presents the staged application of the enhancements that improved the cementing results. These were inferred by evaluating the operational parameters (density, pumping rate, pressure, volumes, and surface returns) in conjunction with the availability of cement logs (CBL, VDL, ULTRASONIC). The results demonstrated the capability to achieve isolation; Furthermore, the continuous annulus surveillance showed no undesirable sustained casing pressure.

In 2012 ZADCO commenced drilling operations from artificial islands in the Upper Zakum field. The field development is based on drilling extended reach wells up to 35,000 ft measured depth in three different reservoirs. More than twenty wells have been drilled from these islands so far, with the longest well reaching ~31,000 ft MD. Longer than 35,000 ft MD wells are planned to be drilled in the near future. The 9-5/8″ casing in 12-¼″ open hole is set at a measured depth of ~9,000-17,000 ft with cement designed to reach surface. There are several challenges experienced while cementing these wells, due to the narrow pore and fracture pressure gradients. Key challenges include: ECD management, maintaining fluids density and rheology hierarchy, proper centralization, lost circulation, use of NAF drilling fluids and limitations to pipe movement opportunities. Based on ultrasonic imaging of initial wells, the overall desired cement bond was not as good as desired on initial wells. Several improved practices were applied to enhance the cement bond across reservoir sections. However, the log quality was still below expectations. Hence, a more robust solution was required to successfully cement the long maximum reservoir contact (MRC) wells. These challenges were successfully addressed and mitigated through a step-wise approach. The cement slurry designs were optimized by adjusting rheologies and static gel strength, lowering fluid loss values, adding lost circulation material and using trimodal cement designs. Mud removal was further enhanced by using better cleaners in the spacer system to provide efficient cleaning and de-emulsification. Updated mud conditioning procedures and better centralizers was also implemented. Cement bond log and interpretation techniques were improved by using ultrasonic measurements and flexural attenuation measurements and imaging the annulus through these tools to determine actual casing centralization. The log showed a significant improvement especially across the horizontal reservoir sections. The use of these techniques has improved cement quality and enhanced zonal isolation of the producing zones in these horizontal MRC wells and will assist in maintaining the quality for future development of the Upper Zakum field.

The Internet offers new opportunities for communication that can help older adults avoid social isolation. Although elders may need more time and assistance in learning computer systems, many are embracing this new technology. There is growing potential not only for recreation and communication through the Internet but also the delivery of services. This study examines the feasibility of providing Internet and electronic mail access to older adults in a retirement community and the extent to which this improves psychosocial well-being. In contrast to members of a comparison group, a trend toward decreased loneliness was observed among participants. In addition, the number of computer-related problems decreased and use of the applications increased throughout the study. These preliminary results support the feasibility of implementing computer-based interventions with the potential of improving psychosocial well-being among older adults.