This study evaluates the diagenetic characteristics of the Middle Marrat reservoir, a partially dolomitized carbonate with thin anhydrite layers and clay (Magwa Field, Kuwait). Six cored wells were described and facies identified. By integrating the new petrographical data with geochemical analyses (stable and clumped isotopes), X-ray diffraction analysis and 1D basin modelling, a diagenetic model was constructed showing the phases and timing of diagenesis and processes affecting reservoir quality.Our analyses suggest that it underwent early marine, meteoric diagenesis and dissolution, developing secondary porosity. Burial compaction was accompanied by calcite cementation, dolomitization and multiple phases of fracturing. Later dolomitizations included fracture-related Fe-rich dolomite precipitation. The late-stage Fe-rich calcite and dolomites precipitated from deeper-sourced hydrothermal fluids.Carbonate clumped isotope (CI) temperatures from matrix samples and calcite (vein) cements range from 45 to 130 degrees C, which we interpret to have precipitated during three diagenetic phases. The first phase represents diagenesis during depositional and shallow burial (c. 40-60 degrees C), which is mostly seen in the micritic matrix samples. The second phase is related to compaction and moderate burial (80-100 degrees C), mostly recorded by mesogenetic dolomites and calcite-filling cements. The third phase, seen in calcite vein cements, is associated with deeper burial and upward migration of hydrothermal fluids along deep faults (c. 100-130 degrees C). Integrating CI data with basin modelling suggests that the main diagenetic phases occurred during the Lower Jurassic-mid-Upper Jurassic (phase 1), Lower Cretaceous (phase 2) and post-Cretaceous (phase 3).
This study presents a multi-objective deep learning framework that integrates Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) neural networks with four metaheuristic optimization algorithms: Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), and Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) to optimize forecasting accuracy and model complexity for groundwater level prediction in data-scarce, hyper-arid urban aquifers. The framework was assessed using four groundwater monitoring wells in Kuwait City, where lagged groundwater data and cross-validation were employed to train the models. Results revealed that the models developed by using GA and PSO were superior to those developed using GWO and NSGA-II in terms of key statistical metrics. The proposed data-driven approach addresses key limitations of traditional physically based models, offering a flexible and computationally efficient alternative for groundwater forecasting. The framework presents a practical tool for real-time monitoring and management of groundwater resources in water-scarce regions.
**Background:** Prosthetic gait asymmetry is commonly treated as a functional limitation; however, its long-term orthopedic consequences on the intact limb remain under-recognized. This study investigates how chronic asymmetrical loading patterns influence degenerative risk in unilateral lower-limb amputees. **Methods:** Nineteen individuals with unilateral transtibial amputation (16 male, 3 female; age 49.5 ± 11.3 years) participated in a 12-month longitudinal study. Gait analysis was performed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months using force plates and 3D motion capture. We analyzed temporal symmetry (stance time ratio), force symmetry (vertical ground reaction force [vGRF] ratio), intact limb joint moments, and clinical outcomes (WOMAC pain scores, radiographic Kellgren-Lawrence [KL] osteoarthritis grade). **Results:** Over 12 months, significant deleterious changes were observed despite some participants improving temporal symmetry. Force symmetry significantly worsened (0.701 to 0.663; p < 0.001), while intact limb knee flexion and adduction moments significantly increased by 6.6% and 7.7%, respectively (p < 0.001). WOMAC pain scores increased by 26.4% (p = 0.0001). Baseline force symmetry was significantly correlated with baseline knee flexion moment (r = 0.479, p = 0.038). Notably, subjects with improved inter-limb temporal symmetry but unresolved force asymmetry continued to demonstrate elevated intact-limb tissue stress. **Conclusion:** These findings emphasize that restoring visual or temporal gait symmetry is insufficient without addressing underlying mechanical load distribution. Compensatory strategies—particularly increased intact-side stance time, vertical loading rate, and frontal-plane knee moments—are more predictive of osteoarthritic progression than prosthetic design alone. The study supports biomechanically informed prosthetic tuning and neuromuscular retraining strategies aimed at protecting the intact limb over the lifespan.
Najmah/Sargelu is the Middle Jurassic formation spreads across West Kuwait which comprises of tight limestone and organic-rich kerogen. Production is mainly dependent on the presence of natural fractures in tight limestone reservoir. Since the reservoir is beneath the thick & high-pressure Gotnia Salt formation, it poses a noticeable risk of high-salinity fluid communication from Gotnia formation that charges downwards to NJ-SR producing intervals through faults or behind casing in case cement quality is not good. This leads to unexpected result of high-salinity water production in the flow line & salt blockage caused by halite deposition in vast quantities after short period of flow, which requires costly interventions & affects production target. Traditionally, salt blockage issue has been treated by circulating fresh water into the well. However, this treatment can be expensive, inconvenient, and delays production. Moreover, during the water treatment, production of the well is usually reduced or stopped completely. An alternative method was proposed to use salt (halite) inhibitor to minimize the salt build-up. This paper aims to present the innovative implementation of salt inhibitor to remedy the above-mentioned problem in Umm Roos field (West Kuwait) & ensure continuous production with minimum well interventions.
The AFYA health insurance scheme, introduced in 2014, aimed to supplement state healthcare services for retirees through private coverage. Initially celebrated as a progressive reform to alleviate pressure on public healthcare services, AFYA expanded to include widows and housewives, reaching nearly 200,000 beneficiaries by 2024. Consequently, escalating costs, care quality, and limited competition led to the program's suspension by the Ministry of Health in September 2024. Despite limited academic research on AFYA, our nationally representative survey conducted in early 2024 reveals high public awareness (96.12%) and strong support for the program (76.37% agree it serves the public interest), with significant backing for its continuation and expansion. This commentary reviews AFYA's legislative history, evaluates existing literature, and contextualizes the relevant survey findings to highlight the program's challenges and public perceptions. Based on these insights, we propose policy recommendations to enhance AFYA's sustainability. These include refining eligibility criteria to focus on those most in need, exploring alternative funding mechanisms such as cost‐sharing measures, strengthening program oversight through robust regulation and accountability, and integrating AFYA with broader health system reforms to improve coordination and efficiency. Addressing these challenges is imperative to maintain public trust and ensure the program's value and viability. The lessons learned from AFYA are pertinent not only for Kuwait but also for other Gulf Cooperation Council nations undergoing major healthcare reforms.
