bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging Policy Entrepreneurs and Their Potential After the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Mitsui Shunsuke ,   Graduate School of Project Design, Miyagi University 1-1 Gakuen, Taiwa-cho, Kurokawa-gun, Miyagi 981-3298, Japan, Ishida Yu
Published: September 2021

This study highlights new facts regarding the rise of local human resources during the policy decision process by reviewing policy entrepreneurs active in areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Specifically, the study reviews these stakeholders concerning the definitions and frameworks of prior research as well as the discussed development of policy entrepreneurs. A policy entrepreneur has been defined as “an energetic actor that conducts collaborative efforts within and around the government to promote policy innovation.” This study provides a comparative analysis of how the five strategies, as a requirement for establishing policy entrepreneurs, have been used to implement policy changes. Two cases are selected to confirm the extent to which they have utilized their respective strategies. The results reveal that both individuals have become active at their respective national and local levels by adopting the five strategies, despite there being differences in the extent of adoption. The recognition of the new existence of “policy entrepreneurs” could offer great support and identity to NPOs in disaster-afflicted areas. Promoting policy entrepreneurship could present a powerful message from the disaster-afflicted areas in Tohoku that could be shared with the entire nation of Japan, particularly considering recent times, when innovation has become necessary in Japan’s public domain.
Achievements and Challenges of Governmental Human Resource Support System in Japanese Disaster Response for Affected Local Governments in the Aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Beniya Shohei ,   University of Hyogo DRI-East, 1-5-2 Wakino-hama Kaigan-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 651-0073, Japan
Published: September 2021

After a large-scale disaster, affected local governments face challenges such as a shortage of skilled staff in disaster response operations. Human resource support from external organizations is essential. This paper summarizes the major achievements of the human support system in Japan for affected local governments from the perspective of both local and national government support in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE). However, several issues still need to be considered. In terms of mutual support among local governments, this paper proposes the following three points for future wide-area mega-disasters: First, each local government should enhance its own disaster response capacity. Second, the entire country should use skilled human resources effectively. Third, national and local governments should prepare to receive assistance from overseas. This paper also proposes the following three points for the support of the national government’s onsite organizations. First, the national government should define a detailed plan for dispatching personnel to affected areas. Second, the national government should dispatch support teams directly to each affected prefecture, instead of setting up onsite organizations that cover multiple prefectures. Third, local governments should prepare to receive these onsite organizations.
Keyword Network Analysis on Long Term Care Insurance Using Text Mining
Authors: Seo Jonggeun , Nam Chung Mo , Kim Tae Hyun , Park So-Hee
Published: September 2021

Objectives: This study conducted research using big data in order to overcome the limitations of existing qualitative research or analysis research. By analyzing keywords, the flow and role of long-term care insurance in society were analyzed.Methods: Issues were searched through text mining, one of the big data techniques, and the flow of agendas by period was examined by 3 time points (institutional settlement period, 1st basic plan, 2nd basic plan). Using R and NetMiner, Daum News (news.daum.net) and Naver News (news.naver.com) were web-scraped to collect 20,965 news articles, 4,994 articles were filtered for keyword extraction and analysis. Result: Looking at the characteristics of each data type, in all data types, long-term care institutions (including nursing homes) and care providers appear as the top keywords, and the keyword subgroup characteristics are ① grade/service, ② institution management, and ③ the employee group includes the keyword subgroup.Conclusions: This study is based on the subject of long-term care insurance for the elderly and applies big data analysis techniques, and can be used as a decision-making tool in establishing policies and systems.
Patient Drug Database: Construction of Database for Patient Leading Drug Side Effects Exploration Using Patient Generated Health Data
Authors: Lee Sang Min , Lee Suehyun , Kim Jong Yeup
Published: September 2021

Objectives: This study focuses on building a database for patient-led search on drug side effects using basic drug information, drug analysis results information, patient information, and patient-generated health data (PGHD).Methods: After collecting data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Institute, the Korean Pharmaceutical Information Center, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and the Korean Pharmaceutical Association, basic drug information was created. By utilizing the Korea Average Event Reporting System (KAERS) side effect report data provided by the Korea Drug Safety Administration and MetaLAB, a drug side effect detection algorithm applied on the Konyang university hospital’s real data, we designed and built a database using Oracle DB, which contains a table of patient information and PGHD. For drug information, a total of 49,553 drugs were mapped, and drug analysis results used KAERS and MetaLAB.Results: Based on the collected drug information, a total of 15 tables containing basic drug information (7 tables), drug analysis results (2 tables), patient information (1 table), and patient generation information (5 tables) were created using EDI codes, following mapping and normalization. Basic drug information included 49,553 EDI and 2,099 ATC codes. Drug analysis results included 2,046 KAERS ATC codes, 1,701 WHOART-ARRN (PT) that the result of 33 WHOART-SEQ (IT), 15,861 MetaLABEDI codes, and 101ATC codes. TheADR results were constructed using 62 DRUG_IDs and 73 MedDRA_PTI_IDs.Conclusions: The Patient Drug Database (PD2B) in this study was employed to allow patients to voluntarily report on their perception and drug side effects through application tools, which can provide quick measures against drug side effects and assist in the discovery of new ones.
Sex Difference in the Association between Sleep Duration and Thyroid Disease among South Korean Adults
Authors: Ahn Jeong Hyun , Nam Jin Young , Park Soojin
Published: September 2021

Objectives: The study aimed to investigate sex differences associated with sleep duration and the prevalence of thyroid disease among South Korean adults.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 17,555 adults who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2016 to 2018. Sleep duration was categorized into three groups (insufficient, <7 hour; normal, 7-8 hour; prolonged, ≥9 hour). A chi-squared test was performed to assess baseline characteristics. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the association between general characteristic and the prevalence of thyroid disease. In subgroup analysis, multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to find the association between sleep duration and prevalence of thyroid disease by sex.Results: For men, insufficient and prolonged sleep durations were increased risk of thyroid disease compared with normal sleep duration (insufficient sleep: odds ratio, OR=1.85, 95% confidence interval, CI=1.19-2.87; prolonged sleep: OR=1.71, 95% CI=1.02-2.87).Conclusions: This study found that men with insufficient and prolonged sleep were associated with thyroid disease. Further studies are needed to identify the relationship between sleep duration, thyroid disease, and sleep quality by sex.
Successful First Implementation of MPD Technology Offshore Australia: Regulatory, Technical and Operational Lessons Learned
Authors: Edge David , Pope Michael , Puskarskij Konstantin , Santos Helio , Pinkstone Henry , McKenzie Phil
Published: September 2021

This paper details the successful first implementation of closed-loop Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) technology offshore Australia, on a 6th generation semi-submersible rig.

The paper covers the process of achieving safety case acceptance to implement MPD technology from the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA), the government regulatory authority.

The paper describes the project concept design phase, including a Drill Well on Simulator (DWOS) exercise, which was completed to confirm MPD techniques would mitigate problems experienced on conventionally drilled offset wells.

The MPD risk assessments completed included HAZID / BOWTIE / HAZOP / FEA studies which were included in the safety case formal safety assessment that was submitted to NOPSEMA. In parallel the Well Operations Management Plan was submitted, detailing the planned MPD methodology. The detailed Well Engineering scope including the MPD Programme, Operational and Contingency Procedures and Commissioning Process was developed to form a Joint Operations Manual.

Four levels of project specific MPD training were developed, reviewed, accepted and monitored by NOPSEMA, including classroom based and rig site practical training.

Post MPD system installation in Singapore, the System Integrity Testing was successfully completed offshore Australia.

Lastly the paper details MPD operations on the first well including the effective use of MPD well control, dynamic MPD FIT, LOT and Pore Pressure testing and establishing the high formation temperature effects on drilling mud density. The closed-loop MPD system allowed the riser deployed sections to be drilled using a statically underbalanced mud system and confirmed the improved capability and flexibility in terms of detection and controllability during mud loss events.
Systematic Build-Up Pressure Analysis Advances Accurate Fingerprinting of Formation Breathing in Gas Wells
Authors: Retuta Maria , Medina Leiro
Published: September 2021

Differentiating wellbore breathing from real influxes in Alberta's Deep Basin has been problematic in the past as they both result in similar surface parameters. An incorrect interpretation of formation breathing may lead to significant non-productive time (NPT) as secondary well control operations from an influx can take days. On the contrary, a false negative will force drillers to perform secondary well control procedures that may lead to loss of circulation if excessive and unnecessary pressure is exerted on the formation.

MPD allows for a systematic approach to identify wellbore breathing more accurately in gas wells. The process involves a series of consecutive pressure build-up and flowback tests with close real-time monitoring to identify a breathing formation that is returning fluid to surface as microfractures close. This paper describes the protocol designed for distinguishing wellbore breathing and illustrates how several drilling parameter trends were interpreted to correctly identify wellbore breathing characteristics and differentiate them from a migrating gas influx. Testing the procedure on multiple wells resulted in 70% operational time savings from reduction in post mud rollover delays on breathing wellbores.

This paper shows that the methodology utilized provides consistent and effective results using the MPD techniques, eliminates the ambiguity of wellbore breathing versus actual influxes, and shows the potential application in more areas that are prone to this problem, reducing uncertainty, NPT, and total drilling time.
Compatibility Study of Condensate and Heavy Oil for Storage in an Iranian Reservoir
Authors: Zobeidi K. , Ganjeh-Ghazvini M. , Hematfar V.
Published: September 2021

During the years 2017–2020, when Iran faced restrictions on the sale of oil and gas condensate and due to the need for domestic consumption and gas sales commitments, it was inevitable to produce gas at full capacity. This coercion has led to significant production of gas condensates. Some of these condensates were sold, some were converted into products such as gasoline in domestic refineries, and some of these condensates needed to be stored, but the storage capacity was limited. For the purpose of underground condensate storage, a heavy oil reservoir was selected based on some technical and operational criteria. A feasibility study was conducted to evaluate the potential risks of condensate injection into the reservoir. The results of tests on asphaltene precipitation, as the most important risk, indicated no severe precipitation would occur even if high concentration of condensate mixed with the reservoir heavy oil. The recovery of condensate and the production performance of the reservoir were simulated in three different injection-production scenarios. The results showed a positive effect of condensate injection on production rate of the reservoir. Moreover, satisfactory volume of condensate could be recovered in a reasonable period of time.
Effects of Gravity on Foam Behavior in Roughened Model Fractures
Authors: Li K. , Wolf K. A. A. , Rossen W. R.
Published: September 2021

In this study, to investigate how gravity affects foam in open vertical fractures, we report foam experiments in three 1-m-long, 15-cm-wide glass-model fractures. Each fracture has a smooth wall and a roughened wall. Between the two walls is a slit-like channel representing a single geological fracture. Three model fractures (Models A, B, and C) share the same roughness and have different hydraulic apertures of 78, 98, and 128 µm, respectively. We conduct foam experiments by horizontal injection in the three model fractures placed horizontally and sideways (i.e., with the model fractures turned on their long side), and in Model A placed vertically with injection upward or downward. Direct imaging of the foam inside the model fracture is facilitated using a high-speed camera. We find that foam reaches local equilibrium (LE; where the rate of bubble generation equals that of bubble destruction) in horizontal-flow experiments in all three model fractures and in vertical-flow experiments in Model A. In fractures with a larger hydraulic aperture, foam is coarser because of less in-situ foam generation. In the vertical-flow experiments in Model A, we find that the properties of the foam are different in upward and downward flow. Compared with downward flooding, upward flooding creates a finer-texture foam, as sections near the inlet of this experiment are in a wetter state, which benefits in-situ foam generation. Moreover, less gas is trapped during upward flooding, as gravitational potential helps overcome the capillarity and moves bubbles upward. In the sideways-flow experiments, gravity segregation takes place. As a result, drier foam propagates along the top of the fractures and wetter foam along the bottom. The segregation is more significant in fractures with a larger hydraulic aperture. At foam quality 0.8, gas saturation is 27.7% greater at the top than the bottom for Model C, and 19.3% and 10.8% for Models B and A, respectively. Despite the gravity segregation in all three model fractures, water and gas are not completely segregated. All three model fractures thus represent a capillary transition zone, with greater segregation with increasing aperture. Our results suggest that the propagation of foam in vertical natural fractures meters tall and tens of meters long, with an aperture of hundreds of microns or greater, is problematic. Gravity segregation in foam would weaken its capacity in the field to maintain uniform flow and divert gas in a tall fracture over large distances.
Application of Multilateral Wells for Production and Enhanced Oil Recovery: Case Studies from Canada
Authors: Delamaide Eric
Published: September 2021

The use of multilateral wells started in the mid-1990s in particular in Canada, and they have since been used in many countries. However, few papers on multilateral wells focus on their production performance. Thus, what can be expected from such wells in terms of production is not clear, and this paper will attempt to address that gap.

Taking advantage of public data, the production performance of multilateral wells in various Western Canadian fields has been studied. In the cases reviewed in this paper, these wells always target a single formation; they have been used in a variety of fields and reservoirs, mostly for primary production but also for polymer flooding in some cases. Multiple examples will be provided, mostly in heavy oil reservoirs, and production performance will be compared with nearby horizontal wells whenever possible.

From the more classical dual and trilateral, to more complex architectures with seven or eight laterals, and the more exotic with laterals drilled from laterals, the paper will present the architecture and performance of these complex wells and of some fields that have been developed almost exclusively with multilateral wells. Interestingly, multilateral wells have not been used much for secondary or tertiary recovery, probably because of the difficulty of controlling water production after breakthrough. However, field results suggest that this may not be such a difficult proposition. One of the most remarkable wells producing a 1,250-cp oil under polymer flood has achieved a cumulative production of more than 3 million bbl, which puts it among the top producers in Canada.

Although multilateral wells have been in use for more than 25 years, very few papers have been devoted to the description of their production performance. This paper will bring some clarity to these aspects. It will also attempt to address when multilateral wells can be used and to compare their performance to that of horizontal wells in the same fields. It is hoped that this paper will encourage operators to reconsider the use of multilateral wells in their fields.
Electromagnetic-Based Wireless Sensor Networks for Natural Gas Pipeline and Reservoir Monitoring
Authors: Akkaş Mustafa Alper
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we electromagnetically analyzed the wireless sensor nodes for natural gas transport system from the recovery process to our apartments. In light of the problems of poor localization accuracy, low recognition efficiency and high false rates in traditional pipeline security and detection technology, this paper suggests a type of new electromagnetic modeling for the natural gas pipeline and tank system. This paper describes the effect of natural gas at different temperature and pressure levels on the propagation characteristics of electromagnetic waves at Terahertz Band frequencies. Based on the calculated absorption and path losses, the channel capacity and SNR are studied to give an insight of future Terahertz communication networks. Results show that characteristics of electromagnetic waves propagation affected by both the temperature and pressure. As a result, in the paper we come to the conclusion that frequency bands for optimum performance should be determined by reviewing the absorption coefficient.
Microbial biogeography of the wombat gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Eisenhofer Raphael , D’Agnese Erin , Taggart David , Carver Scott , Penrose Beth
Published: September 2021

Most herbivorous mammals have symbiotic microbes living in their gastrointestinal tracts that help with harvesting energy from recalcitrant plant fibre. The bulk of research into these microorganisms has focused on samples collected from faeces, representing the distal region of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. However, the GI tract in herbivorous mammals is typically long and complex, containing different regions with distinct physico-chemical properties that can structure resident microbial communities. In this study, we characterised the microbial biogeography of the GI tracts in individuals of two species of wombats.Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, our results show that GI microbial communities of wombats are structured by GI region. For both the bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus) and the southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons), we observed a trend of increasing microbial diversity from stomach to distal colon. The microbial composition in the first proximal colon region was more similar between wombat species than the corresponding distal colon region in the same species. We found several microbial genera that were differentially abundant between the first proximal colon and distal colon regions. Surprisingly, only 99 (10.6%) and 204 (18.7%) amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were shared between the first proximal colon region and the distal colon region for the bare-nosed and southern hairy-nosed wombat, respectively.These results suggest that microbial communities in the first proximal colon region—the putative site of primary plant fermentation in wombats—are distinct from the distal colon, and that faecal samples may have limitations in capturing the diversity of these communities. While faeces are still a valuable and effective means of characterising the distal colon microbiota, future work seeking to better understand how GI microbiota impact the energy economy of wombats (and potentially other hindgut-fermenting mammals) may need to take gut biogeography into account.
Changing Trends of Obesity and Lipid Profiles Among Bangkok School Children After Comprehensive Management of the Bright and Healthy Thai Kid Project.
Authors: Sirikulchayanonta Chutima , Sirikulchayanonta Vorachai , Suriyaprom Kanjana , Namjuntra Rachanee
Published: September 2021

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s leading cause of death. Children in Thailand are currently facing obesity, hyperlipidemia, and high atherogenic indices. This study aimed to assess the success of the Bright and Healthy Thai Kid project in reducing obesity and high lipid profiles among Bangkok school children.Methods: A cross-sectional study in five randomly selected Bangkok primary schools was conducted. A participatory action involving teachers, students, and parents was initiated. Data collection on anthropometric measurements, dietary intake, physical activity, and fasting blood samples of three generations of students was carried out during July-August (midterm months in Thailand) in the years 2004, 2017, and 2019. SPSS for Windows, version 16 was used for data analysis.Results: Comparing the data from 2004, 2017, and 2019, obesity rates of 19.3 in 2004 gradually declined to 16.9 and 15.6 in 2017 and 2019 (P< 0.001). High serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C, and atherogenic indices decreased significantly (p < 0.001).Conclusions: We believe that the great time and effort expended for a campaign to reduce rates of obesity and hyperlipidemia in school children does work to prevent future cardiovascular diseases. Long-term investment in national programs is required to achieve whole societal involvement in improving knowledge and skills related to health, nutrition, and healthy food choices.
Utilization of Agricultural Waste for the Production of Xylooligosaccharides Using Response Surface Methodology and Their In Vitro Prebiotic Efficacy
Authors: Kathiresan Nagamani , Gopal Lingesh , Karuppiah Vijay , Naveenethan Renuka , Abraham David Ravindran , Thangavel Kavitha
Published: September 2021

Air pollution is a prominent problem recently faced in various parts of India due to the burning of stubbles (coconut husk, corn cob, paddy stubbles, sugarcane bagasse, etc.) which are rich in a lignocellulosic component that can be converted into a prebiotic known as Xylooliogsaccaride (XOS). They can be produced by autohydrolysis, acid hydrolysis and enzymatic hydrolysis of xylan. In the present study, Xylan was extracted from sugarcane bagasse using two alkalis (NaOH and KOH) and the yield was compared. Xylooligosaccharide produced by enzymatic hydrolysis and their factors influencing the yield were optimized using Response Surface Methodology. Xylan and Xylooligosaccharide was characterized by FTIR, NMR, XRD, TGA and ESI-MS. Xylooligosaccharides was investigated for their prebiotic potential by in vitro study. The maximum (Relative yield of 86%) yield of xylan was observed in 20% of NaOH. Xylan peaks at 3762cm− 1, 3347 cm− 1, 2917cm− 1 represents the OH and CH stretching of xylan. The main signals at 4.26 (H-1), 3.19 (H-2), 3.59 (H-3), 3.63 (H-4) and 3.98 (H-5) ppm determines the existence of xylan. The higher amount of XOS is pH 4.75, temperature 45°C, enzyme 4U/ml and for time of 16h. The spectrum of 5.0-5.40ppm and 4.30-4.60ppm represents the α anomeric and β anomeric protons in XOS. They are resistant digested and the reaching percentage to the intestine is 95% unhydrolyzed. The maximum prebiotic index was noted in L.plantarum (1.92) and L.fermentum (1.61). The highest prebiotic index and score was observed in L.plantarum (1.9) and L.fermentum (17). The maximum bacteriocin production of Enterococcus faecium against E.fecalis (13mm) and Streptococcus pyogenes (11mm). Therefore, utilization of agricultural residues for a value-added product not only shows a great impact on environmental issues but also could double the farmer’s income
Long Term Spatio-Temporal Trends In Aerosol Optical Depth And Its Relationship With Enhanced Vegetation Index And Meteorological Parameters Over South Asia
Authors: Tariq Salman , Qayyum Fazzal , Ul-Haq Zia , Mehmood Usman
Published: September 2021

Satellite-based Aerosol optical depth (AOD) is columnar light extinction by aerosol absorption and scattering and has become the most important variable for the assessment of the spatiotemporal distribution of aerosols at a regional and global level. In this paper, we have used AOD observations from multi-angle imaging spectroradiometer (MISR), moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) and sea viewing wide field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS). We have observed the association of AOD with enhanced vegetation index (EVI) and meteorological variables (temperature (TEMP), WS and relative humidity (RH)). The findings show that AOD in eastern Pakistan is higher than in the western Pakistan due to increase in population density and biomass burning. Mean annual peak AOD (˃0.7) has been observed over the IGB region because of the significant increase in economical, industrial and agricultural activities. The highest seasonal mean AOD (0.8) has been seen over Bihar, India during the winter season. However, the mean AOD over eastern Pakistan is maximum in both monsoon and post-monsoon season but relatively low in pre-monsoon and winter. The higher mean AOD anomaly value is found to be 0.2 over eastern Pakistan and western India. In northeastern Pakistan and central India, AOD and RH are positively correlated (R ˃0.54) while negatively correlated over southwestern Pakistan. AOD is negatively correlated (R= ~-0.3) with EVI over northeastern and southeastern Pakistan. The correlation coefficient (R) obtained among Aqua and Terra AOD is 0.97 over south Asia. The satellite observations of Aqua-AOD was also compared with SeaWiFS and MISR AOD.
Association Between Maternal High-risk Fertility Behavior and Pregnancy Intention Among Women Aged 15 to 49 in Rwanda: Analysis of the 2014-15 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Nishimwe Aurore , Uwimana Philomene , Rumagihwa Liberee , Rutagengwa Alfred , Nyirazinyoye Laetitia , Jansen Stefan , Gillian Ice H , Lesli Johnson , Haile Zelalem T
Published: September 2021

Background: Maternal high-risk fertility behaviors have been linked to negative maternal and child health outcomes that include anaemia, undernutrition, and child mortality. In this context, we examined the association between maternal high-risk fertility behavior and pregnancy intention among women of reproductive age in Rwanda.Methods: This cross-sectional study is based on secondary data from the 2014–15 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (n=5661). The outcome of interest was pregnancy intention of the last child defined as intended or unintended. Maternal high-risk fertility behaviors were measured using maternal age at delivery, birth order, and birth interval. Chi-square test and multivariable regression models were performed. Results: The prevalence of unintended pregnancy was 46.8% (n=2652). Overall, 35.8% (n=2017) of women experienced single high-risk fertility behavior, while 23.1% (n=1282) of women experienced multiple high-risk fertility behaviors. Compared to women who have not experienced high-risk fertility behavior, the multivariable odds ratio (95% CI) of unintended pregnancy among women in single-risk and multiple-risk fertility behaviors were 2.00 (1.75, 2.28; p <0.001) and 2.49 (2.09, 2.95; p <0. 001.), respectively.Conclusion: Exposure to high-risk fertility behaviors is positively associated with unintended pregnancy among women in Rwanda. Therefore, reproductive and sexual health services should pay special attention to women who are <18 years or >34 years old; who have more than three children already; or have children with less than 24 months’ interval between giving birth.
Effect of Kinesio Taping on Low Back Pain During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xue Xiali , Chen Yan , Mao Xiaorong , Tu Huan , Yang Xinwei , Deng Zhongyi , Li Ning
Published: September 2021

Background: Low back pain during pregnancy affects the normal daily activities of pregnant women to a certain extent. Current studies have shown that Kinesio Taping(KT) may be a treatment for low back pain during pregnancy, but there is still a lack of key evidence. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of KT in the treatment of low back pain during pregnancy.Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Wanfang Data, CNKI, and VIP databases were searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the efficacy of KT intervention on low back pain in women during pregnancy. The retrieval time limit is from the establishment of the database to April 2021. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5.3 software.Results:A total of 7 RCTs were included, including 444 patients. Meta-analysis results showed that: Compared with the control group, KT intervention could significantly improve low back pain and dysfunction, VAS score (-1.62, 95%CI -2.08 to -1.16, P<0.00001, I2=77%), RMDQ score (-1.00, 95%CI -1.54 to -0.46, P=0.0003, I2=80%); The results of the meta-analysis of the subgroup showed that compared with the control group, the KT intervention was less than or equal to one week, and the waist pain and dysfunction were improved, with statistically significant differences. The difference in the improvement of low back pain was statistically significant after KT intervention for more than one week, but there was no statistically significant difference in RMDQ score (-1.25, 95%CI -2.66 to 0.15, P=0.08, I2=77%). Compared with the control group,KT intervention improved low back pain in the second and third trimesters, and the difference was statistically significant.Conclusion:KT has a positive effect on the improvement of low back pain during pregnancy, KT intervention can significantly improve pregnant women's low back pain and dysfunction problems, improve the quality of life.It is suggested that future research should focus on the prevention and treatment of low back pain during pregnancy to provide more research data for improving women's health.
Construction of Multifunctional NH2-UiO-66 Metal Organic Framework: Sensing And Photocatalytic Degradation of Ketorolac Tromethamine And Tetracycline In Aqueous Medium
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Mehta Surinder Kumar , Kansal Sushil Kumar
Published: September 2021

Existence of pharmaceutical residues in water has endangered environmental pollution worldwide, which makes it ineludible to develop prospective bifunctional materials which not only possess excellent fluorescence behaviour to monitor pharmaceuticals but also exhibits simultaneous photocatalytic removal efficiency. Strengthened by functionalized metal organic framework (MOF) materials, we present here an amine functionalized zirconium based MOF NH2-UiO-66 which has been successfully synthesized using solvothermal approach. The as prepared MOF was subjected to numerous structural, morphological and compositional characterizations. Interestingly, featured by the excellent fluorescent intensity of MOF modulated by LMCT effect, NH2-UiO-66 was screened to detect pharmaceutical compounds with KTC and TC in aqueous solution. The prepared functionalized MOF showcased excellent sensing platform with magnificent response range (0‒3 µM), lower limit of detection (160 nM; KTC and 140 nM; TC), excellent selectivity and influential anti-interference capability. More importantly, the practical utility of the proposed sensor was further explored for the determination of pharmaceutical drugs in real water samples with suitable recoveries. Simultaneously, the synthesized MOF also exhibited high photocatalytic efficiency towards the removal of KTC and TC under solar light irradiation. The degradation efficiency for KTC and TC was found to be 68.3 % and 71.8 % within 60 and 280 min of solar light, respectively. Moreover, excellent recyclability was demonstrated by the current synthesized system over five cycles. Overall, this study presents a feasible route for the utilization of functionalized MOFs as potential dual functional materials towards the simultaneous detection and degradation of specific pharmaceuticals from aqueous medium.
Potential Disruptive Effects of Copper-Based Antifouling Paints On The Biodiversity of Coastal Macrofouling Communities
Authors: Cima Francesca , Varello Roberta
Published: September 2021

In recent years, after the ban on tributyltin (TBT)-based antifouling paints, copper-based paints have become the main coatings for boat hulls due to their efficiency and endurance. Copper(I) compounds like Cu2O and CuSCN are used alone or in combination with booster biocides, i.e. Irgarol 1051, chlorothalonil and dichlofluanid. The expanded use of these paints has increased copper leaching into coastal environments, requiring attention and legislative restrictions for potential long-term effects on benthic populations. This study monitored the ecological succession of macrofouling communities on wooden and stainless steel panels immersed for 10 months in the southern basin of the Lagoon of Venice. The development of macrofouling communities on the panels coated with copper-containing antifouling paints was compared with those on the reference (uncoated) and TBT-coated panels. Series of biodiversity descriptors highlighted the preventing activity of the antifouling paints. The most active paints were those containing booster biocides and with self-polishing copolymers in the matrix. The macrofouling communities appeared dissimilar to those on the reference uncoated panels as regards the species richness, the coverage areas, and the biocoenosis structure. Generally, green algae, bryozoans and barnacles were the most tolerant taxa and a negative species selection occurred for sponges, serpulids and ascidians.
An obesity model and corona multiomics analysis reveal high-density lipoprotein effects on lipid nanoparticle function
Authors: Liu Kai , Nilsson Ralf , Lázaro-Ibáñez Elisa , Miliotis Tasso , Lerche Michael , Ribeiro Rita Salgado , Strimfors Marie , Duàn Hanna , Ulander Johan , Lindén Daniel , Salvati Anna , Sabirsh Alan
Published: September 2021

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are currently of great interest for therapeutic nucleic acid delivery. Lipid-based nanoparticles are, however, difficult to study analytically and so our understanding of the interaction between LNPs and biological systems remains obscure, particularly in terms of biomolecular corona formation and the impact this has on therapeutic efficacy and targeting. Ideally, we would like to engineer particles to acquire corona components that facilitate targeting, cargo delivery and improved safety. This requires studying the relationship between LNPs, biofluids and the resulting coronas. The particle-corona complexes are, however, fragile and biofluids also contain particles (such as lipoproteins) with sizes and biochemical characteristics similar to lipid nanoparticles, so contamination with biological components is a challenge. Here we describe a rapid, automated, and unbiased isolation method for LNP biomolecular coronas, coupled with proteomic and lipidomic analysis. Using these analytical methods, we systematically studied, in lean and obese rats, the variation in LNP-mediated mRNA delivery caused by individual physiology. A comprehensive multivariate model links LNP corona content to efficacy, identifying and validating high-density lipoproteins as a previously unidentified factor affecting particle efficacy.
Corrosion Inhibition Performance of Azelaic Acid Dihydrazide And Its Potential Predicted To Target The SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein With Docking Study
Authors: Abdelmalek Matine , Barhoumi Ali , Bayadi Said , idrissi Mohammed El , Salah Mohammed , Tounsi Abdessamad , Ouardi El Mokhtar El , Abdallaoui Habib El Alaoui El , Zeroual Abdellah
Published: September 2021

The adsorption of azelaic acid dihydrazide as an environmentally friendly mild steel corrosion inhibitor on the iron surface was modelled in this study. We used density functional theory (DFT) calculations and Monte Carlo (MC) and Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to illustrate the interactions engaged. The interaction of the azelaic acid derivatives with iron metal (Fe) was examined by DFT as a typical example of a corrosion prevention mechanism after the optimized molecular structures of these molecules were investigated. Structures, binding energies, Fikui's charge indicator, electron transfer, and chemical potential are all discussed, the presence of significant binding between the inhibitor and Fe metal is supported by analysis of the resultant complex. Then, in an acidic solution comprising 491,H2O, nine chlorine ions Cl-, and nine hydronium ions H3O+, molecular dynamic, Monte Carlo (MC) simulation were used to model the adsorption of azelaic acid dihydrazide on the iron Fe (110) surface. In addition, radial distribution function (RDF) and interaction energy (Ei) were evaluated in this work to further our understanding of interactions between azelaic acid dihydrazide and iron surfaces. Furthermore, we discovered that our inhibitors have an excellent ability to slow down the movement of corrosive particles in law temperature and thus to inhibit the metallic substrate against corrosive electrolyte, based on the temperature impact investigation. The result of density functional theory, Mont Carlo and molecular dynamic descriptors obtained were in good agreement with the experimental result.
Evaluation of Blood Glucose As A Biomarker For On Spot Detection of Bovine Trypanosomosis In Emergent Nations
Authors: Agrawal Vivek , Jaiswal Amit , Shukla Supriya , Mehta Hemant , Shakya Mukesh , Jatav Gaya Prasad , Jayraw Anant K.
Published: September 2021

Trypanosomosis or surra has been declared notifiable multispecies animal disease by World Organization for Animal Health. Diagnosis of trypanosomosis is a challenging task in field condition because none of reported signs is pathognomonic resulting in failure of treatment either inappropriate or delay in treatment. In spite of this, low hemoglobin level and hypoglycaemia are consistent hemato-biochemical changes in trypanosomosis. Therefore taking into consideration of both these two changes, tentative diagnosis of trypanosomosis could be done in low resource laboratory situated in rural area. With the development of eco and user friendly pen-side diagnostic, effective management of animal trypanosomosis could only be possible. Out of 123 buffaloes, 21 buffaloes found positive by PCR were showing average temperature 105.130F±0.983, blood glucose 32.319±9.760 and haemoglobin 8.60±1.485. Likewise Value of blood glucose (glucometer- 95% CI 68.488 to 77.141 and semiautomatic blood analyzer- CI 64.637 to 74.087) and haemoglobin (95% CI 95.743 to 97.314) were found statistically highly significant (P<0.001) with body temperature. Lower the blood glucose level in fevered animals may suspect the trypanosomosis. In these cases portable blood glucose meter may help the field veterinarian for on spot estimation of blood glucose level of fevered animals. An on spot estimation of lowered glucose level, anaemia and high temperature increases the probability of trypanosomosis. So that timely treatment of infected animal could be possible in rural area without wasting of time to get the report from full equipped laboratory. This might be the first time reported method for early diagnosis of trypanosomosis.
C/EBPβ Acetylation is Involved in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Zhou Jingzhu , Ji Xiuhai , fen yan , ding Hui
Published: September 2021

Background: IPF is a progressive lung disease, characterized by excessive deposition of ECM. C/EBPβ is involved in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. However, the regulation of C/EBPβ in the context of pulmonary fibrosis is not clear. The study is to identify the C/EBPβ acetylation in IPF．Methods: Lung from six IPF and six control samples were selected in this study. We investigated the expression of C/EBPβ in lungs with Immunochemistry. Moreover, the expression of C/EBPβ mRNA via Real Time-PCR and its protein expression via Western Blot were performed. Meanwhile, the levels of collagen-I and α-SMA as markers of pulmonary fibrosis were also determined by Western Blot. Furthermore, we confirmed the relationship between α-SMA and acetylated C/EBPβ by Co-Immunoprecipitation. Results: We found the elevated C/EBPβ mostly locating in fibroblast foci in lungs of IPF. And the expression of C/EBPβ RNA and protein were obviously increased in IPF (P <0.05), in which the proteins of α-SMA and collagen-I were enhanced (P <0.05). Furthermore, the stronger acetylation of C/EBPβ binging to the α-SMA gene was shown in lung fibrosis (P <0.05). Conclusions: The increased expression of C/EBPβ acetylation associated with α-SMA expression is involved in the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
AmphotericinB and Fluorocytosine Combined with Voriconazole for the Treatment of Non-HIV- and Non-Transplant-Associated Cryptococcal Meningitis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Liu Junyu , Liu Jia , Su Xiaohong , Yang Lu , Wang Yijie , Wang Anni , Xu Xiaofeng , Li Min , Jiang Ying , Peng Fuhua
Published: September 2021

Background

This retrospective study aimed to explore the curative effect of amphotericin B (AMB) and fluorocytosine (5-FC) combined with voriconazole (VOR) in the induction period for the treatment of non-HIV- and non-transplant-associated cryptococcal meningitis (CM).
Methods

Clinical data from patients admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat Sen University from January 2011 to December 2020 were collected. The patients were stratified based on antifungal treatment methods in the induction period (group I with AMB + 5-FC + VOR, group II with AMB + 5-FC + FLU, group III with AMB + 5-FC).
Results

The length of hospital stay in group I was significantly shorter than those in group II (p = 0.000) and group III (p = 0.000). Among the patients who achieved CSF sterility within 10 weeks, the number of days to reach CSF sterility in group I was shorter than that in group II (p = 0.046). The incidence of hypokalemia in group I was significantly lower than those in group II (p = 0.003) and group III (p = 0.004). The incidence of gastrointestinal discomfort in group I was significantly lower than that in group II (p = 0.004).
Conclusion

AMB plus 5-FC combined with VOR for the induction treatment of non-HIV- and non-transplant-associated cryptococcal meningitis is a better choice than AMB plus 5-FC combined with FLU and AMB plus 5-FC. This new triple antifungal treatment method rapidly cleared the cryptococci from the CSF, substantially shortened the hospital stay, and decreased the incidences of hypokalemia and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Microfinance Institutions and Financial Sector Growth in Nigeria (1992-2018)
Authors: Ayodeji Emmanuel Abiodun , Ogundipe Adebayo Tunbosun
Published: September 2021

The extent to which microfinance bank institutions have contributed to the financial sector growth has not been well unraveled in the extant literature in Nigeria, hence, this study examined the effects of microfinance banks on financial sector growth in Nigeria. It further investigated the dynamic form of relationship between microfinance banks and financial sector growth in Nigeria covering a temporal scope 1992 to 2018. The model specification was formulated using financial sector GDP as the proxy for dependent variable, microfinance credit, deposits, assets and investment were used as proxies for microfinance banks institutions. Secondary data were sourced from CBN statistical Bulletin and analyzed using auto regressive distributed lag bound test and its corresponding short and long run coefficients. Finding revealed an inconclusive long run relationship between microfinance bank institutions and financial sector growth. Checking the individual variable coefficients in the short run, microfinance credit has significant positive effect while microfinance assets has insignificant effects on financial sector growth. In the long run, it was revealed that microfinance bank deposits and assets exert insignificant positive effects while microfinance credits have insignificant effect and investments have significant negative effects on financial sector growth. The study concluded that, in the long run, microfinance bank institutions exert positive and insignificant effects on financial sector growth in Nigeria. It was therefore recommended that, for microfinance bank institutions to impact significantly on financial sector growth in Nigeria, its credit should be increased and be more directed to the target individuals and the level of their investments should be geared up so as to engender growth of the financial sector in Nigeria. Furthermore, microfinance bank institutions should maintain its status quo on deposits and assets, however, improvement on them should be encouraged so as to enhance the growth of the financial sector in Nigeria