bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose from Delonix regia Sawdust on Rheological and Filtration Properties of Water Based Drilling Fluid
Authors: Imohiosen Odion Uvo-Oise , Akintola Sarah Abidemi
Published: August 2021

Over the past years, there has been an increase in the importation of Sodium Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), an important drilling mud polymer additive, in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. However, the ripple effects of the importation of this polymer and other oilfield chemicals on the Nigeria oil and gas industry includes rising cost of oil and gas field development, limited oil and gas industry growth, and capital flight. In order to mitigate this trend, studies on the use of local substitutes such as starch and its derivatives have gathered momentum with risk such as competition with food supply and increase in food cost. The use of sawdust wastes which offers a non-competing and a cheap source of feedstock in the production of CMC have rarely been investigated.

The study therefore investigated production of CMC from sawdust waste of a highly underutilized wood (Delonix regia), after which drilling mud tests were conducted to determine the rheological and filtration properties of mud treated with the CMC products. The CMC production adopted the Williamson ether synthesis process in a slurry medium involving two main reactions of mercerization and etherification. All reaction parameters were held constant except the etherifying agent concentration. The CMC products were characterized using FTIR Spectroscopy.

The synthesized carboxymethyl cellulose products yielded good filtration and rheological properties suitable for drilling fluid applications. The use of low concentrations of about 0.5g to 1.0g of the synthesized products per laboratory barrel of mud could reduce filtration volume by 11.4% to 32.9% at low temperature and pressure conditions. The synthesized CMC products obtained from this work can be used as local substitute of low viscosity foreign CMC products.
Application of LEAN Supply Chain Management as a Panacea to Sustainable Future Profitability in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Ugolo Obaro Jerry
Published: August 2021

The Nigeria oil and gas industry is a highly capital intensive market. with possibility of high profit or great losses. Oil price trends over the last 3 decades shows cyclical and relatively high volatility. This is due to geopolitical and economic factors including dollar value, governments and organizations (like OPEC's actions), that influence global supply and demand.

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 crises, public health became a key factor influencing oil price (due to its severe adverse impact on demand). Studies have shown that even an increase in production volumes will not be able to bring about profitability in the industry. Clearly, management of costs including a lean supply chain that ensures that material/services for production are available at the right price and time is critical for the profitability of future oil and gas supply.

Oil producing firms require an optimum supply level of material and services to competitively deliver its end-product. This paper discusses the effect of LEAN supply chain management on the profitability of oil & gas firms in Nigeria. It also appraises the relationship between lean processes and operational efficiency of oil and gas producing companies. Using quantitative and descriptive research design methods, an online survey has been used to gather information from respondents from different oil and gas companies. Secondary data was also obtained from annual reports of relevant companies to show their crude oil production levels vis-à-vis profitability over a five-year period.

Based on analysis of information received from the research conducted, it has been recommended that better supply related collaboration between the organizations in the industry is necessary for sustained profitability. Companies need to link upstream and downstream flows of products, services and information to help reduce costs, wastages and ensure profitability. In, line with this, steps have been proferred to establish lean processes for organization. The researcher concludes that established industry-wide lean supply chain management processes and practices and collaboration e critical to competiveness and sustainable profitability in the oil and gas industry.
Cerebral Chronological Corollary Perusal for Blitzing Fire Paroxysm and Pipeline Attrition in Nigeria
Authors: Egu Daniel Ikechukwu , Ilozobhie Anthony John
Published: August 2021

Attrition and paroxysm of highly inflammable petroleum products in storage tanks, pipelines and/or haulage trucks is increasingly becoming a scourging socio-environmental quandary with a detrimental effect on the Nigerian economy. Non availability of a holistic response time analytic master plan is a major enigma while industrial disaster managers perhaps are the major culprits since they are mostly not time cognizant for spry and pragmatic delivery of service. The aim of this exposition is to ruminatively carry out cerebral chronological corollary perusal for blitzing fire paroxysms and pipeline attrition in Nigeria on Microsoft excel spread sheet. Comprehensive data validation was done for all models by substituting all solutions of matrix into the predicted time response model. Results of predicted time response model in minutes for case A gave; 101x1 + 79x2 + 59x3 + 45x4 + 24x5 = 358. The predicted time response model for case B gave 78x1 + 56x2 + 43x3 + 30x4 + 13x5 = 260. The predicted time response model for case C gave; 74x1 + 56x2 + 42x3 + 29x4 + 10x5 = 252. Results of these models shows that the average cumulative response time dropped from 3.58 minutes to 2.52 minutes from case A to case C while the coefficients all reduced in their values from model A to C. Improving the source of data gathering and computational processes is recommended for enhancement of this study.
Slug Frequency Prediction Model for Fluid Flow in Flowline Bends
Authors: Igbokwe Loveday , Edwin Michael
Published: August 2021

The prediction of slug frequency for two-phase slug flow during multiphase transportation of oil reservoir productions is crucial in the design of slug controllers for petroleum processing installations. Mechanistic based slug prediction models have not had much successful application due to the difficulty in modelling the non-linear interface motion during slug development. The mechanism of slugging in offshore flowline-riser is complicated and requires rigorous experimental sampling and testing. This process can be time-consuming and costly. In this study, a new correlation is developed for the prediction of severe slugging frequency. The new model is developed based on the results of scaled experimental design. Dimensional analysis approach using the Buckingham pi-theorem is used in developing the two-phase correlation. The model development involves non-dimensional empirical correlations in terms of relevant dimensionless groups, which are obtained based on the design of the experiment. A broad range of experimental data from 10 varied choke opening size was used. The new correlation predicts 92.3% of the measurements within ±8% absolute error and the mean absolute deviation of the correlation is about 6.13%. The newly developed correlation can be applied for flow rates between 0.1 kg/s and 0.6 kg/s and choke openings between 10-98%.
Combating Petroleum Movable Assets Theft Through Supply Chain Management System
Authors: Obi Chinyere , Ijomanta Henry , Ifeduba Ebuka , Okoh Oluchukwu
Published: August 2021

The Niger Delta land and swamp operators have endured severe hostility, theft, and asset vandalism over time. The offshore assets seem insulated from these incessant thefts due to difficulty accessing the facility and the compactness of the operations resulting in efficient security surveillance. However, this is not the case for land and swamp assets, usually with wide asset footprints resulting from traditional, supposedly easy, and low-cost development concepts. These conventional concepts resulted in wells drilled from multiple locations with multiple flowlines/pipelines crossing many communities and making efficient surveillance a near impossible activity.

The attackers usually target movable assets like wellhead accessories, Christmas tree, and flowlines in low-activity areas, and the non-active wells/flowlines are good minimal risk candidates. This act increases the cost of operations and, in most cases, results in environmental pollution because the vandals do not take the necessary precautions as needed for environmentally safe operations. Interestingly, in most cases, these stolen assets find their way into the local market, where they are refurbished and resold to unsuspecting operators.

To curb this menace, an opportunity exists for industry collaboration by applying an intelligent supply chain and asset inventory management system. This paper reviews the current asset protection techniques, evaluates the value at risk, and proposes innovative ways of combating theft using digital technology and intelligent asset management techniques.
Application of Assisted History Match Approach in a Brown Field Saves Thirty Percent in Project Time
Authors: Yusuf Nurudeen Oluwatosin , Silpngarmlers Lynn
Published: August 2021

Reservoir-H sequence, comprising of three reservoirs (H1, H2 & H3) is one of the most complex reservoirs in Niger-delta. With a combined well-count in excess of sixty producers and injectors and a production history of more than fifty-five years, the reservoir has had a history of challenging simulation studies with average water-cut matches resulting in new wells having high water breakthrough from onset.

In the latest effort, an assisted history match using genetic algorithm was employed. This approach is a two-step approach including an identification of all relevant history match parameters for the three reservoirs, followed by a fine-tuning of pressure and saturation history match using genetic algorithm. This approach enabled the identification of aquifer assumptions (architecture and transmissibility) as a critical factor in successfully matching the wells in these reservoirs. In addition to pressure and saturation matches, infill opportunities were further validated by tracking current reservoir fluid contacts with the model.

The current model has significantly improved the overall water-cut match in more than ten wells that historically had water-breakthrough challenges while using principally global history-match parameters. The elimination of many local changes in the current model is expected to improve both the reliability and the shelf of the model. Also, the variance between estimated contacts compared to actual gas-oil and oil-water contacts around infill locations is less than five feet indicating good predictability of the model. In order to save development cost, multiple opportunities identified in these reservoirs are to be targeted with dual strings. Additional savings were realized by reducing the overall simulations studies timeline by four months.
A Pseudo-Radial Pressure Model for Near-Wellbore Condensate Banking Prediction
Authors: Dala Joshua , Akanji Lateef , Bello Kelani , Olafuyi Olalekan , Jadhawar Prashant
Published: August 2021

A new pseudo-radial pressure model for inflow performance analysis and near-wellbore condensate banking deliverability is developed. Analysis of condensate banking and evolution in near wellbore region (i.e. zone 3) has been extensively studied. The new zone 4 region identified in this work will help in delineating the limit of retrograde condensation and the onset of revapourisation. Revapourisation after retrograde condensation is usually not accounted for in most field applications. However, in mature fields such as the Oredo field investigated in this study, revapourisation and near wellbore dynamics play an important role in optimising production from the field. The results of the newly formulated model captured the transient retrograde revapourisation near the wellbore for the well X studied in this work.
Identification of Promising CD8 and CD4 T-cell Epitopes for Peptide Vaccine Formulation Against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Chakraborty Supriyo , Deb Bornali , Nath Durbba , Monoswita Deboja
Published: August 2021

The novel virus “Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)” has been responsible for the worldwide pandemic causing huge devastation and deaths since December 2019. The disease caused by this virus is known as COVID-19. The present study is based on immunoinformatics approach to develop a multi-epitope loaded peptide vaccine to combat the COVID-19 menace. Here, we have reported the 9-mer CD8 T-cell epitopes and 15-mer CD4 T-cell epitopes, free from glycosylation sites, belonging to three proteins, viz. surface glycoprotein, membrane glycoprotein and envelope protein of this virus. Immunogenicity, aliphatic amino acid, antigenicity and hydrophilicity scores of the predicted epitopes were estimated. In addition, other physicochemical parameters namely net charge, Boman index and amino acid contents were also accounted. Out of all the epitopes, three CD8 T-cell epitopes viz. PDPSKPSKR, DPSKPSKRS and QTQTNSPRR and three CD4 T-cell epitopes viz. ASYQTQTNSPRRARS, RIGNYKLNTDHSSSS and RYRIGNYKLNTDHSS were found to be efficient targets for raising immunity in human against this virus. With the help of our identified potent epitopes, various pharma industries might initiate efforts to incorporate those epitopes with carrier protein or adjuvant to develop a multi-epitope-loaded peptide vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. The peptide vaccines are usually cost effective and therefore, could be administered as a preventive measure to combat the spread of this disease. Proper clinical trials must be conducted prior to the use of identified epitopes as vaccine candidates.
Exosomal miR-331 from Chemoresistant Osteosarcoma Cells induced Chemoresistance through Autophagy
Authors: Zhao Aiqing , Zhao Yanbin , Liu Wanlin , Feng Wei , Xing Wenhua , Zhao Zhenqun , Cui Shuxia , Bai Rui , Meng Chenyang
Published: August 2021

BackgroundOsteosarcoma (OS) is a highly malignant tumor. Improving chemotherapeutic resistance is very important to improve the survival rate of OS. Exosomes and microRNAs (MiRNA) play important roles in the mechanism of chemotherapeutic resistance transmission. More and more researches focus the mechanism of miRNAs carried by exosomes in the transmission of chemotherapeutic resistance of OS. This study focused on exploring the mechanism of exosomal miR-331 in the transmission of chemoresistance in OS.MethodsWe cultured OS drug-resistant cells and extracted exosomes of these cells. The secretion and uptake of exosomes in OS drug-resistant cells and OS cells (OSCs) were confirmed by fluorescence tracking assay and transwell experiments. The differential expression of microRNA-331 (miR-331) in exosomes of OS resistant and OS cells was investigated by RT-PCR. The effects of drug-resistant exosomes on proliferation and migration of OS cells were determined by MTT assay and scratches assay. MDC staining, RT-PCR, and Western blot were used to detect the role of autophagy which regulated by drug-resistant cell-derived exosom-miR-331.ResultsWe found that the expression difference of miR-331 between MG63/CDDP and MG63 was the most significant. Drug resistant OSCs secreted exosomes and were ingested by OSCs, which then promoted OSCs to acquire drug resistance. In addition, exosomes secreted by drug-resistant OSCs promote drug resistance by carrying miRNAs. Interestingly, inhibition of miRNA resulted in reduced drug resistance transmission of exosomes. Finally, we found that the exosomes secreted by drug-resistant OSCs could induce autophagy of OSCs by carrying miR-331, thus making OSCs acquire drug resistance. Inhibition of miR-331 can effectively improve drug resistance of OSCs.ConclusionsChemoresistant OSCs-derived exosomes promote the transmission of drug resistance by carrying miR-331 and inducing autophagy. Inhibition of miR-331 could effectively alleviate drug resistance of OSCs.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Umbra-like Mycovirus From the Plant Pathogenic Fungus Phoma Matteucciicola
Authors: Zhou Jia , Chen Daipeng , Liang Xiaofei , Zhou Siyu , Kang Zhensheng , Zheng Li
Published: August 2021

Here, a novel umbra-like mycovirus, ‘Phoma matteucciicola RNA virus 2’ (PmRV2), isolated from Phoma matteucciicola strain HNQH1 in Hainan province of China, was sequenced and analyzed. The complete genomic sequence of PmRV2 is 3,460 nucleotides (nts) with a GC content of 56.71%. Sequence analysis of PmRV2 indicated that the presence of two noncontiguous open reading frames (ORFs) encoding a hypothetical protein and a RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), respectively. PmRV2 contains a metal-binding ‘GDN’ triad in Motif C of RdRp while most + ssRNA mycoviruses contained a ‘GDD’ motif in the same region. Additionally, a BLASTp search showed that the RdRp amino acid sequence of PmRV2 was most closely related to the RdRp of Macrophomina phaseolina umbra-like virus 1 (50.72% identity) and Erysiphe necator umbra-like virus 2 (44.84% identity). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that PmRV2 grouped together with Erysiphe necator umbra-like virus 2 (EnUlV2) within the recently proposed family of ‘Mycotombusviridae’.
Promoting Work Ability With a Wearable Activity Tracker in Working Age Individuals With Hip and/or Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Östlind Elin , Eek Frida , Stigmar Kjerstin , Sant’Anna Anita , Hansson Eva Ekvall
Published: August 2021

Background: Physical activity (PA) can improve work ability and health in individuals with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (OA). The use of wearable activity trackers (WATs) has been shown to increase PA and improve other health outcomes but little is known concerning their effect on work ability. The objectives in this study was to examine the effect of self-monitoring PA with a WAT on work ability, PA and work productivity among individuals of working age with hip and/or knee OA.Methods: Individuals (n=160) were included and cluster-randomized to a Supported Osteoarthritis Self-management Program (SOASP) with the addition of self-monitoring PA using a commercial WAT for 12 weeks (n=86), or only the SOASP (n=74). Primary outcome was self-reported work ability measured with the Work Ability Index (WAI) and secondary outcomes were self-reported PA measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and work productivity, measured with the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment scale: Osteoarthritis (WPAI:OA) at baseline and after three, six and twelve months. Data was primarily analysed with linear mixed models.Results: Participants with data from baseline and at least one follow-up were included in the analyses (n=124). Linear mixed models showed no statistically significant difference between groups regarding pattern of change in work ability or PA, from baseline to follow-ups. Conclusion: The SOASP together with self-monitoring PA with a WAT did not have any effect on the primary outcome variable work ability. Participants already at baseline had good work ability and were physically active, probably thus reducing the possibility for improvements. Future interventions should target a population with lower work ability and PA-level.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03354091. Registered 15/11/2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03354091
Evaluation and Characteristic of Modified Ventilator Under Hyperbaric Conditions During Volume-controlled Ventilation
Authors: Wang Cong , Xue Lianbi , Liu Jialong , Chang Liyun , Yu Qiuhong , Liu Yaling , Ren Ziqi , Liu Ying
Published: August 2021

Purpose：The stability of the modified ventilator (Shangrila590, Beijing Aeonmed Company, Beijing, China) was evaluated under hyperbaric conditions during volume-controlled ventilation in this study by Michigan test lung (5601i, Grand Rapids, MI, US).Methods：Experiments were performed inside the multiplace hyperbaric chamber at 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA). The modified ventilator placed inside the hyperbaric chamber was connected to the test lung. During volume-controlled ventilation (VCV), data for the test lung were collected by a personal computer outside the hyperbaric chamber. The preset tide volume (VTset) of the ventilator (400-1000 ml) and the resistance and compliance of the testing lung were adjusted before the experiments at every ambient pressure. With every test setting, the tide volume (VT), inspiratory airway peak pressure (Ppeak) and minute volume (MV) displayed by the ventilator and the test lung were recorded by the computer. We compared the ventilator and test lung data under 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 ATA to evaluate the stability of the modified ventilator.Results：The variation in VT in the test lung and the ventilator at different ambient pressures changed within a narrow range, and the differences were statistically significant. In every test setting, changes in the MV of the ventilator were limited and acceptable, with significant differences at different ambient pressures. However, Ppeak increased obviously, as detected by the ventilator and test lung at higher ambient pressure during VCV.Conclusions：The modified Shangrila590 ventilator can work well in a hyperbaric chamber. It can provide relatively stable VT and MV during VCV with VTset from 400 ml to 1000 ml when the ambient pressure increases from 1.0 ATA to 2.0 ATA. The raised ambient pressure will lead to increased gas density, which may result in more airway resistance and higher Ppeak during VCV.
Quorum Sensing Inhibitory Potential and Molecular Docking Studies of Phyllanthus Emblica Phytochemicals Against Pseudomonas Aeruginosae
Authors: Baburam Sharmila , Ramasamy Srinivasan , Shanmugam Gnanendra , Mathanmohun Maghimaa
Published: August 2021

Phyllanthus emblica a traditional medicinal plant that is endowed with curative properties including anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and analgesic properties. Bacteria make use of cell–cell signaling system known as Quorum sensing (QS) and respond to their own population. In most gram-negative bacteria, the transcriptional regulators belonging to the Lux R protein play a crucial role in the QS mechanism by detecting the presence of signaling molecules known as N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs). In this present work, the anti-quorum sensing activity of Phyllanthus emblica was evaluated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Anti-quorum sensing efficacy of Phyllanthus emblica was estimated with reference to QS Bio-monitoring strain Chromobacterium violaceum. The binding efficacy of the phytochemicals of Phyllanthus emblica against CviR Protein from Chromobacterium violaceum and LasR Protein from Phyllanthus emblica were studied.
Research on the Coordination Characteristics and Interaction Between Innovation-driven Development and Green Development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China
Authors: wang wei , zhou lei , chen wei , Wu chao
Published: August 2021

Innovation-driven development and green development are both important ways to achieve regional sustainable development. Many studies have focused on innovation-driven dynamic factors and green development impact factors, yet most have paid little attention to the relationship between the two types of factors. This study considers the innovation-driven development and green development evaluation systems of 130 cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Through expert group evaluation, the three dimensions of green production, green life and green ecology are selected to represent the green development index. Innovation input, innovation performance, and innovation potential reflect the innovation-driven development index. The entropy TOPSIS method is used to measure the innovation-driven development index and the green development index of 130 cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Then, a coupling coordination evaluation model and a spatiotemporal heterogeneity analysis model are constructed to discuss the coupling coordination index of regional innovation-driven development and green development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt and to determine its temporal and spatial distribution characteristics. Finally, we choose a spatial panel regression model to explore the relationship between the innovation-driven development index and the green development index of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The research results show that there is a significant difference between the innovation-driven development index and the green development index of the 130 cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt in terms of the temporal and spatial distribution. The coordination index of the two has an imbalanced distribution feature, and there is a significant direct or indirect relationship between the two structural indicators in a mathematical sense. This study enhances the academic community's understanding of the interaction between innovation-driven development and green development, provides scientifically based support for green development, offers guidance for the implementation of innovation capabilities, and ultimately supports a policy design facilitating regional sustainable development.
Fabrication of CdS/Ti3C2/g-C3N4NS Z-Scheme Composites with Enhanced Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Zhang Ranran , Jin Jiaying , Jia Lumeng , Shi Bo , Chen Rufen
Published: August 2021

The Ti3C2 and g-C3N4NS were obtained first, and the CdS/Ti3C2/g-C3N4NS Z-scheme composites were prepared via a facile hydrothermal synthesis and their photocatalytic properties were investigated. The g-C3N4NS with a high surface area displayed higher adsorption and degradation capacity. Compared with Ti3C2/g-C3N4NS and CdS, the optimal ternary composites exhibited significantly enhanced visible light (vis) photocatalytic activity. The Fabrication of CdS/Ti3C2/g-C3N4NS Z-scheme heterostructure not only enhanced vis absorption, but also improved the separation ability of the photoinduced e−-h+ pairs and the redox ability of the catalyst, thereby leading to the improvement of visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity. This finding provides new insights into the construction of high efficiency Z-scheme heterostructure photocatalyst.
The LPA-CDK5-Tau Pathway Mediates Neuronal Injury in an In Vitro Model of Ischemia-Reperfusion Insult
Authors: Wang Yaya , Zhang Jie , Huang Liqin , Mo Yanhong , Wang Changyu , Li Yiyi , Zhang Yangyang , Zhang Zhaohui
Published: August 2021

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a common glycerol phospholipid and an important extracellular signaling molecule. LPA binds to its receptors and mediates a variety of biological effects, including the pathophysiological process underlying ischemic brain damage and traumatic brain injury. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating the pathological role of LPA are not clear. Here, we found that LPA activates cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5). CDK5 phosphorylates tau, which leads to neuronal cell death. Inhibition of LPA production or blocking its receptors reduced the abnormal activation of CDK5 and phosphorylation of tau, thus reversing the death of neurons. Our data indicate that the LPA-CDK5-Tau pathway plays an important role in the pathophysiological process after ischemic stroke. Inhibiting the LPA pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for treating ischemic brain injury.
Obtaining a Real Natural Numerical Landslide Model by Comparing Measurement and Predicted Values: A Case Study of Kavşakbendi̇ Dam Left Bank Andirap Landslide
Authors: Pamuk Resul , Eröz Murat , Tuncer Kemal , Kılıç Havvanur
Published: August 2021

The Andırap landslide is located on the left bank of the Kavşakbendi dam approximately 50 km from the Kozan district of Adana province in Turkey. After it was determined that the mass stability was impaired during the dam construction work, the landslide movements were followed by surface geodetic measurements and inclinometers. According to the measurements that were taken, displacements totaling 0.10 m were measured between 2010 and 2017, and it was determined that the speed of movement slowed considerably between 2017 and 2020. In this study, the results of stress-strain and stability analyses were evaluated taking into account the soil model created based on extensive site and laboratory research to examine the sliding mechanism of the Andırap landslide mass. After the numerical model was verified using site measurements, the movements of the landslide mass were examined by numerical analyses, taking into account the different loading conditions that may be encountered during the service life of the dam. According to the results of the analysis, no global slide was observed for the slip circle of the Andırap landslide and in the analyses conducted for the situation where the reservoir is full, the deep displacement of 0.11 m was consistent with the average displacement of 0.04 and 0.11 m deformation values measured from inclinometers. In the analyses carried out for the loading condition featuring a full reservoir and earthquake effects, it was calculated that shallow displacements reached up to 1.0 m, but deep displacements were 0.13 m.
In Vitro-in Vivo Digestibility and Nitrogen Balance in Indigenous, Exotic and Crossbred Growing Pigs Fed Sprouted or Roasted Cowpea Diets
Authors: Lubisi Mfanuzile Welcome , Fushai F , Thomas R.S , Baloyi J.J.
Published: August 2021

The study evaluated effects of processing cowpeas for inclusion in maize-based diets for Windsnyer, Large-White x Landrace, and their 3-way crossbred growing pig genotypes. In-vitro, the raw and roasted cowpea diets, sprouting cowpeas decreased (P<0.05) gastric-ileal non-enzymatic (buffer-only) DM digestibility. Roasting increased (P<0.05) the colon enzymatic digestion relative to sprouting. Total ileal and colon in-vitro diet DM digestibility were not affected (P>0.05) by cowpea processing. In-vivo, Pigs consumed most (P<0.05) feed (g/day/kg BW) in period 1, with significant (P<0.05) genotype X period interaction. Both roasting and sprouting cowpeas reduced (P<0.05) dietary apparent DM digestibility. Pig daily body weight (BW) gain reduced (P<0.05) in period 3 compared to period 1. There was no (P>0.05) treatment effect on feed conversion efficiency. The 3-way crossbred pigs excreted more (P<0.05) urine N (g/dayBW0.75). Urine N excretion (g/dayBW0.75) peaked (P<0.05) in period 2 (P<0.05), with less (P<0.05) N intake (g/dayBW0.75), faecal N excretion (g/dayBW0.75) and N balance (g/dayBW0.75) than in period 3. Significant diet X genotype interaction in faecal N excretion (g/dayBW0.75) resulted from markedly high (P<0.05) in contrast to low (P<0.05) excretion. Significant genotype X period interaction resulted from the numerically (P>0.05) higher urine N excretion. In conclusion, in-vitro, sprouting shifted non-enzymatic digestion to the colon, while roasting increased colon fibrolysis, without effect on overall DM digestibility. In-vivo, the period of feeding, interpreted to reflect pig maturity, the pig genotype and cowpea processing interacted to influence apparent dietary DM digestibility and N utilization, without significant effect on the conversion efficacy of the maize-cowpea diet.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Cell-Surface Vimentin-Positive Circulating Tumor Cells in Pediatric Sarcoma Patients
Authors: Dao Long , Ragoonanan Dristhi , Batth Izhar , Satelli Arun , Foglesong Jessica , Wang Jian , Zaky Wafik , Gill Jonathan , Liu Diane , Albert Aisha , Gordon Nancy , Huh Winston , Harrison Douglas , Herzog Cynthia , Kleinerman Eugenie , Gorlick Richard , Daw Najat , Li Shulin
Published: August 2021

Background

Despite advances in care, the 5 year overall survival for patients with relapsed and or metastatic sarcoma remains as low as < 35%. Currently, there are no biomarkers available to assess disease status in patients with sarcomas and as such, disease surveillance remains reliant on serial imaging which increases the risk of secondary malignancies and heightens patient anxiety.
Methods

Here, for the first time reported in the literature, we have enumerated the cell surface vimentin (CSV+) CTCs in the blood of 92 sarcoma pediatric and adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients as a possible marker of disease.
Results

We constructed a ROC with an AUC of 0.831 resulting in a sensitivity of 85.3% and a specificity of 75%. Additionally, patients who were deemed to be CSV + CTC positive were found to have a worse overall survival compared to those who were CSV + CTC negative. We additionally found the use of available molecular testing increased the accuracy of our diagnostic and prognostic tests.
Conclusions

Our findings indicate that CSV + CTCs have both diagnostic and prognostic value and can possibly serve as a measure of disease burden.
Synthesis of p-n CoO-ZnO Heterojunction for Enhanced Visible-Light Assisted Photodegradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Saeed Muhammad , Adeel Muhammad , Khan Iltaf , Akram Nadia , Muneer Majid
Published: July 2021

The synthesis of p-n heterojunction has received much attention in the eradication of organic pollutants from water. In this study, p-n CoO-ZnO heterojunction is reported as an efficient visible-light-driven photocatalyst for degradation of methylene blue. The formation of CoO-ZnO was determined by XRD, XPS, UV-vis DRS, SEM, and EDS analyses. The p-n CoO-ZnO prepared by precipitation method showed an enhanced photocatalytic activity under the irradiation of visible light compared to ZnO. A 100 mg/L methylene blue is degraded almost completely within 2 hours under visible irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic efficiency is attributed to the synergistic effect of p-n heterojunction that dramatically reduces the recombination of holes and electrons initiated by irradiation. The role played by hydroxyl radicals in photodegradation of methylene blue was determined by photoluminescence emission and fluorescence spectroscopy.
Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism of rs11061971 (+219 A>T) in Adiponectin Receptor 2 (AdipoR2) Gene and Its Association with Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Among an Iranian Population ​
Authors: Tahani Masoud , Goodarzi Mohamad Taghi , Ahmadi Ali Asghar , Hasani Mohammad Hossein , Farrahi Alireza , Selakjani Akram Mehrzad
Published: August 2021

Genetic modifications in the adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2) gene can affect phenotypes associated with insulin resistance and diabetes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible role of genetic modifications in the AdipoR2 gene, to determine the frequency of genotypes and polymorphism alleles of this gene at rs11061971 (+ 219 A > T), and to investigate its correlation with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its related metabolic profile. In this case-control study, the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of interest in 116 T2D patients and 102 controls was evaluated using RFLP PCR and FOK 1 enzyme. Fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, triglyceride, insulin, HDL-C, LDL-C and HbA1c were also measured and their correlation with the studied genetic modifications was assessed. The collected data were analyzed using Chi-square test and Hardy-Weinberg equation. There was a significant association in AT and TT genotypes in rs11061971 (+ 219 A > T) with T2D. However, no significant difference was observed in the frequency of alleles between the case and control groups. In addition, in LDL-C and total cholesterol in the control group, there was a significant difference between AA and TT genotypes as well as with AA and AT genotypes. However, no correlation was found between the other serum studied parameters and the genotype of individuals in the rs1106197171 polymorphism. The role of rs11061971 (+ 219 A > T) polymorphism in T2D incidence seems to be strong. This study showed that AT and TT genotypes versus AA genotype increase the risk of diabetes.
Rapamycin Attenuated Podocyte Apoptosis Via Upregulation of Nestin in Ang II-Induced Podocyte Injury
Authors: Shi Huimin , Zhao Yajie , He Tiantian , Wen Xianli , Qu Gaoting , Li Shanwen , Gan Weihua , Zhang Aiqing
Published: August 2021

Background: Angiotensin II (Ang II) contributes to the progression of glomerulosclerosis mainly by inducing podocyte injury. Convincing evidence indicates that the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin plays a fundamental role in the protection of podocyte injury. Nestin, a major cytoskeleton protein, is expressed stably in podocytes and correlates with podocyte damage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of rapamycin in podocyte injury induced by Ang II, and clarify the role and mechanism of Nestin in the protection of podocyte injury.Methods and Results: We established an Ang II perfusion animal model, and the effects of interfere treatment of rapamycin on podocyte were detected in vivo. In vitro, podocytes were stimulated with Ang II and rapamycin to observe podocyte injury, nestin-siRNA was transfected to investigate the mechanism in the process. We observed that Ang II induce podocyte injury both in vivo and in vitro, while rapamycin treatment relieved Ang II-induced podocyte injury. Also we found that nestin co-localized with p-mTOR in glomeruli, and the protection effect of rapamycin was reduced by nestin-siRNA in podocytes. Moreover, co-IP indicated the interaction between nestin and p-mTOR, and nestin could affect podocyte injury via mTOR/P70S6K signaling pathway.Conlusion: Thus, here, we demonstrated that Rapamycin attenuated podocyte apoptosis via upregulation of nestin through mTOR/P70S6K signsling pathway in Ang II-induced podocyte injury.
Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Cardio-Pulmonary Morphometry, Gut-Morphology, Fatty Acid Profile and Humoral Immunity of Commercial Broiler Birds Fed Diet Supplemented with Blended Fish Protein
Authors: Hossain Md Emran , Akter Nasima , Barua Karabi , Podder Sonnet , Hoque Md. Ahasanul
Published: August 2021

A 35-day trial was conducted to explore if different sources of dietary proteins at varying levels of metabolizable energy had any effect on the average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (FE), carcass characteristics, cardio-pulmonary morphometry, gut morphology, profile of unsaturated fatty acid (UFA), saturated fatty acid (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and humoral immunity of the broiler birds. Total 288 Ross-308 day old male broiler birds were randomly distributed in four dietary treatment groups in a 2×2 factorial arrangement (Two different sources of proteins, i.e., plant and animal with two different levels of metabolizable energy, i.e., low and high). Each treatment had nine replicates containing eight birds per pen. Results indicated that, the supplementation of blended fish protein substantially increased (p<0.001) the final body weight and decreased (p<0.001) the ADFI at 1-14 d, 15-35 d and 1-35 d compared with plant protein. The ADG increased at 1-14 d (p<0.001), 15-35 d (p<0.05) and 1-35 d (p<0.05) and the FE improved (p<0.001) at 1-14 d, 15-35 d and 1-35 d. Similarly, the high energy diet significantly increased (p<0.001) the final body weight and decreased the ADFI at 1-14 d (p<0.001), 15-35 d (p<0.05) and 1-35 d (p<0.05) compared with low energy diet. The ADG increased (p<0.001) and the FE improved at 1-14 d, 15-35 d and 1-35 d. The animal protein increased the thigh weight (p<0.01), the neck weight (p<0.05) and the ratio (p<0.001) of ∑UFA:∑SFA and ∑PUFA:∑MUFA in the breast muscles of the broiler birds. The GLM identified no interaction effect (p>0.05) of energy and protein on the ADFI, ADG, FE, cardio-pulmonary morphometry and humoral immunity of the broiler birds against Newcastle and Infectious Bronchitis diseases. The RV:TV remained within standard range indicating no symptoms of cardiac dysfunctions. It was concluded that the fishmeal supplemented high energy diet improved weight gain, feed efficiency and meat quality of broiler by increasing ∑ω-3 and ∑ω-7 fatty acids as well as the ratio of ∑ω-3:∑ω-6, ∑UFA:∑SFA and ∑PUFA:∑MUFA in the breast muscles of the broiler birds.
DLSTM-HHO: Enhanced Deep Learning Framework for Malware Detection at the Edge of the Iot System
Authors: D Santhadevi , B
Published: August 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) technology has a dynamic atmosphere due to incorporating multiple smart peripherals, which provide autonomous homes, cities, manufacturing industries, medical domain, etc.; however, a threat by cyber security is still at constant risk, and it gets much attention in researches. Cyber issues in the IoT environment are usually coming due to intruder’s malware activity. This kind of malware affects the confidential data of users in the IoT environment. In this research, a novel framework is implemented with the association of an improved deep LSTM with Harris Hawk Optimization (DLSTM-HHO). This framework is highly improved by adopting an Apache Spark technique for pre-processing IoT dataset. An Apache Spark replaces the traditional data pre-processing, which provides more efficiency to this model for detecting the malware at the edge of the IoT environment. The implementation of this framework is done in the MATLAB2020a platform with Apache Spark. The proposed model provides better performance evaluation in terms of accuracy is at 98%, and the F1-Score at 98.5%.
Chronic Pseudophakic Endophthalmitis After Uneventful Phakoemulsification: A Case Series and Review of Litterature
Authors: Mili Ilhem Nicolle , Braham Imene Zhioua , kaouel Hela , Ammous Imen , Errais Khalil , Boukari Mejdi , Zhioua Raja
Published: August 2021

Purpose: To report a retrospective case series of patients with chronic post operative endophthalmitis (CPE) after uneventful phacoemulsification (PKE) with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Methods: this study was conducted between January 2011 and June 2020, including patients with delayed-onset endopthalmitis occurring at least 2 weeks after uneventful PKE+IOL. Diagnosis was based on typical clinical features associated or not to proven sample culture. Treatment was based on step-by-step management, depending on results of microbiology and response of treatment. It consisted in first line medical treatment with a two-approach intraocular and systemic antiobiotics, followed, if necessary, by a second line conservative-IOL surgical treatment with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), and a third line non-conservative-IOL surgical treatment with re-PPV associated to IOL explantation. Results: Seven patients were included with a mean age of 62,5 years. Mean duration interval between cataract surgery and diagnosis of CPE was 31,3 weeks. All patients presented a decrease of visual acuity with white intracapsular plaques. Only one patient had positive IOL culture. Medical treatment was sufficient in three cases. In the four other cases, PPV with IOL explantation and total capsular bag removal was conducted. Mean final BCVA was 20/160 with a gain of 4 lines and was ≥ 20/40 in 4 cases. Conclusion: The diagnosis of CPE is still challenging especially for difficulties in isolating microorganisms. It should always be considered in cases of recurrent ocular inflammation resistant to conventional treatment in operated eyes. Non-conservative IOL surgical treatment may be directly necessary in severe cases.
Echocardiography Segmentation by Fractional Differential and Improved Canny, Analysis by Fourier Descriptor
Authors: Wang Weixing , Vimlund Vivian , Hu Keli
Published: August 2021

The omnidirectional M-mode echocardiogram provides a new method for human heart functional analyses. In this article, to sharpen object edges, we designed image processing kernel based on Fractional differential for image enhancement. After that, the contour of the left ventricle in a short axis is first extracted using both an improved Canny edge detection algorithm and the gray level searching algorithm in the radial direction as auxiliary. The modified Canny edge detection algorithm with the matching method between adjacent frames then is adopted for the subsequent frames to extract the left ventricular contours. The non-functional movements in the B-ultrasonic plane are determined by using the movement extracting method based on Fourier descriptors and the mass center with the inertia axis method, and the movements are removed from a compound motion. The Fourier descriptors are applied to get a series of image contour curves with the principal translation and rotation. Hence the curve of the cardiac motion can accurately show functional movements in any location of the heart. Using our technique, we can reduce multi-lines and excursion, as well as correct the omnidirectional M-mode echocardiography.
Energy Optimization using Swarm Intelligence for IoT-Authorized Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Gavali Ashwini , Vaze Vinod M , Ubale S A
Published: August 2021

The technology advancement in the Internet of Things (IoT) enables a variety of smart monitoring applications assisted by networks like Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) and Underwater WSNs (UWSNs). The IoT-UWSNs supported a wide range of applications such as underwater data collection, underwater equipment monitoring, underwater imaging, etc. The acoustic signals have been utilized for communication in IoT-UWSNs over radio signals and optical signals. Data transmission using acoustic signals is suffering from lower throughput, excessive energy consumption, long transmission delay, and lower network lifetime. Several data forwarding and clustering algorithms have recently been proposed to enhance UWSN's performances. This paper proposed a novel routing solution for energy and QoS-efficient data transmission from the underwater sensor node to the surface sink using Swarm Intelligence (SI). This protocol called Energy Optimization using Routing Optimization (EORO) protocol. To optimize the UWSNs performance, we used Effective Fitness Function-based Particle Swarm Optimization (EFF-PSO) to select the best forwarder node for data transmission. In EORO, forwarding relay nodes discovered by the intended source node using location information firstly. Then EFF-PSO algorithm is applied to select the optimal relay node considering the rich set of parameters. Four parameters of each forwarder node used for fitness computation as residual energy, packet transmission ability, node connectivity, and distance. These parameters are intelligently selected to avoid packet collisions to achieve energy consumption and delay reduction with higher throughput. An experimental result shows that the EORO protocol outperformed underlying routing techniques using throughput, energy consumption, delay, and Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR).
The Anti-Inflamatory Effect of Andira Anthelmia Lectin In Rats Involves Inhibition of The Prostanoid Pathway, TNF-α And Lectin Domain
Authors: Nascimento Francisco Lucas Faustino do , Pires Alana , Mota Mário , de Araujo Diego , Martins Maria Gleiciane , Moreira Cleane , Cajazeiras João , Cavada Benildo , Nascimento Kyria do , Assreuy Ana Maria
Published: July 2021

Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanisms of Andira anthelmia lectin in rat models of acute inflammation.Material: AAL anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in Wistar rat models of paw edema, peritonitis and hyperalgesia.Methods: AAL (0.01-1 mg/kg i.v.) was injected 30 min before stimulation with carrageenan and with initial and late phase inflammatory mediators into the animals paw and peritoneum for evaluation of: cell migration (optical and intravital microscopy), paw edema (plethysmometry and histopathology); hyperalgesia (analgesimetry).Results: AAL inhibited leukocyte migration induced by carrageenan, mainly neutrophils to the peritoneal fluid, decreasing leukocyte adhesion. In the peritoneal fluid, AAL reduced the gene expression of TNF-α and cyclooxygenase, as well the levels of PGE2. ALL also inhibited the paw edema induced by carrageenan, mainly the late phase, but also the edema induced by serotonin, histamine, TNF-α, PLA2 and PGE2, but not by L-arginine and bradykinin. In this model, AAL inhibited mechanical hypernociception induced by TNF-α, PGE2, db-cAMP and capsaicin, and the activity of myeloperoxidase in the paw tissues.Conclusion: AAL presents anti-inflammatory effect in acute models of rat inflammation involving the participation of prostaglandins, TNF-α and lectin domain.