bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Hydraulic and Conductive Half Lengths in the Bakken/Three Forks Play – Coupling Sealed Wellbore Pressure Monitoring SWPM & Chow Pressure Group CPG
Authors: Ballinger Bradley , Green Brett , Vajjha Pavan , Haffener Jackson , Edwards Mark , Almasoodi Mouin , Haustveit Kyle
Published: January 2022

In development of the Bakken/Three Forks play, it is crucial to obtain a strong understanding of not just the hydraulic fracture geometry, but also what portion of those hydraulic fractures are conductive. If both parameters and their interactions are not fully understood, then development of the play could be severely compromised due to unoptimized well spacing and completion design. This study represents a two-pronged approach to better understand this interaction. The first step was to perform a Sealed Wellbore Pressure Monitoring (SWPM) test to gain an understanding of hydraulic half-length (Haustveit. et al. 2020). Then, a conductive interference test was performed to utilize Chow Pressure Group (CPG) to understand the conductive half-length (Chu et al. 2018). This paper will address the results from these two tests and how they can be coupled together to optimize the unique relationship between well spacing and completion design to maximize the value in development of the Bakken/Three Forks play or any play both new and mature.

The SWPM test was successfully completed on a nine well zipper frac operation consisting of two pads (four well pad/five well pad) where four Middle Bakken and five Three Forks wells were stimulated. The SWPM results provided insight into the hydraulic fracture geometry of the stimulation in multiple scenarios of vertical and lateral separation, as well as various amounts of offsetting depletion. The next step in the analysis was performing a CPG interference test on the five well zipper pad. The CPG results provided insight into not just the initial conductive geometry, but a three month follow up test also showed how the conductivity of the fractures rapidly degrade over time. By coupling the SWPM and CPG analysis together, an operator can learn where hydraulic fractures are growing and what portion of those fractures are conductive. This project design of coupled SWPM and CPG provided multiple learnings:

Hydraulic fractures for a well in either the Middle Bakken or Three Forks grow through the Lower Bakken Shale and create large geometries in both the landing and staggered zone Hydraulic growth is faster and geometry larger growing towards modern completion parents versus vintage completion parents A relatively small portion of the hydraulic geometry is conductive, and although early time wells communicate through the Lower Bakken Shale, a 3-month interference test shows closure between the Three Forks and Middle Bakken.

From these learnings, an optimized development is being developed for the Bakken/Three Forks play and a similar workflow can be applied to any play both new or mature to maximize value and returns for operators.
A New Crack Propagation Algorithm That Enables Accurate Simulation of Propagation Across Thin Layers in a Practical Field-Scale Fracturing Model
Authors: Dontsov Egor , Hewson Christopher , McClure Mark
Published: January 2022

We developed a propagation algorithm that enables accurate calculation of hydraulic fracture geometry, even in the presence of thin layers and with a relatively coarse crack mesh. Conventionally, hydraulic fracture simulators either add one element at a time (less accurate) or require constant remeshing (computationally expensive). Our new algorithm benefits from the simplicity of adding one element at a time, but does not compromise the accuracy. This is because the algorithm continuously tracks the position of the crack tip within each tip element. In addition, the continuous front tracking allows for the algorithm to account for varying rock properties within the element and to accurately simulate propagation across arbitrarily thin layers. The algorithm has been implemented in a commercial combined hydraulic fracturing and reservoir simulator. First, some mathematical foundations of the algorithm are outlined. Then, we perform basic validation simulations, showing that the algorithm can accurately solve standard benchmark solutions in the toughness and viscosity dominated regimes. Next, we simulate propagation of a single crack in a layered media with highly variable properties (e.g. stress or toughness) between layers. We perform sensitivity analysis to show that the algorithm retains accuracy, even if the mesh is coarsened considerably. The mesh coarsening leads to dramatically faster numerical simulations, relative to the corresponding fine mesh solutions. Finally, we apply the algorithm in a field-scale simulation of an actual pad-scale dataset. We show that the algorithm is capable of accurately reproducing the fracture geometry and, at the same time, retains practical computational times.
Optimizing Longitudinal Fracture Design for Horizontal Well Completions in Laminated Sandstone Reservoirs
Authors: Zhang Junjing , Zwarich Nola , Burton Robert , Carman Paul , Davis Eric , Nozaki Manabu , Buck Brian , Lewis Adam , Wendt Brett
Published: January 2022

Horizontal wells with multi-stage longitudinal fractures have been widely used to develop low-to-moderate permeability sandstone formations in enhanced oil recovery schemes. A long-held misconception exists that high fracture conductivity is not essential to well productivity for longitudinal fractures in openhole completions because the pressure drop through the fracture is small due to the geometry. This study provides workflows to optimize longitudinal fracture design for horizontal well completions on the North Slope of Alaska and presents practical considerations that challenge this misconception.

Mechanical properties of core samples across the reservoir interval were evaluated by hardness-based strength calculators and tri-axial compression tests. Based on the rock strength profile, candidate intervals were selected for fracture conductivity measurements. Both summer (low salinity) and winter (high salinity) seawater based fracturing fluids were injected through the propped fracture cell containing both sandstone and mudstone lithologies. Numerical fracture models were built and matched to bottomhole pressures acquired during project appraisal well stimulations. Proppant concentration distribution along the fracture was generated for different design scenarios by varying proppant volume, proppant size, pump schedule, etc. The impact of various design scenarios on well production was also investigated.

Full alignment between the fracture plane and the wellbore results in the highest productivity for fractured horizontal wells with openhole completions. However, calculations demonstrate that even a few degrees of misalignment between horizontal well orientation and the maximum horizontal principal stress results in fracture deviation from the open hole. Due to flow along the fracture and convergence from the fracture to the wellbore, fracture conductivity dominates the pressure drop and completion skin factor for this geometry. Since actual fracture conductivities in wells on the North Slope of Alaska are not infinite, it is therefore inappropriate to use "infinitely-acting" fracture assumptions as has often been used historically for longitudinally fractured horizontal wells with openhole completions. Fracture conductivity tests show severe conductivity loss due to gel residue as well as mudstone and seawater interactions. Realistic discount factors for fracture conductivities in the targeted shallow sandstone-mudstone formations were developed for subsequent reservoir studies. Modeling results suggest that larger job sizes and bigger proppant are needed to achieve desirable skin factors and well inflow performance when the fracture becomes misaligned from the wellbore.
Feasibility of Using Drill Cuttings as Proppants in Unconventional Reservoirs
Authors: Carrascal-Delgado Fabián , Abedi Sara , Hill A. D. , Zhu Ding
Published: January 2022

Unconventional reservoirs are commonly drilled using oil-based mud, creating drill cuttings that are contaminated with hydrocarbons. Drill cuttings disposal is regulated by the state. The drill cuttings are usually disposed of by trucking them to a landfill. The economic and environmental impact is a challenge to the industry. In this study, we have investigated the feasibility of disposing of drill cuttings at the well site by mixing them into the proppant slurry as a part of the proppant during multi-stage hydraulic fracturing. Our study focused on whether the addition of drill cuttings, often composed of very fine particles, significantly impair the conductivity of the proppant pack created in the reservoir. The study provides an environmentally friendly solution to the drill cutting disposal problem with the procedures and limitations, and it helps to reduce the cost of fracturing operations.

Using actual drill cuttings samples from an Eagle Ford well, we have measured the fracture conductivity of mixtures of proppant and drill cuttings for a wide range of drill cuttings fractions. The cuttings-sand mixtures were evaluated following a modified API RP-61 procedure. A conductivity cell was used to perform short-term conductivity experiments applying dry nitrogen gas as fluid, with closure stress applied in incremental steps of 1000 psi from 1000 to 6000 psi. The cuttings were evaluated wet, as received from the rig site after mechanical separation on site, and dried, after being washed for removal of drilling fluid, to compare the effect of drilling fluid in conductivity responses. The effect of cuttings size and chemical composition on conductivity was also studied. 40/70 and 100 mesh sand were used as the proppant.

The results showed that adding up to 25% drill cuttings to the proppant pack had an insignificant effect on the fracture conductivity. The 100-mesh sand proppant retained conductivity with drill cuttings added somewhat better than the 40/70 mesh sand proppant. Because the volume of drill cuttings created in drilling even a quite long lateral is much less than the volume of proppant pumped in just a single stage, our results show that drill cuttings could be disposed of by adding them to the proppant slurry at a rate less than 25% of the proppant rate without causing any deleterious effect on the fracture conductivity created.
Analysis of Current Variation Through a Field Effect Transistor Based on Asymmetric Zigzag Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Kheiri Golshad
Published: January 2022

Field effect transistors are a group of transistors in which the current is controlled by an electric field. Due to the fact that in these transistors only one type of charge carrier (free electron or hole) is involved in generating electric current, they can be considered as monopolar transistors as opposed to bipolar transistors (which carry both majority and minority at the same time. Are involved in them). Field effect transistors have source, drain, and gate tripods. Field effect transistors can be considered as a voltage sensitive device whose input impedance is very high (about 1014 ohms) and its output impedance is relatively high. Nanotube-based field effect transistors are one of the most useful devices used in future electronic applications. In this type of transistors, metal electrodes act as springs and wells on both sides, and the carbon nanotube between the two acts as a conduit for the carriers. Due to the special properties of carbon nanotubes and their resemblance to quantum wires, we call it a one-dimensional system that does not allow carriers to disperse and thus transfer along it. It will be ballistic. The main issue in this research is to calculate the current passing through a nanotube and mention its importance.
Efficient Approaches to Optimize Energy Consumption in 3D Wireless Video Sensor Network under the Coverage and Connectivity Constraints
Authors: Bairagi Kishalay , Mitra Sulata , Bhattacharya Uma
Published: January 2022

Two advanced approaches (PA_1, and PA_2) based on a realistic 3D model of video sensor nodes (VSNs) deployed over a 2D target area are proposed to minimize energy consumption in the network maintaining area coverage and connectivity. Reducing the number of active VSNs decreases energy consumption, but lessens area coverage and connectivity too. These conflicting issues are resolved and an optimal solution is obtained by using an integer linear programming based approach PA_1. The problem being an NP-Hard one, PA_1 is not tractable for large instances, and a heuristic PA_2 based on an advanced genetic algorithm, is also developed to obtain the near-optimal solution. Simulation studies are carried out to compare the performance of PA_1, and PA_2 with the other three state-of-the-art approaches (APP_5, APP_6, and ET_3). Among three existing approaches, APP_6/(ET_3) is the best in energy consumption/(area coverage). It is observed that for the same simulation environment, both PA_1, and PA_2 guarantee higher network services, by reducing energy consumption by 40.85% and 33.34% respectively compared to the best existing approach APP_6; and as well as by increasing area coverage by 0.94% than the best existing approach ET_3 for the node density 150 on the target area of size 75x75 square meter. Between PA_1 and PA_2, PA_2 generates sub-optimal solution and PA_1 substantiates its superiority by reducing energy consumption by 11.26% than PA_2 without losing area coverage for the same simulation environment.
Skin-inspired scalable superhydrophobic coatings with strong mechano-chemical-thermal robustness
Authors: Zhang Hailong , Bu Xinyu , li wanbo , Ji Xingxiang , Tao Furong , Gai Ligang , Jiang Haihui , Liu Libin , Wang Zuankai
Published: January 2022

Designing environment-friendly, scalable superhydrophobic coatings with a wide spectrum of robustness in mechanochemical strength, interfacial adhesion, and flame retardancy is critical to low-carbon economy and green environment, especially for green buildings. Simultaneously achieving these preferred functionalities dominated by either interfacial or bulky properties has proved challenging. Herein, we propose an integral skin-inspired triple-layered coating (STC) that resolves conflicting demands imposed by individual features on the structure, component, and thermal property of materials. The STC demonstrates sustained anti-wetting and anti-corrosion even under harsh environments, strong adhesion and anti-abrasion, and excellent flame retardancy, all of which enhance its durability and lifetime so as to eliminate the maintenance and repair, thereby reducing cost and energy consumption. Together with facile spraying fabrication process, our STC paves the way to construct a green and resource-saving society.
Trigonometric Shock Waves in the Kaup-Boussinesq System
Authors: Ivanov Sergey , Kamchatnov Anatoly
Published: January 2022

We consider the modulationally stable version of the Kaup-Boussinesq system which models propagation of nonlinear waves in various physical situations. It is shown that the Whitham modulation equations for this model have a new type of solutions which describe trigonometric shock waves. In the Gurevich-Pitaevskii problem of evolution of an initial discontinuity these solutions correspond to a non-zero wave excitation on one of the sides of the discontinuity. As a result, the problem of evolution of a trigonometric shock propagating along a rarefaction wave is developed. Our analytical results are confirmed by numerical calculations.
Assessing the Impact of Pro-Environmental Factors on Sustainable Gasoline Consumption and Pollution Control by Saudi Arabian Residents
Authors: Khan Sania
Published: January 2022

Saudi Arabia is one of the most oil-rich countries in the world, and oil production is the country's primary source of income. The aspects of greenhouse gas emissions and the harm they cause to the environment and residents were overlooked because of the continuous emphasis on economic growth and a high reliance on oil resources. Consequently, the environmental issues have become challenging for residents and questionable for industries. Despite various environmental awareness and pollution control studies around the world, Saudi Arabia's pollution rate appears to be increasing. The study attempted to understand the impact of pro-environmental factors on pollution control and sustainable gasoline consumption in order to fill a research gap in the literature. Environmental awareness, self-efficacy and self-identity, ecological attitude, contextual factors, and social norms were considered as factors to investigate local residents’ sustainable consumption and pollution control behaviour. The primary data was collected from 216 local residents and analyzed using multiple regression. The results demonstrated the positive significant impact of pro-environmental variables on sustainable consumption and efforts to pollution control. The study further presents practical implications for the Saudi government and environmentalists.
CXCL1/CXCR2 is Involved in White Matter Injury in Neonatal Rats via the Gut-Brain Axis
Authors: Yang Can , Feng Zhiyuan , Deng Hong , Dai Lu , He Ling , Yin Linlin , Zhao Jing
Published: January 2022

Background: This study aimed to investigate whether CXCL1/CXCR2 mediates intestinal injury or white matter injury by delivering inflammatory mediators through the gut-brain regulation axis.Methods: Immature rats were administered 3% dextran sulfate sodium via intragastric administration at different time points to construct necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) models. Meanwhile, hypoxia and ischemia were induced in 3–7-day-old rats to construct hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI) and NEC+HIBI models. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe pathological changes in neonatal rat intestinal and brain tissues. Western blotting detected CXCL1 and CXCR2 expression in NEC, HIBI, and NEC+HIBI rat intestinal and brain tissues.Results: Compared with normal rats, pathological damage to periventricular white matter was observed in the NEC group. Furthermore, neonatal rats in the HIBI and NEC+HIBI groups showed inflammation and necrosis in the intestinal tissues. Western blotting results suggested that CXCL1 and CXCR2 expression levels were upregulated to varying degrees in the intestinal and brain tissues of NEC, HIBI, and NEC+HIBI neonatal rats compared to that in the normal group. Compared with the HIBI group, the expression of CXCL1 and CXCR2 continued to increase in NEC+HIBI rats at different time points.Conclusions: CXCL1/CXCR2 may be involved in white matter injury in neonatal rats by delivering intestinal inflammatory mediators through the gut-brain axis.
Suppression of iNOS/HIF-1α/MMP-9/α-SMA/collagen Axis of Fibrosis and Systemic Hypertension in Thioacetamide-induced Liver Injury by Resveratrol
Authors: Ebrahim Hasnaa , Kamar Samaa , Haidara Mohamed , Latif Noha Abdel , Ellatif Mohamed Abd , Al-Ani Bahjat , Dawood Amal
Published: January 2022

Chronic liver injury can lead to hepatic failure and the only available method of treatment would be liver transplantation. The link between nitrosative stress (iNOS), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis and hypertension in treatment with the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, resveratrol (RES) was not investigated before. Consequently, we injected rats with either 200 mg/kg TAA for 8 weeks starting at week 2 (model group) or pretreated them before TAA injections with RES (20mg/kg) for two weeks and continued on RES and TAA until being culled at week 10 (protective group). In the model group, we documented the induction of hepatic fibrosis and upregulation of tissue iNOS, HIF-1α, and the pro-fibrotic biomarkers α-SMA and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) that was significantly (p ≤ 0.0014) ameliorated by RES. RES also significantly (p ≤ 0.0232) reduced triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (CHOL), very low-density lipoprotein (vLDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) induction by TAA. Also, a significant (p<0.0001) positive correlation between iNOS/HIF-1α/α-SMA/collagen axis and hypertension and liver injury biomarkers was observed. These findings indicate that the hepatotoxic compound, TAA augments iNOS/HIF-1α/MMP-9/α-SMA/collagen mediated fibrosis and hypertension, and is inhibited by RES for 10 weeks.
Preparation and Photocatalytic Application of Terbium and Sulfur Co-doped Titanium Nanomaterials
Authors: Wang Zhencui , Wang Yuanjiao , Tang Tianle
Published: January 2022

Titanium-based nanomaterials co-doped with terbium (Tb) and sulfur (S) were fabricated by sol-gel method via a facile step. Physicochemical properties of the resulting composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Methylene blue (MB) was used as a degradation target for evaluating the photocatalytic performance. The factors which influence the photocatalytic activity were investigated, including calcined temperatures and S doping amount. Tb, S (2 wt%) co-doped TiO2 composite calcined at 600°C exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity with a degradation rate of 72.4% in 3 h. The reaction constant was 0.11529, 0.26025, 0.35038, and 0.41462 h−1 for undoped TiO2, Tb-doped TiO2, S-doped TiO2, and Tb, S co-doped TiO2, respectively. Importantly, synergistic effect of terbium and sulfur dopants was profoundly discussed. Furthermore, recycling tests and acute toxicity experiments were carried out to confirm the reusability and biosafety of Tb, S co-doped TiO2.
Transcriptome Analysis of Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Myocardium in Repaired TOF Patients with Pulmonary Regurgitation Revealed the Genetic Features of the Right Ventricle Dysfunction
Authors: Fan Qiang , Ling Yunfei , Wang Yabo , Luo Shuhua , An Qi
Published: January 2022

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart defect. Surgical repair can prolong the survival time of TOF patients, but the right ventricle (RV) function of repaired TOF (rTOF) patients will gradually deteriorate because of the residual pulmonary regurgitation (PR). Although pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) can delay the progression of RV dysfunction, it cannot avoid the ultimate RV failure. We conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis of RV outflow track (RVOT) myocardium specimens collected from 6 rTOF patients with PR to define the genetic features of RV dysfunction in this set of patients. We found significant differential expression of a total of 30 genes among which 15 genes were up-regulated and the other 15 genes were down-regulated. There differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched for the biological pathways ‘calcium signaling’, ‘cAMP signaling’, ‘Adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes’ and ‘Dopaminergic synapse’. This study presents the first global comparative transcriptome profiling of RV dysfunction using RNA-seq and reveals the different gene expression pattern in rTOF patients with PR. These findings have potential translational value because they identify new candidate prognostic markers and targets for the treatment of RV dysfunction.
Dynamic Behavior and Stability Analysis of Nonlinear Modes in the Fourth Order Generalized Ginzburg-Landau Model with Near PT-symmetric Potentials
Authors: Zhang Jiarui , Zhang Jiaqi , Zheng Zhaolin , Lin Da , Shen Yujia
Published: January 2022

We investigate the fourth order generalized Ginzburg-Landau equation (GGLE) which can be widely used in hydrodynamics and nonlinear optics. There are three major ingredients. Firstly, bilinear form of the fourth order GGLE is obtained by means of Hirota method. Then we get the analytical soliton solution with different dynamic behaviors in two cases, corresponding to the constant and variable coefficients respectively. Secondly, some numerical simulations with near PT-symmetric potentials are carried out. When the potential is closer to conventional PT-symmetric potential, the nonlinear modes tend to unstable. But by increasing the value of imaginary part of potentials, It can be found that the amplitude of nonlinear mode is periodically oscillating. Thirdly, we consider the excitations of nonlinear modes and get some stable cases that have not been acquired in second part.
Determination of Toxic Metals Burden and Related Risk Factors in Pregnant Women: A Biological Monitoring in Sabzevar, Iran
Authors: Hadavifar Mojtaba , Mohammadnia Esmail , Rasaeifar Sahar , Miri Hamid Heidarian , Rastakhiz Mitra , Souvizi Behnaz , Mohammad-Zadeh Mohammad , Akrami Rahim , Kazemi Ali
Published: January 2022

Background

Nowadays, the adverse effect of toxic metals on humans is well-known especially in the fetal period such as preventing cognitive development and congenital abnormalities of the central nervous system.
Methods

This study aims to evaluate the toxic metals burden in mothers and newborns in Sabzevar. One hundred eighty samples including placental blood and umbilical cord blood were taken from ninety mothers referred to Shahidan Mobini Hospital for delivery. The samples were analyzed using inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES).
Results

The results of this study revealed that 21.52%, 26.19%, and 60.71% of maternal blood samples (placental blood) and 16.47%, 56.47% and 20% of umbilical cord blood samples were higher than the US centers for disease control (CDC) recommended levels for Pb, Cd and As respectively. According to the multiple linear regression analysis, the Pb (p=0.054), As (p<0.001), and Se (p <0.001) levels had an association with the mother's living area. Also, there is significant association between Se (0.021) and age of the mother.
Conclusion

However, the Se values in its optimum concentrations in the blood (60-140 µg/L) can decrease the adverse effects of toxic metals, 72.5% of the pregnant women had Se values below the 60 µg/L and only 6% of pregnant women had Se levels higher than 140 µg/L. We concluded that the mothers inhabiting in the rural areas need more Se sources in their diets.
Reinforce Learning-Based Collision Avoidance in Network Assisted Automated Driving
Authors: chen yu , Han Wei , Zhu Qinghua , Liu Yong , Zhao Jingya
Published: January 2022

In the field of autonomous driving, obstacle avoidance is of great significance for safe driving. At present, in addition to traditional obstacle avoidance algorithms including VFH algorithm, artificial potential field method, a large number of related researches are focused on algorithms based on vision and neural networks. Researches on these algorithms have achieved some results, and some of which have completed real road tests. However, most of algorithms consider only local environmental information which may cause local optimum in complex driving environments. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the environmental information beyond the sensor's perceptual ability for autonomous driving in complex environment. In the network assisted automated driving system, networked vehicles can obtain road obstacles’ and condition information through roadside sensors and mobile network, so as to gain extra sensing ability. Therefore, network assisted automated driving is of great significance in obstacle avoidance. Under this background, this paper presents an automatic driving obstacle avoidance strategy combining path planning and reinforcement learning. At first, a global optimal path is planned through global information, then merge the global optimal path and vehicle information into a vector. Use this vector as input of reinforcement learning neural network and output vehicle control signals to follow optimal path while avoiding obstacles.
Performance and Meat Quality of West African Dwarf (WAD) Sheep Fed with Improved Dried Elephant Grass Supplemented with Legume Straw Under Different Rearing Systems
Authors: Ishola Hakeem - , Abdulrahman Ololade Latifat , Ambali Yusuf Olatunji , Olooto Felicia Motunrayo , Nafiu Nofiu Babatunde , Ayanda Ibrahim Folorunsho
Published: January 2022

8 weeks growth and meat quality of WAD sheep study were carried out to compare the digestibility of improved dried elephant grass (EG) (Pennisetum purpureum) supplemented with legume straw (LS) (Lablab purpureus) reared under indoor feeding system (IFS) and free grazing (FG). Twenty-four male west African dwarf (WAD) winner sheep with initial average body weight of 16 ± 0.5kg were assigned to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design arrangement. Treatments consisted of T1 (sheep on EG and LS free grazing), indoor feeding system IFS; T2 (EG 80%, LS 20%), T3 (EG 70%, LS 30%) and T4 (EG 60%, LS 40%). The results showed that the final body weight of sheep on indoor feeding system T4 differed significantly (P < 0.05) from that of sheep on free grazing, T2 and T3. Physico-chemical properties were better in sheep meat on IFS (EG 60%, LS 40%) compared with other system including FG, control treatment. The sensory perception and fatty acid profiles of sheep meat on IFS were better compared with the sheep meat on FG system. These results showed that rearing of WAD sheep on indoor feeding system were better in terms of growth performance and its meat quality and could serve as an alternative to free grazing especially in region where there are incessant clashes between herders and crop farmers.
Modified Van der Pol-Helmholtz oscillator equation with exact harmonic solutions
Authors: AKPLOGAN Abdou Raimi Olagnika , ADJAÏ Kolawolé Kêgnidé Damien , AKANDE Jean , AVOSSEVOU Gabriel Y. H. , MONSIA Marc Delphin
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we present an exceptional Lienard equation consisting of a modified Van der Pol-Helmholtz oscillator equation. The equation, a frequency-dependent damping oscillator, does not satisfy the classical existence theorems but, nevertheless, has an isochronous centre at the origin. We exhibit the exact and explicit general harmonic and isochronous solutions by using the first integral approach. The numerical results match very well analytical solutions.Mathematics Subject Classi cation (2010). 34A05, 34A12, 34A34, 34C25, 34C60.
Numerical Simulation of a Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) Event Over Northern India Using WRF Modelling System
Authors: Wasson Gitesh , Das Someshwar , Panda S. K.
Published: January 2022

Atmospheric turbulence is a primary meteorological hazard to en-route air traffic. The role of Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) for various processes in the atmosphere is still ambiguous. An Air India flight AI462 encountered severe CAT on 19 April 2018. The present study simulates the CAT event and is focused on understanding and investigating favourable conditions for the occurrence of CAT. Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model V4.0.3 has been used to simulate the turbulence. The 6-hourly NCEP FNL Operational Global Analysis data at 0.25° X 0.25° resolution is taken as input to provide the model's initial and lateral boundary conditions. For simulating the atmospheric environments at the time of the event, Yonsei University Scheme, WSM 3-Class Simple Ice Scheme, Kain-Fritsch (New-Eta) Scheme, Rapid Radiative Transfer Model (RRTM) Scheme, and Revised MM5 Monin-Obukhov Scheme are used. This study shows that Vertical Velocity, Geopotential Thickness, Wind Shear and Bulk Richardson Number Shear are correlated with CAT as the model predicted both upward and downward velocity very close to each other between 400 hPa and 550 hPa levels along with strong geopotential thickness gradient and strong wind shear gradient near the accident location. This could lead to CAT. Model simulated variations in CAT Index with change in time and pressure levels. CAT dissipates as we go higher in the atmosphere above 550 hPa.
Molecular mechanism of m6A methylation of circDCL1 mediated by RNA methyltransferase METTL3 in the malignant proliferation of glioma cells
Authors: Wu Quansheng , Yin Xiaofeng , Zhao Wenbo , Xu Wenli , Chen Laizhao
Published: January 2022

Glioma is an intracranial malignant tumor and remains largely incurable. circular RNAs are prominent modulators in glioma progression. This study investigated the function of circular RNA DLC1 (circDCL1) in the malignant proliferation of glioma cells. circDCL1 expression in glioma tissues and cells was determined using RT-qPCR. The effect of circDCL1 on the malignant proliferation of glioma cells was analyzed using CCK-8, colony formation, and EdU staining assays. METTL3, miR-671-5p, and CTNNBIP1 expressions were determined. N6 methyladenosine (m6A) level of circDCL1 was analyzed using MeRIP. The binding relationship between miR-671-5p and circDCL1 or CTNNBIP1 was verified using RNA pull-down and dual-luciferase assays. A xenograft tumor model was established in nude mice to verify the effect of METTL3-mediated circDCL1 on glioma in vivo. circDCL1 was poorly expressed in glioma. circDCL1 overexpression suppressed glioma cell proliferation, while circDCL1 silencing showed an opposite trend. Mechanically, METTL3-mediated m6A modification enhanced circDCL1 stability and upregulated circDCL1 expression in glioma. circDCL1 upregulated CTNNBIP1 transcription by competitively binding to miR-671-5p. METTL3 overexpression repressed the malignant proliferation of glioma via circDCL1/miR-671-5p/CTNNBIP1 in vivo. Collectively, METTL3-mediated m6A modification upregulated circDCL1 expression, and circDCL1 promoted CTNNBIP1 transcription by sponging miR-671-5p, thus repressing the malignant proliferation of glioma.
Trends and Focuses of Hantavirus Researches: a Global Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization From 1980 to 2020
Authors: Liu Kun , Wei Xiao , Li Xinlou , Song Shuxuan , Wen Xiaohui , Jin Tiezhi , Zhao Chenxi , Wu Xubin , Shao Zhongjun
Published: January 2022

Background: There have been worldwide changes in the researches on Hantaviruses in the past several decades. Nevertheless, there are few bibliometric analysis studies this field. We aim to evaluate and visualize the research focuses and trends of this field using a bibliometric analysis way to help understand the developmet and future hotspots of this field.Material and Methods: Publications related to Hantavirus studies were culled from the Web of Science Core Collection to generate trend analysis. The articles and reviews were re-extracted and Countries, institutions, authors, references and keywords in this field were visually analyzed by using VOSviewer and CiteSpace.Results: A total of 4408 studies were included and the number of publications regarding Hantaviruses significantly increased yearly. 3716 research articles and reviews were retrieved to generate bibliometric analysis. These studies mainly come from 125 countries led by USA and China and 3312 institutions led by the University of Helsinki. 12529 authors were identified and Vaheri A were the most influential author. Journal of Virology was the journal with the most studies and citations. After analysis, Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome , Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome, nephropathia epidemica and related genotypes, clinical symptoms and rodents were the most common keywords and developing areas.Conclusion: Research on Hantavirus is flourishing. Cooperation among different countries and institutions in this field must be strengthened in the future. The ecology and clinical symptoms of new genotypes, the vaccine development and factors that affect host population distribution and density are current and developing areas of study.
Improve Our Understanding on the Effect of Lead Time Forecasting in Wrf Over Northern – Cameroon Region.
Authors: Samuel Kaissassou , Komkoua Armand , Igri Pascal , Tanessong Romeo , Embolo Guy , Melingui Achille , Rigong Honore
Published: January 2022

A Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model at a horizontal resolution of 12 km has been analysed for the month of July 2018 over the North region of Cameroon. For the first time, a high-resolution WRF version 3.7 is being run operationally over this part of the country for wet weather forecast. In such a study, detailed validation of the WRF model is crucial. Therefore, the validation of mean parameters including wind distribution, relative humidity and rainfall, over the entire region within all the forecast lead time, is essential. Validation is done by comparing WRF outputs to ERA5, ARC2 and observed upper air data. It is found that the model captures accurately relative humidity and low level wind events with sufficiently shorter lead times (3 days), while the same performance is observed for extreme precipitable water and rainfall but at longer lead time as well as the diurnal variability of these parameters associated with wet season at all lead times. Furthermore, the accuracy of WRF in predicting spatiotemporal changes of some atmospheric variables decreases with increase in lead time.
Daily Model of Xco2 Based on Orbital Observations for the State of São Paulo – Brazil
Authors: Costa Luis Miguel Da , Santos Gustavo André de Araújo , Panosso Alan Rodrigo , Rolim Glauco de Souza , Scala Newton La
Published: January 2022

Background: Understanding the behavior of carbon dioxide (CO2) it is crucial to create strategies to deal with climate change. Several space missions were designed to monitor this and other greenhouse gases and studies at global and large regional scales were developed using these remote sensing tools. However, there is still a time gap in orbital data, since the revisit time of a satellite at the same location for this type of observation is not daily. Daily measurements of CO2 can be made using Eddy Covariance technique, although this type of study is at a very local scale. In this study, we aimed to build a daily model to estimate the natural CO2 in the atmosphere.Results: The data was retrieved from the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2), NASA-POWER and, Application for Extracting and Exploring Analysis Ready Samples (AppEEARS) and consist in a time-series from 2015 to 2019. To summarize the most relevant factor we used the Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) after we performed the Pearson’s Correlation and apply descriptive statistics in the significant variables (p < 0.05). The model was construed using the stepwise regression method and the selected model was defined by the lowest RMSE in training (~0.6 ppm). The most related variables with Xco2 were Global Radiation (Qg), Sun Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence (SIF) and, Relative Humidity (RH), all these factors were negatively correlated with the CO2 concentration. The model has the best perform with the Qg and RH (RMSE = 0.47 ppm, R2 = 0.44, p < 0.01).Conclusion: In summary, the cycle of atmospheric CO2 in the state of São Paulo has higher average values during April to October, and the lowest averages of Xco2 were usually observed between December to March and the inverse behavior was observed for SIF 757, Global Radiation (Qg) and Relative Humidity (RH). Concerning the daily model, despite the differences between the spatial observations, the model derived here was capable to estimate the cycle of atmospheric CO2 using only meteorological data.
Runoff and Sediment Yield Modeling Using Arc SWAT -A Case of Meki River Watershed
Authors: Barso Genemo , Negasa Tesfaye
Published: January 2022

The objective of this study was to model the runoff and sediment yield to control soil erosion and sedimentation problems of the Meki River Watershed. The main materials and methodology were Arc GIS, Arc SWAT, Rainbow, excel stat, data collection, data preparation and quality assurance, data analysis and model setup, running model, model performance evaluation and model result interpretation. Simulation of the stream flow of Meki River watershed for the period from 1993 – 2010 and sediment yield was computed by developing sediment rating curve. The main results of stream flow calibration and validation are; coefficient of determination (R²) = 0.81, Nash – Sutcliffe model efficiency (NSE) = 0.76, percent bias (Pbias) = 18 and coefficient of determination (R²) = 0.81, Nash – Sutcliffe model efficiency (NSE) = 0.74, percent bias (Pbias) =17.1. As a result of the study, the total annual runoff and sediment yield were determined as 367.95mm and 75.896 ton/ha/yr. respectively.
Nucleophosmin3 Carried by Small Extracellular Vesicles Contribute to White Adipose Tissue Browning
Authors: Zhang Yan , Yu Mei , Dong Jia , Wu Yue , Tian Weidong
Published: January 2022

Background
Browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) is a particularly appealing target for therapeutics in the treatment of obesity and related metabolic diseases. Although small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) released from adipose tissue (sEVs-AT) have emerged as novel player that regulate systemic metabolism by connecting different organs, the role of specific contents in sEVs–AT played in WAT browning has not been clarified.
Results
We revealed Nucleophosmin3 (NPM3), which was mainly transferred by sEVs derived from brown adipose tissue (sEVs-BAT), was served as a batokine that could induce WAT browning by regulating the stability of PRDM16 mRNA. sEVs-BAT enhanced the expressions of browning related genes in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and WAT while knocking down of NPM3 in BAT impaired sEVs-BAT mediated WAT browning and weight loss in obesity.
Conclusion
These data provided new insight into the role of NPM3 in regulating the browning of WAT. Our study indicated that a supplement of sEVs-BAT might represent a promising therapeutic strategy to promote thermogenesis and energy expenditure in the future.
EV-A71 Induced IL-1Beta Production in THP-1 Macrophages is Dependent on NLRP3, RIG-I, and TLR3
Authors: Huang Hsing-I , Chio Chi-Chong , Lin Jhao-Yin , Chou Chia-Jung , Lin Chia-Chen , Yu Liang-Sheng
Published: January 2022

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is an emerging enterovirus that can cause neurological complications in young children. The severity of EV71 infection is correlated with the production of cytokines, including IL-6 and IL-1b. Macrophages are specialized immune cells that have been deemed the major cell source for IL-1b. The production of IL-1b is a result of inflammasome activation, an innate immune response that involves the assembly of multiple proteins. However, the mechanisms by which EV-A71 activates inflammasomes are not fully understood. Here, we confirmed that THP-1 macrophages permissive EV-A71 replication. EV-A71 infection is sufficient to trigger IL-1b production in macrophages. Knockdown of NLRP3, RIG-I and TLR3 in macrophages suppressed IL-1b secretion. Moreover, caspase-1 and caspase-8 activation are involved in IL-1b production. In summary, this study showed that NLRP3 and the RNA sensors TLR3 and RIG-I are implicated in EV-A71-induced inflammasome activation in macrophages to facilitate IL-1b production via activated caspase-1 and caspase-8.
Assessment of Coriandrum Sativum L., Trigonella Foenum Graecum L., Pimpinella Anisum L., and Their Combinations Effect on Growth Performance, Carcass Trait and Hematobiochemical Parameters in Broiler Chicken
Authors: Samira MERADI , MESSAÏ Ahmed
Published: January 2022

This study has been designed to examine the effects of three phytogenic feed additives (PHT) on certain zootechnical and hematobiochemical parameters in broiler chicken. The PHT were formulated from Coriandrum sativum L., Trigonella foenum-graecum L., and Pimpinella anisum L. 360 one-day-old Cobb broilers were randomly divided into 4 dietary treatment groups; a control group (CTLG), and three groups fed a basal diet supplemented respectively with 3% of Coriander (PHT1G), 3% of a combination 50% Coriander- 50% Fenugreek (PHT2G), and finally 3% of a combination 50% Coriander- 50% Anise (PHT3G). The results showed that the birds of PHT3 group realized the highest live body and internal organs weight. However, the weight of the abdominal fat was not affected. Broilers in the same group had a significantly (P <0.05) higher lymphocyte level 120.103 /µl, followed by PHT2 group with 80.103 /µl. The level of monocytes in PHT2 and PHT3 groups was respectively 66.103 /µl and 60.103 /µl. Concerning the granulocytes, we noted 200.103 /µl in PHT2 group and 102.103 /µl in PHT3G. A significant difference (P <0.05) was recorded in the uric acid levels with 50.4mg/l, 59.84mg/l, and 47.29mg/l respectively for PHT1G, PHT2G, and PHT3G groups. Levels of the uric acid were lower than the level recorded in the control group (84.36mg/l). The use of the phytogenic feed additives we formulated may have a positive effect both on weight gain and hematobiochemical parameters in broiler chicken, especially the levels of different types of white blood cells, and the uric acid rate.
Forecasting admissions in psychiatric hospitals before and during Covid-19: a retrospective study with routine data
Authors: Wolff Jan , Klimke Ansgar , Marschollek Michael , Kacprowski Tim
Published: January 2022

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has strong effects on most health care systems. Forecasting of admissions can help for the efficient organisation of hospital care. We aimed to forecast the number of admissions to psychiatric hospitals before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and we compared the performance of machine learning models and time series models. This would eventually allow to support timely resource allocation for optimal treatment of patients.
Methods
We used admission data from 9 psychiatric hospitals in Germany between 2017 and 2020. We compared machine learning models with time series models in weekly, monthly and yearly forecasting before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results
A total of 90,686 admissions were analysed. The models explained up to 90% of variance in hospital admissions in 2019 and 75% in 2020 with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The best models substantially outperformed a one-step seasonal naïve forecast (seasonal mean absolute scaled error (sMASE) 2019: 0.59, 2020: 0.76). The best model in 2019 was a machine learning model (elastic net, mean absolute error (MAE): 7.25). The best model in 2020 was a time series model (exponential smoothing state space model with Box-Cox transformation, ARMA errors and trend and seasonal components, MAE: 10.44). Models forecasting admissions one week in advance did not perform better than monthly and yearly models in 2019 but they did in 2020. The most important features for the machine learning models were calendrical variables.
Conclusion
Model performance did not vary much between different modelling approaches before the COVID-19 pandemic and established forecasts were substantially better than one-step seasonal naïve forecasts. However, weekly time series models adjusted quicker to the COVID-19 related shock effects. In practice, different forecast horizons could be used simultaneously to allow both early planning and quick adjustments to external effects.
In Silico Analysis of Ferrocenyl-analogues as the Potential Drugs Against Aggressive UK-based Strain of SARS-CoV-2 Virus
Authors: PAL MAYNAK , PANWAR ABHISHEK , WAHENGBAM SHARMILA , Musib DULAL , Roy Mithun
Published: January 2022

The current global pandemic created by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is still at large due to the evolution of the virus in several mutant variant. One of such variants is (VUI 202012/01: Variant Under Investigation, 2020, December, variant 01). Due to the higher transmissibility of the virus and the less effectiveness of the vaccines against the mutant variant, it is becoming a looming threat for the global population. In our current work we have selected some antiviral and anticancer ferrocene derivatives and explored their ability to inhibit the mutant spike protein in silico. Spike protein is the root cause of the higher transmissibility of the virus. So by inhibiting the spike protein we can inhibit the viral pathogenesis. Among our selected compounds, derivative 1 exhibited very good inhibition parameters with binding energy of -10.22 kcal/mol. It also exhibited good inhibition of cytokine proteins like NF-κβ and IL-6 proteins. In several cases the covid affected patients are subjected to severe cytokine storm which in term leads to the alveolar edema and death. So by inhibiting the spike protein and cytokine proteins, derivative 1 can act as dual targeting drug that inhibits the mutant variant pathogenesis as well as cytokine inhibitor and decrease the mortality rate.