bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production Technology Selection for an EOR Redevelopment Project – Lessons Learned from Polymer Pilots
Authors: Hoy Michaela , Cimitoglu Timur , Knauhs Philipp , Steineder Dominik , Sieberer Martin , Kornberger Martin , Molstre Oystein
Published: March 2022

OMV Austria E&P GmbH operates 26 oil fields in Lower Austria. The majority was developed in the 1950s and 1960s and shows an extended decline period. The challenge of operating brown fields is seen to maintain a reasonable oil production over time in a cost effective manner - this can be tackled by a major chemical enhanced oil recovery field redevelopment project. The scope of the polymer field rollout is to create and efficiently operate horizontal polymer injection patterns in two horizons in Lower Austria.

OMV follows the strategy to pilot new reservoir and production technologies before their application in field rollouts. Due to the large project investment volume it is crucial to derive information and lessons learned from existing pilot patterns to optimize conceptual decisions on artificial lift, completion, sand control and injection strategy and to reduce technical risk.

In the past 10 years several vertical pilot patterns were created to analyze the efficacy of polymer injection in the Tortonian Horizon. Significant operational experience in water treatment, polymer injection and polymer back production, but also in tracer testing was established.

Since already the vertical polymer patterns showed not only operational success, but also significant incremental oil production, the idea of horizontal flooding patterns was born. To confirm and understand the impact of polymer injection also in horizontal wells, a first horizontal pilot pattern was drilled; additional pilot wells are currently following. For a future field redevelopment the technology selection should be de facto based on either standard or pilot-proven technologies.

This paper describes measures undertaken in the discipline of production technology to prepare for one of the largest field redevelopment projects in the history of OMV Austria. These measures include the application of several pilot projects in the field of artificial lift, completion design and sand control, production and injection allocation. Therewith production technology serves the needs for active reservoir management and thus, follows a holistic field development approach.
Agility in BP Oman – Doing More with Less
Authors: Al Farsi Ghaida , Jayawickramarajah Angeni
Published: March 2022

In this age, there are many technology companies that specialize in big data analytics, making every piece of data useful to the end user. At BP, we have strived to build and utilize tools that enable us to work meaningfully with our data – to proactively eliminate defects across reservoir and well chokes, to track our well vulnerabilities, and flag well performance issues easily – so we can transform this data into value-adding actions.

A suite of tools had to be built to meet our objectives. The first tool, called the Production Management Tool (PMT), utilizes automation and machine learning capability to estimate live reservoir pressure and productivity index in real-time, generate short-term production profiles for every well using a decline curve analysis concept, flag opportunity and risk using a wells heat map, and optimize well decline using one platform. The approach to estimate live reservoir pressure in a tight gas field, without utilizing a reservoir model, is unprecedented. It allows for a live estimation, without any waiting time which is the case with traditional methods. Similarly, decline curve analysis on a high gas capacity wells which are choked back is difficult and questionable, as there is no decline detected. Through PMT, a decline curve analysis concept is possible by modelling declines on a well's capacity rather than its actual rate. These innovative approaches rely on industry known methods that have been repurposed and transformed to incorporate the latest data science concepts.

Next, a Hidden Defects Tool was constructed, which proactively drives defect elimination across the reservoir and well chokes by quantifying unproduced gas rate and condensate deferrals and assigning those deferrals to defect categories. This tool also supports the user in initiating remediation plans by describing the production risk in an interactive visual dashboard. Finally, a vulnerability matrix was constructed to link our hidden defects conclusion and well performance metrics to understand the biggest production threats by visualizing the risk severity based on well groupings, or overall risk value.

All these tools highlight the importance of remaining current with the latest technology, as it can provide huge potential to advance technical capabilities and maximize business value.
Managing the High Water Cut Behavior in a De-Saturated Reservoir and Maximize the Oil Gain
Authors: AbdelSamiee Rady , Sariri Abdul Aziz , Hatmi Safiya , Hinai Mohammed , Hamm Carmen , Singh Jasbindra , Hinai Saif , Hamhami Saif , Azri Nasser , Al Asmi Hatim , Farsi Yahya , Abazeed Osama
Published: March 2022

A new technology utilizing the Autonomous Inflow Control Device (AICD) has been used in horizontal wells producing from a viscous oil reservoir to restrict the unwanted water breakthrough and maximize the oil gain. The added benefit of greater reservoir contact has met with increased differential drawdown across the horizontal section to manage the reservoir heterogeneity.

AICD is an active flow resistance element distributed along the length of the horizontal well-bore section to delay and reduce the proportions of the water breakthrough. The AICDs impose a relatively strong resistance for low-viscous fluids over the high viscous oil. This is due to the changes in the flow area internally in the AICD. With this technology, oil production can be increased while restricting the water inflow into the wellbore. The AICD operates without the need for human or surface interventions and electric or hydraulic power.

AICD technology has been piloted in two new wells in two fields located in South Oman. The reservoir contains viscous oil (400-600 cp) and exhibits high inflow potential due to favourable rock properties and strong bottom water aquifer. Horizontal wells have been used to maximize reservoir oil contact and improve recovery from the reservoir. The wells, in general, produce oil with very high water cut (>95%). Two horizontal wells were drilled recently, and each well was completed with AICDs along a completed lateral length of 500 m. The AICDs managed in bringing down the water cut to less than 5% from 95% observed in the surrounding wells. The production behaviour has been sustained for nearly a year now.

The success of the AICD trial has opened the doors for its wider use in reservoirs containing viscous oil. The AICD also has been tried in existing wells where it managed to reduce the gross and the water cut by 50% and increase the oil gain by 100%.

Plans are also in place to extend the AICD trials in existing wells and reap the benefits by maximising oil production while decreasing the unwanted water production.
Evaluation of Therapeutic Effect of Resectoscopic Surgery on 90 Cases of Cesarean Scar Pregnancy
Authors: Ezzati Sareh , Tanha Fatemeh Davari , Saeidi Sarah , Ebrahimi Mahbod , Feizabad Elham
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Although the prevalence of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is rare, its complications can be life threatening. It seems there is a force need for a treatment that has the minimum chance of massive blood loss and injury to the uterus with fertility preservation in these cases. Hence, the current study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of resectoscopic surgery treatment in cesarean scar pregnancy.Methods: This single-arm interventional study was conducted on 90 patients with the diagnosis of CSP at a tertiary university-based hospital from April 2019 to 2021.Results: The mean age of patients was 30.90±6.05 years with ranges of 18 to 45. The average gestational age at diagnosis time was 7.27±2.06 weeks and baseline myometrial thickness mean was 1.46±0.56 mm. In near half of the cases, the baseline β-hCG was lower than 10000 IU/ml. About 48 hours after study intervention, the β-hCG mean level decreased significantly (p-value=0.009), 34965.97±104670.23 to 6264.12±8622.93 IU/ml. For all patients except two, at least a 30% decline in baseline β-hCG was reached, and in most cases, this decrease was more than 50%. Although the Hb mean level decreased significantly (p-value<0.001) after study intervention, 12.87±1.63 to 11.27±1.88 g/dL, this decline was lower than 50% in all study patients, and in half of cases it was less than 10%.Conclusion: It seems resectoscopy, in patients with CSP, can rapidly reduce serum β-hCG concentration without any significant blood loss or organ injury, as well as decline hospital stay length; hence, it may be suggested as a safe, non-expensive strategy in CSP management.
Morphine and dexamethasone-incorporated cocktail regimen for postoperative pain in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gong Jian , Li Yuancheng , Liu Shi , Xu Cui , Gong Ying
Published: March 2022

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the pain-reducing efficacy and safety of morphine and dexamethasone-incorporated cocktail regimen in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods: This study enrolled 213 patients and randomly assigned them to one of three groups. Group I patients were injected with morphine, dexamethasone, bupivacaine, flurbiprofen axetil, and normal saline. Patients in group II were injected with dexamethasone, bupivacaine, flurbiprofen axetil, and normal saline. Patients in group III were administered bupivacaine, flurbiprofen axetil, and normal saline. To compare the pain-controlling efficiency, the visual analog scale (VAS) score and active and passive range of movement (ROM) were recorded and evaluated. The following side effects were monitored: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, wound leakage, and wound infection.Results: Group I patients had the lowest VAS and the highest active and passive ROM. The VAS reduced from day one to four, but the ROM increased conversely. Group II patients had a smaller reduction in VAS and a smaller increase in ROM, compared with the patients in group III. The following side effects were not recorded: headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Wound leakage was observed in four patients in group I (two patients) and group II (two patients). There was no statistical intergroup difference (p = 0.85). No wound infection symptoms were detected.Conclusions: Morphine and dexamethasone-incorporated cocktail regimen efficiently reduced postoperative pain in patients undergoing primary TKA.Trial registration: Randomized controlled trial ISRCTN25027558, registered retrospectively on 27/02/2022. ( https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN25027558)
High endogenous phytohormone concentrations are present in cucumber fruit apoplasts
Authors: Kojima Kiyohide
Published: March 2022

Apoplast (AP) and symplast (SY) solutions were collected by centrifugation from sections of cucumber fruit pulp and placenta. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA), trans-zeatin (tZ), isopentenyladenine (iP), jasmonic acid (JA), methyl jasmonic acid (MeJA), gibberellin 1 (GA 1 ), and gibberellin 4 (GA 4 ) in AP solution, SY solution, and pericarp tissue were simultaneously quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). IAA concentrations were 4.0 times higher in AP solution than in SY solution in the placenta and 6.5 times higher in AP solution than in SY solution in the flesh. tZ concentrations were 2 times higher in AP solution than in SY solution in the placenta and 5.5 times higher in AP solution than in SY solution in the flesh. iP concentrations were 2 times higher in AP solution than in SY solution in the placenta and 5.5 times higher in AP solution than in SY solution in the flesh. The concentration of GA 1 was 8 times higher than that of SY solution in the placenta and 3.5 times higher than that of SY solution in the flesh. The concentration of ABA in the placenta was 1.5 times higher than that in SY solution, and that in the flesh was 2 times higher than that in SY solution. The concentrations of the major phytohormones quantified in cucumber fruit were higher in AP solution than in SY solution in both the flesh and placenta.
Rational development of a combined mRNA vaccine against COVID-19 and influenza
Authors: Qin Cheng-Feng , Ye Qing , Wu Mei , Zhou Chao , Lu Xi-Shan , Zhang Ning , Zhao Hui , Chi Hang , Zhang Xiaojing , Ling Dandan , Zhang Rong-Rong , Luo Dan , Huang Yi , Qiu Hongying , Xu Ke , Ying Bo , Song Haifeng , Li Zhuofan
Published: March 2022

As the world continues to experience the COVID-19 pandemic, seasonal influenza remain a cause of severe morbidity and mortality globally. Worse yet, coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus (IAV) leads to more severe clinical outcomes. The development of a combined vaccine against both COVID-19 and influenza is thus of high priority. Based on our established lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated mRNA vaccine platform, we developed and characterized a novel mRNA vaccine encoding the HA antigen of influenza A (H1N1) virus, termed ARIAV. Then, ARIAV was combined with our COVID-19 mRNA vaccine ARCoV, which encodes the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein, to formulate the final combined vaccine, AR-CoV/IAV. Further characterization demonstrated that immunization with two doses of AR-CoV/IAV elicited robust protective antibodies as well as antigen-specific cellular immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 and IAV. More importantly, AR-CoV/IAV immunization protected mice from coinfection with IAV and the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha and Delta variants. Our results highlight the potential of the LNP-mRNA vaccine platform in preventing COVID-19 and influenza, as well as other respiratory diseases.
Experimental Study on Titanium Alloy Cutting Property and Wear Mechanism with Circular-arc Milling Cutters
Authors: Chen Tao , Liu Gang , Liu Jiaqiang , Xiao Hui , Li Chunhui , Liu Xianli
Published: March 2022

Titanium alloy has been applied in the field of aerospace manufacturing for its high specific strength and hardness. Nonetheless, these properties also cause general problems in the machining, such as processing inefficiency, serious wear, poor workpiece face quality, etc. Aiming at the above problems, this paper carried out a comparative experimental study on titanium alloy milling based on the CAMC and BEMC. The variation law of cutting force and surface quality of the two tools was obtained, and the wear mechanism was analyzed. The conclusion is that in contrast with BEMC, under the action of cutting thickness thinning mechanism, the force of CAMC was less, and its fluctuation was more stable. The flank wear was uniform and near the cutting edge, and the wear rate was slower. In the early period, the wear mechanism of CAMC was mainly adhesion. Gradually, oxidative wear also occurred with milling. Furthermore, the surface residual height of CAMC was lower. There is no obvious peak and trough accompanied with less surface defects.
In Vivo Evaluation of the Adjuvant-Free Influenza Nucleoprotein Vaccine
Authors: Torabi Ali , Farahmand Behrokh , Zolfaghari Mohammad Reza , Fotouhi Fatemeh , Zargar Mohsen
Published: March 2022

Background: The influenza virus's Nucleoprotein (NP) is a highly conserved protein used in vaccine design. Alum, besides its neurotoxicity, is a commonly used adjuvant. Objectives: We tested the NP's efficacy as an alum-free flu vaccine. Methods: The recombinant vector (NP-pET-28a) was expressed in a prokaryotic system. Then, the immunogenicity of NP, alone or with alum, was evaluated in Balb/C mice by measuring IgGs (total and subtypes), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) production and animal surveillance. Results: NP+Alum has 71.4% animal surveillance, whereas NP had 57.1%. While NP+Alum produced considerable IgGs, IFN-, and IL-4, NP alone showed promising effects. Conclusion: The NP alone may give adequate protection against the H1N1 strain of Influenza A.
Comparison Between Freehand and Needle Guide Techniques for Teaching Percutaneous Renal Biopsy on a Synthetic Model: a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Downie Elizabeth , Makris Angela , Narayanan Govind , Aravindan Ananthakrishnapuram , Spicer Stephen T , Nandakoban Hari , Mac Kathy , Wong Jeffrey KW
Published: March 2022

Background: Percutaneous renal biopsy is an essential diagnostic tool in nephrology. There are two common variations: the freehand and the needle guide methods. Using the freehand method, the needle and ultrasound probe can move independently. With the needle guide method, the needle is held in alignment with the ultrasound probe by the needle guide, and the needle path anticipated by predictive throw lines. This study aims to compare the two techniques for teaching the skill of ultrasound guided percutaneous renal biopsy on native kidneys.Methods: A single-center prospective, randomised controlled trial of junior medical staff was conducted at a metropolitan hospital. Participants were randomised to either the freehand or needle guide groups. Participants underwent standardised education, and then attempted a renal biopsy on a synthetic model, which was assessed by a senior interventional nephrologist. Assessors and participants completed an assessment of the difficulty of multiple elements of the procedure. The primary outcome was the combination of both the safety and the adequacy of the biopsy attempt. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of inferior pole biopsies, biopsies with adequate needle visualisation, and adequate biopsies; total procedural time and subjective participant and assessor assessments. Analyses were undertaken with SPSS.Results: After randomisation (n=91), using a hierarchical conditional backward logistic regression model, use of a needle guide increased the likelihood of the primary outcome (adjusted RR 3.2 (95% CI 1.1-9.6; p=0.036)) as did previous ultrasound experience (adjusted RR 3.1 (95% CI 1.0-9.5; p=0.049)) and male gender (adjusted RR 4.4 (95% CI 1.5-12.9; p=0.007)). Total procedure time was shorter in the needle guide group (p=0.01). Conclusions: Among novice operators learning percutaneous renal biopsy, needle guide use, ultrasound experience and male sex were associated with the primary outcome of a safe and adequate biopsy. The use of a needle guide was associated with a shorter procedural time. There was no association between use of a needle guide and performing an adequate biopsy. Trial registration: The trial was prospectively registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry on 11/02/20 (ACTRN12620000132943p).
Identification and Characterization of The Gene Profile in Diabetes Induced Erectile Dysfunction Rat Model
Authors: Zhu Zhiguo , Li Xiaoli , Cao Xiande , Qin Huisheng , Yue Dong , Liu Deqian , Tan Guigeng , Xuan Xujun , Zhu Haizhou
Published: March 2022

Background: Genes are differentially expressed in diabetes induced erectile dysfunction (DED); however, there is still a lack of systematic and in-depth understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of DED. This study aimed to systematically analyze molecular correlates leading to ED in diabetes by bioinformatics analysis, and provide new insights into the mechanism of DED.Results: A total of 800 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, 407 upregulated and 393 downregulated) were identified in the diabetic-induced ED samples compared with the control group. The upregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in glucose and lipid metabolism-related pathways, and the downregulated DEGs were primarily enriched in tissue development and structure. The dysregulated extracellular matrix genes (especially related to collagen and elastin) may be closely related to the damage of erectile function of the corpus cavernosum. Sixteen hub genes (6 upregulated, 10 downregulated) and 24 modules were detected buy hub gene and MCODE analysis. Protein phosphorylation might play an important role in DED. Furthermore, 20 TFs targeting DEGs were identified by ChEA3.Conclusions: Our research comprehensively and systematically described the molecular characteristics of DED, and suggested that dysregulated extracellular matrix genes and protein phosphorylation may play critical roles in DED.
Covid-19 social distancing: when less is more
Authors: Neuwirth Christian , Gruber Christoph
Published: March 2022

Covid-19 is the first digitally documented pandemic in history, presenting a unique opportunity to learn how to best deal with similar crises in the future. In this study we have carried out a model-based evaluation of the effectiveness of social distancing, using Austria and Slovenia as examples. Whereas the majority of comparable studies have postulated a negative relationship between the stringency of social distancing (reduction in social contacts) and the scale of the epidemic, our model has suggested a sinusoidal relationship, with tipping points at which the system changes its predominant regime from ‘less social distancing – more cumulative deaths and infections’ to ‘less social distancing – fewer cumulative deaths and infections’. This relationship was found to persist in scenarios with distinct seasonal variation in transmission and limited national intensive care capabilities. In such situations, relaxing social distancing during low transmission seasons (spring and summer) was found to relieve pressure from high transmission seasons (fall and winter) thus reducing the total number of infections and fatalities. Strategies that take into account this relationship could be particularly beneficial in situations where long-term containment is not feasible.
Cytotoxic effects of Gamma Irradiation on Aspergillus occultus MN259598 strain to augment biological copper nanoparticle synthesis and to corroborate antibacterial properties on food- borne pathogens
Authors: Mallick Rathijit , Dass Regina Sharmila , Mahata Pranab Kumar , Ghose Mayukhmita
Published: March 2022

The current scientific study focuses on the effects of gamma irradiation on fungal isolate Aspergillus occultus MN259598 strain to monitor the efficacy of extracellular Copper nanoparticle (CuNP) synthesis using Copper acetate as the starting material through a biological route. This study is a first report of Gamma irradiation being employed in order to document the possible role of irradiational stress in nanoparticles synthesis in Aspergillus occultus MN259598. Gamma irradiation doses of 0.66 Gy, 0.99 Gy, 1.33 Gy, 1.66 Gy and 1.99 Gy were used for the induction of physiological changes. Macromorphological alterations of the mycelia were observed when grown in broth medium. The lethalities and fungal architectural distortions observed as a part of the study profile of micromorphological characteristics of the irradiated organism were documented. The irradiated fungal cell free extracts (CFE) were used for the production of biogenic CuNPs through optimization studies. Simultaneously, the CFE of the wild type strain was also used for the NP synthesis. The particles were characterized employing UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X- Ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses. Sizes of the NPs of treated (66.3 nm) and wild type strain (300 nm approx.) were found to differ enormously. The antimicrobial activity of CuNPs was determined using different food-borne pathogenic bacteria namely Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus and Listeria monocytogenes.
Systematic Review of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Colorectal Cancer Care: A Synthesis of the Evidence
Authors: Xu Hongxiao , Zhu Lu , Hang Yan , Wu Luyi , Li Guona , Gu Muen , Gong Yabin , Liu Huirong , Li Jing , Huan-gan WU
Published: March 2022

Purpose The object of this article was to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy for patients recovering after surgical resection of Colorectal Cancer (CRC).Methods We systematically searched eight databases from the establishment of the database to October 2021 for randomized clinical trials (RCTs). We used the Cochrane risk of bias (ROB) tool to assess the ROB and the RevMan 5.3 for data analysis. The certainty of outcomes was summarized using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE).Results Twenty-seven studies involving the recovery of GI function met the inclusion criteria. There was significant variability and a high or unknown ROB. For certain outcomes reflecting physiological recovery, in comparison to sham acupuncture or usual care, acupuncture had a clear therapeutic effect, as measured by the time to first flatus [MD=−13.87, 95% CI (−17.82, −9.93), I2 =94%, p<0.00001], time to first defecation [MD=−15.25, 95% CI (−19.76, −10.75), I2 =94%, p<0.00001] and time to first bowel sounds [MD=−8.56, 95% CI (10.9, −6.23) I2 =91%, p<0.00001). Five studies reported possible adverse events of acupuncture and moxibustion, while the other studies did not premeditate adverse events.Conclusion Acupuncture and moxibustion are appropriate adjunctive treatments for postoperative GI function and they improve other symptoms, such as postoperative pain, to a certain extent for patients with CRC. For other symptoms, the efficacy remains uncertain due to a high ROB among studies. Future research should focus on not only more rigorous, well-designed and larger RCTs but also on assessing the biological mechanisms.
Methodological Approach for Climate Simulations Selection for Climate Change Impact Studies
Authors: Meliho Modeste , Braun Marco , Khattabi Abdellatif , Orlando Collins Ashianga
Published: March 2022

This study builds on previous studies and proposes a combined approach for shortlisting and selecting representative climate simulations for impact studies in the Souss watershed in Morocco. The selection procedure consists of selecting climate simulations on the basis of predicted changes in means and extremes, climate model performance in simulating past climate and bias correction. Unlike the selection methods proposed in the literature that begin with a pre-selection of simulations based on changes in means, the approach recommended in this study involves an initial pre-selection of simulations by the ability of the models to simulate the base period climate. The proposed procedure involved selecting a set of general circulation models (GCMs) from the Phase 5 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) and regional climate models (RCMs) from the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) project to project spatiotemporal changes in precipitation and temperature for the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. Climate changes between 1975–2005 and 2066–2095 were analyzed for the watershed. By 2066–2095, precipitation is projected to decrease by -12.2 to -30.1% under the RCP4.5 scenario and by -5.2 to -65.4% under the RCP8.5 scenario. Mean temperature is projected to increase by 2.3 to 2.6°C under RCP4.5 and by 4.4 to 4.7% under RCP8.5. For both scenarios, a decline in precipitation is projected while temperature is expected to increase. The Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) revealed that the Souss watershed, characterized by incipient drought during the historical period, will experience mild and moderate drought in 2066–2095 under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively.
Land Surface Temperature Detection in Relation to Land Use Land Cover Change: The Case of Jimma City and It’s Surroundings, Jimma Zone, Southwest, Ethiopia
Authors: Tsegaye Nigus Tekleselassie , Melka Girma Alemu
Published: March 2022

Introduction:-Unmanaged land use and land cover change are major environmental issues that have a significant impact on the urbanization and agricultural development processes. The temperature of the land surface is rising as a result of this shift in land cover. The current study assesses the effect of changes in land use and land cover (LULC) on land surface temperature in Jimma and its surroundings. LULC, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), and Land Surface Temperature (LST) were extracted from Landsat 5 TM (1987), Landsat 7 ETM+ (2003), and Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS (2019) using digital image processing techniques. Change detection techniques were used to analyze LULC changes from 1987 to 2019. This study also analyzes the effect of NDVI and NDBI on LST between 1987 and 2019 with 368 sample points selected by stratified random sampling and using a multiple linear regression model. Result:- The result showed that during the study period 1987-2019, agricultural land was the dominant land use which covered 54% of the study area. Settlement and agricultural land areas increased from 4.4% and 54.58% in 1987 to 12.27% and 62.40% in 2019 with the mean increase in land surface temperature from 20.53°C and 19.59°C to 33.60°C and 25.82°C, respectively. Forest cover, shrub land, water body, and wetland show decreasing trend. Correlation results of LST and NDBI have shown a strong positive relationship i.e. R2 = 0.754 in 1987, 0.754 in 2003, and 0.739 in 2019, whereas strong negative correlations were found between LST and NDVI i.e. R2 = 0.701, 0.737, and 0.746 in each year. The relationship between NDVI & NDBI was also developed and is showing a strong negative correlation i.e. R2 = 0.739, 0.860, and 0.801. Conclusion:- Hence, it was recommended that to reduce the land surface temperature, sustainable land use planning strategies that include increasing the vegetated areas and embracing other green initiatives such as the afforestation program should be adopted.
Convergence of Monosynaptic Inputs from Neurons in The Brainstem and Forebrain on Parabrachial Neurons That Project to The Paraventricular Nucleus of The Thalamus
Authors: Kirouac Gilbert J , Li Sa , Li Shuanghong
Published: March 2022

The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) projects to areas of the forebrain involved in behavior. Homeostatic challenges and salient cues activate the PVT and evidence shows that the PVT regulates appetitive and aversive responses. The brainstem is a source of afferents to the PVT and the present study was done to determine if the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPB) is a relay for inputs to the PVT. Retrograde tracing experiments with cholera toxin B (CTB) demonstrate that the LPB contains more PVT projecting neurons than other regions of the brainstem including the catecholamine cell groups. The hypothesis that the LPB is a relay for brainstem signals to the PVT was assessed using an intersectional monosynaptic rabies tracing approach. Sources of inputs included the reticular formation, periaqueductal gray (PAG), nucleus cuneiformis, superior and inferior colliculi, and the LPB. Distinctive clusters of input cells to LPB-PVT projecting neurons were also found in the dorsolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTDL) and the lateral central nucleus of the amygdala (CeL). Anterograde viral tracing demonstrates that LPB-PVT neurons densely innervate all of the PVT in addition to providing collateral innervation to the preoptic area, lateral hypothalamus, zona incerta and PAG but not the BSTDL and CeL. The paper discusses the anatomical evidence that suggests that the PVT is part of a network of interconnected neurons involved in arousal, homeostasis, and the regulation of behavioral states with forebrain regions potentially providing descending modulation or gating of signals relayed from the LPB to the PVT.
The Effect of Incubation Near an Inverted Pyramidal Structure on Adsorption Properties of an Enzyme
Authors: Ivanov Yuri D. , Tatur Vadim Yu. , Pleshakova Tatyana O. , Shumov Ivan D. , Kozlov Andrey F. , Valueva Anastasia A. , Ivanova Irina A. , Ershova Maria O. , Ivanova Nina D. , Stepanov Igor N. , Lukyanitsa Andrei A. , Ziborov Vadim S.
Published: March 2022

The incubation of a solution of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme near an inverted pyramid (IP) has been found to influence the enzyme's aggregation and adsorption properties. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been employed to study the adsorption of HRP onto mica substrates at the single-molecule level, while spectrophotometry has been used as a reference method for the estimation of its enzymatic activity. By AFM, we have revealed an increase in the relative content of HRP oligomers adsorbed onto mica substrates after the incubation of the HRP solutions below the IP's apex in comparison with the control HRP solution. The same situation has been observed after the incubation of the enzyme solution above the center of the IP's base. At that, the enzymatic activity of HRP remained virtually unchanged in the both cases. Since pyramidal structures of positive and inverted orientation are employed in biosensor devices, the results obtained in our study are important to be taken into account in the development of highly sensitive biosensor systems.
Prediction of Array Antenna Assembly Accuracy Based on Auto-Encoder and Boosting-OSKELM
Authors: Wang Miao , Tong Yifei , Zhou Tong
Published: March 2022

As a complex mechanical and electrical product, array antenna involves many parts and requires high precision, so its assembly process is complex, changeable and difficult to control. As a result, the assembly accuracy often fails to meet the design requirements and needs to be reassembled repeatedly, resulting in the delay of delivery date. In order to realize the accurate and efficient prediction of array antenna assembly accuracy, a prediction method based on auto-encoder and online sequential kernel extreme learning machine with boosting (Boosting-OSKELM) is proposed in this paper. The method is mainly divided into two steps: Firstly, the auto-encoder with fine-tuning trick is used for training and representation reduction of the data. Then, the data is taken as the input of Boosting-OSKELM to complete the initial training of the model. When new sample data is generated, Boosting-OSKELM can realize the online correction of the model through rapid iteration. The test shows that this method has strong robustness in prediction accuracy and online learning ability.
Time-varying transmission heterogeneity of SARS and COVID-19 in Hong Kong
Authors: Adam Dillon , Gostic Katelyn , Tsang Tim , Wu Peng , Lim Wey Wen , Yeung Amy , Wong Jessica , Lau Eric , Du Zhanwei , Chen Dongxuan , Ho Lai-Ming , Martín-Sánchez Mario , Cauchemez Simon , Cobey Sarah , Leung Gabriel , Cowling Benjamin
Published: March 2022

Transmission heterogeneity is a notable feature of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemics, though previous efforts to estimate how heterogeneity changes over time are limited. Using contact tracing data, we compared the epidemiology of SARS and COVID-19 infection in Hong Kong in 2003 and 2020-21 and estimated time-varying transmission heterogeneity (kt) by fitting negative binomial models to offspring distributions generated across variable observation windows. kt fluctuated over time for both COVID-19 and SARS on a continuous scale though SARS exhibited significantly greater (p < 0.001) heterogeneity compared to COVID-19 overall and in-time. For COVID-19, kt declined over time and was significantly associated with increasingly stringent non-pharmaceutical interventions though similar evidence for SARS was inconclusive. Underdetection of sporadic COVID-19 cases led to a moderate overestimation of kt, indicating COVID-19 heterogeneity of could be greater than observed. Time-varying or real-time estimates of transmission heterogeneity could become a critical indicator for epidemic intelligence in the future.
Comparison of fluorine removal performance and mechanism of spheroidal magnesium oxide before and after lanthanum modification
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Zhou Yuming , Yao Qingzhao , Zhang Fanli , Chen Wanying , Liu Yang
Published: March 2022

Use simple magnesium salt as raw material, the magnesium oxide precursor powder was synthesized, and then the spheroidal magnesium oxide (SMO) was synthesized by controlled temperature calcination. Then lanthanum-modified spheroidal magnesium oxide (LSMO) was prepared by impregnation. The SMO and LSMO were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 adsorption-desorption, infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). For the initial fluorine concentration of 10mg/L fluoride solution, the maximum fluoride removal efficiency of 15% impregnation ratio lanthanum modified spheroidal magnesium oxide (15LSMO) is 93.1%, which is higher than 82.7% of SMO, far lower than the international standard 1.5mg/L. In addition, in the pH range of 2-11, and in the presence of interfering ions, the effect of 15LSMO also meets the international standards for fluoride removal. For the enhancement of fluoride removal effect of defluoridation agent, lanthanum modified material defluoridation mechanism changes have profound insights.
Design of High Sensitive Hybrid Honeycomb Photonic Crystal Fiber for Sensing C 8 H 8 O 3 /AsCl 3 /C 8 H 10 Analyte
Authors: Thangavelu Shankar , A Rajesh , Perumal Sivasankar , Sra Sai , Mani Chandini
Published: March 2022

A hybrid structured honey-comb photonic crystal fiber sensor is designed to detect the sensitivity of methyl salicylate (C8H8O3), arsenic trichloride (AsCl3), and ethylbenzene (C8H10) analytes. The cladding portion of the proposed structure consists of both circular and hexagonal holes in the form of a hexagon with a honeycomb arrangement. Moreover, the structure has a circular core with the chosen analyte. The design is investigated in the scope of wavelength ranging from 0.4 µm to 1.75 µm. The hybrid photonic crystal fiber sensor displays a sensitivity of 85.05%, 87.89%, 82.73% for methyl salicylate, arsenic trichloride, and ethylbenzene, respectively at 1.550 µm.
In Vitro Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Infection by Dry Algae Powders
Authors: Ruiz Daniel Garcia , Villalobos-Sánchez Erendira , Alam-Escamilla David , Elizondo-Quiroga Darwin
Published: March 2022

Chlorella spp., Spirulina spp., and fucoidan dry powders, are commercialized as food supplements and are considered safe for human consumption. Their broad-spectrum antiviral properties have been studied, however, their effect against SARS-CoV-2 remains unknown. We investigated the potential antiviral activity of three algae powders: Chlorella vulgaris, Spirulina máxima and fucoidan purified from marine brown algae Sargassum spp. against SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. Vero cells were incubated with 70 μg/ml of each algae powder and either 50 or 100 TCID50/ml of SARS-CoV-2. Chlorella powder inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection; viral RNA was signifcantly reduced in supernatants at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hrs post-infection, the highest difference in viral load (8000-fold) was observed after 96 hrs. Spirulina maxima powder partially inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection since no cytopathic effect was observed in 87.5% of infected cultures and viral RNA decreased 48 hrs after infection, reaching a 250-fold difference at 72hrs. In conclusion, our preliminary in vitro assays suggest that C. vulgaris and S. máxima dry algae, may potentially be used to fight COVID-19.
Early bedside wound irrigation can prevent surgical site infection following open posterior lumbar surgery, a preliminary two-center study
Authors: Hu Dong , Song Fei , Gu Suxi , Liu Huawei , Yang Dong , Xiao Songhua
Published: March 2022

Background.
Delayed diagnosis of surgical site infection (SSI) in lumbar surgery may eventually result in surgical failure. In this prospective two-centers study, we introduced a method to identify and control likely SSI following OPLS at early stages.
Methods.
Patients with likely SSI according to our criteria were enrolled. A bedside irrigation treatment with no need for anesthesia would then be placed. Clinical information including the pre-operative characteristics and post-operative outcomes were collected and fully analyzed. All patients were followed up for 1 year after their hospital discharge.
Results.
Among 672 patients who received OPLS, there are 72 patients (10.7%) diagnosed with likely SSI. Lumbar spinal stenosis (41 cases, 56.9%) accounts for the most common primary diagnosis. Only 14 of the 72 patients (19.4%) have a positive microbiological tests result. During the bedside irrigation, the level of inflammatory biomarkers demonstrated a rapid decrease. The irrigation lasted for an average time of 5.4 ± 1.2 days. The average time for antibiotics administration is 13.8 ± 4.3 days. The average length of hospital stay is 27.1 ± 5.6 days. The fusion rates at 6-months and 12-moths are 84.7% and 97.2% respectively. None patient had even a minimal disability at 1-year follow up according to the Oswestry Disability Index.
Conclusions.
Early identification and control of likely SSI following OPLS is valuable in clinical practice and the bedside irrigation system seems to be a safe and effective choice. Future large sample sized control studies are awaited to provide stronger evidence for its efficacy.
A Novel Approach to Identify the Drivers of Drought under Future Climate Change Scenario
Authors: Padhiary Jagadish , Patra Kanhu Charan , Dash Sonam Sandeep
Published: March 2022

Climate change is one of the primary drivers that alters the natural balance of hydrologic cycle and leads to onset of hydrologic extreme situations. Among those extremes, drought is the most devasting and complex catchment hazard caused because of climate change. In this context, it is quite essential to study the implications of climatic and catchment alterations on different types of drought processes. The present study analyzed the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), hydrological drought by Streamflow Drought Index (SRI), and Agricultural Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (aSPEI) across multiple time scales of the future climate change scenarios. Further, this study attempted a correlation-based approach to identify the suitable drought index to characterize the agricultural drought and critical drought index estimates over the study region. The aSPEI is proved to be an improvement over the conventional SPEI for analyzing the agricultural drought characteristics. The 6-month time scale is found to be the most suitable reference period for drought monitoring with highest correlation estimate of 0.688 across all the three study regions. Individually, catchment and climate variables failed to represent the drought dynamics over the catchment, whereas the combined model adequately represented the drought dynamics over the study region. The relative impact of different process components revealed that the precipitation in the climate model and baseflow index in catchment model have significant impact on short-term drought prediction, while in the combined model, the baseflow index alone is sufficient. The methodology suggested herein could be adopted in any global catchment to represent the drought process, and subsequently, identifies the drivers of drought with utmost accuracy.
Functional Relationship of Interferon Regulator Factor-5, Interferon-γ, and Hypoxia-Induced Factor-1α with COVID-19 During Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Herkiloglu Dilsad , gökçe şefik , Erdogan Omer , Gumus Erkan , Cevik Ozge , Ahmad Sarfraz
Published: March 2022

Objective: Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interferon regulator factor-5 (IRF5), and hypoxia-induced factor-1 Alpha (HIF-1α) are amongst the key immune molecules that function in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Herein, we aimed to investigate the levels of IFN-γ, IRF5, and HIF-1α in cases who had COVID-19 during their pregnancy.Methods: Thirty-three unvaccinated pregnant women with COVID-19, and 129 unvaccinated healthy pregnant women (control) were included in the study. IRF5, IFN-γ, and HIF-1α levels were investigated in blood samples taken from pregnants and newborns, and in tissue samples of placenta.Results: Mean IRF5 and IFN-γ levels in pregnant women with COVID-19 were significantly lower, whereas mean HIF-1α levels were significantly higher than the controls (p<0.001, for each). In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses of maternal samples for determination of post-COVID-19 infection; the cutoff value of 2.015 ng/mg protein for IRF5 level had a sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 82.5% [area under the ROC curve (AUC): 0.161; p<0.001; lower bound (LB): 0.08; upper bound (UB): 0.241; confidence interval (CI) 95%)], and the cutoff value of 225.63 pg/mg protein for IFN-γ level had a sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 85.7% (AUC: 0.147; p<0.001; LB:0.08; UB: 0.241; CI 95%).Conclusion: Our findings show that COVID-19 has a significant effect on IRF5, IFN-γ and HIF-1α levels in pregnant women, and thus these levels can be used as a reliable biomarker for the diagnosis of COVID-19 in pregnant women. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is first attempt to evaluate the funational implications of these immunoregulatory biomarkers in pregnant women with COVID-19.
Development of a Sustainable Maintenance Strategy for Forest Road Wearing Course in Different Climate Zones
Authors: Motlagh Aiub Rezaee , Parsakhoo Aidin , Najafi Akbar , Mohammadi Jahangir
Published: March 2022

In the recent decade, forest roads with a gravel surface course constructed in the different climates of Hyrcanian zone have worn out due to maintenance problems. This study was done to investigate the effect of traffic, maintenance budget, and climate on deterioration of forest roads and determine the best time and type of maintenance activities in the Mediterranean, sub-humid and semi arid climates. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was used to monitoring Unpaved Road Condition Index (UPCI), immediately after maintenance activities and each season for one year. Moreover, deterioration time of the wearing course was predicted using Monte Carlo time series analysis in MATLAB. Results showed that sub-humid climate presented lower UPCI (7.19) compared to the two other climates. UPCI values for Mediterranean and semi-arid climates were 7.81 and 8.82, respectively. In most cases, where roads were maintained by high-budget strategy, deterioration time was longer than other strategies, but cost-effectiveness (CE) value of low-budget strategy was more than other strategies in all traffic levels of Mediterranean climate and high-traffic roads in semi-arid climate. Low-budget maintenance activities include one culvert improvement per 6 km, light blading, 30 mm layer gravelling. In semi-arid climate, medium-budget maintenance strategy was more efficient in medium and low-traffic roads. In, sub-humid climates it was detected that CE values severely vary depending on the level of traffic. Medium, high and low budget maintenance strategies were respectively efficient in high, medium and low-traffic roads. High budget maintenance activities include one culvert improvement per 4 km, heavy blading and local compaction, 60 mm layer gravelling. Overall, it was concluded that monitoring UPCI over time and probability analysis using time series is useful for sustainable and long term management of forest roads.
Ellipsometry Study on thickness gradient silicon nitride (SiNx) film by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Zhong Qin Zhi , Luo Xiang , Zhou Li , Hu Fu Shi , Dai Ping Li , Wang Ya Shu , Yang Peng Shao
Published: March 2022

As passivation layer and anti-reflection layer, silicon nitride (SiNx) thin film has been widely used in photovoltaic devices such as solar cells. The structure of SiNx film with thickness gradient can make full use of different wavelengths of sunlight. In this paper, we have studied this structure for the first time. While introducing a quartz layer by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), we obtained a thin SiNx film in the center and gradually thicker toward the edge. The effects of PECVD process parameters, including deposition time, RF power, dielectric layer thickness, etc. on the thickness gradient of SiNx thin film are systematically studied. The film composition changing in the radial direction is also analyzed by ellipsometry. This study provides an instructive method for controlling the thickness gradient of SiNx films and plays an important role in using this structure to the solar cell application.