bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization With Real-Time Monitoring Results in Enhanced Drilling Performance
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: January 2022

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 205152, “Offset Data Analysis and Seamless Execution Through Real-Time Monitoring Results in Step Change in Drilling Performance,” by Anurag Singh Yadav and Muhammad Imran Chohan, Weatherford, prepared for the 2021 SPE Europec featured at the 82nd EAGE Conference and Exhibition, Amsterdam, 18–21 October. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

This project drilled horizontal wells with bottomhole assemblies (BHAs) with a topdrive as the primary drive mechanism. The rig in question was struggling to provide not only the required rotational speed but also to deliver consistent necessary torque. The complete paper analyzes how severe rig limitations were overcome through an optimization plan in which the optimal BHA was designed, and drilling practices were customized, for safe and successful execution of wells.

Challenge

The project involved drilling multiple re-entry wells for oil and gas production. A typical well design in this operation featured a whipstock set in a 9⅝-in. casing, followed by drilling of 8½-in. hole through the whipstock; the well was completed in a production hole of 6 in. The wells were drilled with a rotary steerable tool in the BHA.

Most of the rigs used to drill these re-entry wells had limited capacity with respect to rotational speed and torque limits on the topdrives. This topdrive limitation was proving to be a major impediment to achieving optimal drilling performance.

Offset Well Analysis

To fully comprehend these challenges with topdrive capabilities, offset wells were studied. Typically, weight on bit (WOB) appeared to play a key role in determining behavior of drilling dynamics. WOB typically had to be varied in order to mitigate stick/slip. For example, with elevated levels of WOB (greater than 20,000 lbf), stick/slip levels were always severe, whereas stick/slip levels were lower when WOB was reduced. Furthermore, it was observed that, with variation of stick/slip, not only stick levels were being elevated but also torque behavior was becoming erratic.

This analysis revealed that the degree of erratic behavior with regard to torque differed between bits. When comparing a bit with a 47-cutter count of 16-mm size with another bit that was slightly less aggressive with a six-cutter count of 13 mm on the face, the torque behavior did not change in terms of erratic behavior; however, it was possible to drill with higher WOB with the latter.

Further analysis revealed that behavior of stick/slip also depended upon type of formation drilled (i.e., whenever a well was drilled through a denser formation, elevated levels of stick/slip were encountered). In addition, one rig had issues with rotational speed from the topdrive. Surface rotation speed was approximately 90–100 rev/min, resulting in severe levels of stick along with high and erratic torque.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Profile of Lipid Mediators In Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Do Khanh V. , Hjorth Erik , Wang Ying , Jun Bokkyoo , Kautzmann Marie-Audrey I. , Ohshima Makiko , Eriksdotter Maria , Schultzberg Marianne , Bazan Nicolas G.
Published: January 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) develops into dementia over a period of several years, during which subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are used as intermediary diagnoses of increasing severity. Chronic neuroinflammation resulting from insufficient resolution is involved in the pathogenesis of AD and is associated with cognitive impairment. Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (LMs) that promote the resolution of inflammation may be valuable markers in AD diagnosis and as therapeutic targets. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze pro-resolving and pro-inflammatory LMs in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with cognitive impairment ranging from subjective impairment to a diagnosis of AD, and correlated to cognition, CSF tau and β-amyloid (Aβ). Resolvin (Rv) D4, neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1), maresin 1 (MaR1), and RvE4 were lower in AD and/or MCI compared to SCI. The pro-inflammatory LTB4 and 15-HETE were higher in AD and MCI, respectively, while PGD2 and PGE2 were decreased in AD, compared to SCI. RvD4 was also negatively correlated to AD tangle biomarkers. In this exploratory study of the lipidome in CSF of AD, MCI, and SCI, the results indicate a shift in the LM profile from pro-resolving to pro-inflammatory in progression to AD, suggesting that it may be of use as a biomarker when followed by confirmation by replication studies.
Effectiveness of Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy (IAYT) Versus Usual Care in Management on Chronic Low Back Pain Patients: a Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Poojari Spoorthi , Dhiman Deepanshu , Ghai Babita , Mathur Deepali , Metri Kashinath , Kataria Ketan , Anand Akshay
Published: January 2022

This is a controlled randomized trial which evaluated the clinical and molecular changes resulting from Integrated approach of yoga therapy (IAYT) as an adjunct regimen and compared it with usual care for the management of chronic low back pain patients.­­ We enrolled 29 adult patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Control group received the usual care of treatment as per institutional protocol. The yoga group received IAYT as an adjunct to usual care. Primary outcomes were pain Intensity assessed by verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS) and functional ability assessed by Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI). Secondary outcomes were pain catastrophizing, quality of life, fear of movement related to CLBP, type of pain, levels of ß-Endorphin and TNF α and Salivary CGRP. All parameters were measured at baseline, one month, and three months. Significant decrease in VNRS score at 1 and 3 months was observed in both the groups with yoga group showing a more significant reduction in pain over time than the control group (p=0.036). MODI improved significantly only in the yoga group at 1 and 3 months. Intergroup comparison revealed significantly better MODI over time in the yoga group (p< 0.001). DN4, PDQ, PCS, HADS (anxiety) and Euro QOL had a statistically significant improvement at 1 month and 3 months in the Yoga group compared to the Control group. The HADS (depression) had a statistically significant reduction scores in yoga group at 3 months compared to control group (p=0.012). There was a significant reduction in TNF- α values in the yoga group compared to baseline(p=0.004). IAYT therapy helped in addressing the psychological components of pain and improved quality of life patients with chronic low back pain compared to usual care.
Molecular Characteristics of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Drug-Resistant Isolates from HIV- and HIV+ Tuberculosis Patients in Russia
Authors: Panova Anna E. , Vinokurov Anatoliy S. , Shemetova Anastasiya A. , Burmistrova Irina A. , Shulgina Marina V. , Samoilova Anastasiya G. , Vasilyeva Irina A. , Vakhrusheva Diana V. , Umpeleva Tatiana V. , Eremeeva Nataliya I. , Lavrenchuk Leonid S. , Golubeva Lyudmila A. , Danilova Tatiana I. , Vasilyeva Tatiana B. , Ugol’kova Vera A. , Sosova Nataliya V. , Lekhlyaider Marina V. , Gorshkova Irina A. , Romanova Tatiana A.
Published: January 2022

Background

High burden of drug-resistant (DR) tuberculosis (TB) is a significant threat to national TB control programs all over the world and in the Russian Federation. Different Mycobacteria tuberculosis (MTB) genotypes are hypothesized to have specific characteristics affecting TB control programs. For example, Beijing strains are supposed to have higher mutation rates compared to strains of other genotypes and subsequently higher capability to develop drug-resistance
Results

Clinical MTB isolates from HIV- and HIV+ patients from four regions of Russia were analyzed for genotypes and mutations conferring resistance to Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Ethambutol, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones. Analysis of genotypes and polymorphism of genomic loci according to the HIV status of the patients – sources of MTB isolates were performed. Studied MTB isolates from HIV- TB patients belonged to 15 genotypes and from HIV+TB patients – to 6 genotypes. Beijing isolates dominated in HIV- (64,7%) and HIV+ (74,4%) groups. Other isolates were of LAM (including LAM1 and LAM9), Ural, and 4 minor groups of genotypes (including 5 subclones T). The spectrum of genotypes in the HIV- group was broader than in the HIV+ group. PR of B0/W148 Beijing was significantly lower than of other Beijing genotypes in susceptible and MDR-XDR isolates. Rates of isolates belonging to non-Beijing genotypes were higher than Beijing in susceptible isolates from HIV- patients.
Conclusions

Beijing genotype isolates prevailed in isolates of all drug susceptibility profiles both in isolates from HIV- and HIV+ patients, although B0/W148 Beijing genotype did not dominate in this study. Genome loci and mutations polymorphisms were more pronounced in isolates from HIV- patients, than from HIV+.
Identifying Factors Associated With Hypertension Using Structural Equation Modeling: Evidence from a Large Kurdish Cohort Study in Iran
Authors: Najafi Farid , Moradinazar Mehdi , Rezayan Shahab , Azarpazhooh Reza , jamshidi Parastoo
Published: January 2022

BackgroundIdentifying the risk factors leading to hypertension can help explain why some populations are at a greater risk for developing hypertension than others. The present study seeks to identify the causal paths among the risk factors of hypertension in 35- to 65-year-old participants in western Iran.MethodsThe secondary analysis was conducted using the data obtained in the recruitment stage of Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease (RaNCD) cohort. Each of the latent variables were confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), we assessed the direct and indirect effects of the risk factors associated with hypertension.ResultsSocioeconomic status (SES), physical activity, lipid profile, obesity, Diabetes and family history of hypertension had a diverse impact on the blood pressure, directly and (or) indirectly. When investigating the latent and observers risk factors and the interrelations between different risk factors, The standardized total effect (the sum of direct and indirect effects, βt) of SES, physical activity, lipid profile, obesity, on the blood pressure was( -0.09 vs -0.14), (-0.04 vs -0.04), (0.13 vs 0.13), (0.24 vs 0.15) in men and women respectively. Diabetes had a direct relationship with the blood pressure in women (0.03).ConclusionWith regard to control of high blood pressure, public health interventions must target obesity,SES, lifestyle and nutritional factors such as hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia in Iranian population
The Association of Hematological Inflammatory Markers and Psychological Function Among in COVID-19 Patients: a Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Khorasanchi Zahra , Mayvan Mohammad Rashid , Hasanzadeh Elahe , Allahyari Maryam , Moghadam Reza Rezvani , Asadiyan-Sobhan Parisa , Sharifan Payam , Afkhami Nafiseh , Varaste Naiemeh , Ferns Gordon , Mobarhan Majid Ghayour
Published: January 2022

Background: Due to high inflammation and mental health disorders in Covid-19 patients, we aimed to investigate the relationship between blood inflammatory markers such as WBC, RDW, NLR and PLR and psychological function in COVID-19 patients.Method: The current cross-sectional study and psychological function and a complete blood count (CBC) were measured on 120 COVID-19 patients aged >30 years from the Imam Reza hospital in Mashhad, Iran. Depression, anxiety and stress of participants were evaluated using DASS questionnaire. Also Quality of life, insomnia and sleep quality were measured via SF-36, Insomnia Severity Index and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire, respectively.Result: No blood parameters were significantly associated with depression, sleep disorders and quality of life (P>0.05), but in MCHC, WBC and PLR anxiety showed a significant relationship (p<0.05). In the stress subgroup, only RPR was associated with stress (p<0.05). In linear regression between hematological parameters and psychological score indicated that RDW and PLR were significantly associated with depression (p=0.045 and 0.016 respectively) and anxiety scores (p=0.038 and 0.010 respectively). PLR was also associated with stress (p=0.012).Conclusion: This study showed a positive association between depression/anxiety/stress symptoms and levels of hematological inflammatory markers including PLR and RDW.
Three-level Model for Opinion Aggregation under Hesitance
Authors: Zapletal Frantisek , Hudec Miroslav , Švaňa Miloš , Němec Radek
Published: January 2022

Valuable information for decision making can be obtained by collecting and analyzing opinions from diverse stakeholder or respondent groups, which usually have different backgrounds and are variously affected by the topics under survey. For this to succeed, it is necessary to manage the uncertainty of respondents’ opinions, different number of filled questionnaires among groups, different number of questions for each stakeholder group, and relevance of subsets of respondent groups. This work proposes handling the hesitance of respondents’ opinions for the rating scale questions. To evaluate the collected opinions, a three-level aggregation model is developed. In the first level, the overall opinion of each respondent is computed as a mean of fuzzy numbers covering uncertain answers and their respective hesitance. In the second level, stakeholder groups are considered as a whole. Aggregation by a relative quantifier is applied to calculate the validity of a proposition the majority of respondents have a positive or negative opinion . At the third level, the consensus among diverse subsets of stakeholder groups is calculated considering the relevance of each group independently as well as their so-called coalitions by Choquet integral. Finally, the proposed model is illustrated by a real-life case study.
Unplanned Reoperation After Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy For Lumbar Disc Herniation:A Clinical Report From China
Authors: Wu Hai-ting , Pang Qingjiang , Wang Yun
Published: January 2022

Objective: To investigate the causes of unplanned reoperation after percutaneous endoscopic discectomy for lumbar disc herniation.Methods: 853 patients with lumbar disc herniation were treated by percutaneous endoscopic discectomy in Hwa Mei hospital from January 2018 to June 2021, of which 18 patients received unplanned reoperation. There were 7 males and 11 females, aged from 38 to 72, with an average of (56.8 ±11.3) years. There were 1 case of segment L3/4, 11 cases of segment L4/5, and 1 case of segment L3/4+L4/5. The follow-up time after reoperation ranged from 1 to 35 months, with an average of 8.5 months. VAS score, ODI index and MacNab criteria were adopted to evaluate the curative effect of the initial and revision operation. We made a descriptive analysis of the clinical data of patients with unplanned reoperation, so as to summarize the poor curative effect after percutaneous endoscopic surgery and the reasons for reoperation.Results: A total of 18 patients with unplanned reoperation were collected, of which 2 patients received twice unplanned reoperation. All the 18 cases had ipsilateral herniation, including ipsilateral herniation in 17 cases and contralateral protrusion in 1 case. The methods of reoperation: 13 cases of PELD, 4 cases of decompression and internal fixation (PLIF×1, TLIF×3), 1 case of MED, 1 case of Endo-LIF, and 1 case of debridement. The causes of reoperation included incomplete decompression (residual nucleus pulposus, residual endplate, residual bone), recurrence, postoperative infection, nerve injury, hematoma, pseudocyst and so on. The follow-up time after reoperation ranged from 1 to 22 months, with an average of 8.61 ±3.52 months. The VAS score of low back pain decreased from 3.27 ±1.24 before operation to 1.21 ±0.32 at the last follow-up, the VAS score of leg pain decreased from 5.12 ±2.15 before operation to 1.98 ±1.20 at the last follow-up. The ODI index decreased from 32 ±16% to 10.4 ±6, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). At the last follow-up, the clinical efficacy was evaluated according to MacNab criteria (18 cases), including excellent in 14 cases, good in 3 cases, fair in 1 case and poor in 0 cases. The excellent and good rate was 94.4%. ﻿Conclusion: There is the possibility of unplanned reoperation in the removal of nucleus pulposus under PELD. Besides, the appropriate operation method should be chosen according to the specific conditions of the lesion before operation. Incomplete decompression is the main cause of unplanned reoperation after PELD. Other causes include recurrence, infection, hematoma, nerve injury, pseudocyst.
Level of Women-friendly Care Provision Among Mothers in Immediate Post-delivery Period at Public Hospitals of Southeast Ethiopia: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kene Chala , Tekalegn Yohannes , Dibaba Diriba , Abdella Mujib , Fikadu Genet , Atlaw Daniel , Gomora Degefa , Geta Girma , Seyoum Kenbon , Hailu Sintayehu , Ejigu Nuway , Sahiledengle Biniyam , Tasew Alelign
Published: January 2022

Background: Providing good-quality care is one of the most effective ways of ensuring that maternal health services are used and that women's lives are saved. This quality care can be achieved through improving the women-friendly care services. The women-friendly approach focuses on women’s rights to have access to quality care for themselves as individuals, as mothers, and for their infants. However, access to quality health services is not guaranteed for many women, particularly in low and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the level of women-friendly care provision and associated factors among mothers in the immediate post-delivery period at public hospitals of Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia 2021. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional survey was employed among mothers in the immediate post-delivery period in public hospitals of Bale Zone from March 1-30, 2021. A total of 363 mothers in the immediate postnatal period were included in this study. To recruit the study participants a systematic random sampling technique was used. Data was collected through pre-tested structured questioners. After checking for completeness, the data were entered into Epi Data version 4.6.2.0 and exported to SPSS version 26.0 for analysis. The bivariate and multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with a level of women-friendly care provision. Odds ratio with 95 % confidence interval was computed to determine factors independently associated with outcome. Results: The level of women-friendly care provision among mothers in immediate post-delivery at public hospitals of Bale Zone was found to be 61% [95%CI (55.73-66.04)]. Being prim para mother [AOR=1.88(1.07-3.33)], having planned pregnancy [AOR= 1.94(1.04-3.63)] and staying at a health facility after delivery [AOR=4.8(1.71-13.39)] were found to be statistically significant predictors of level of women-friendly care provision. Conclusion: The women-friendly care provision among mothers in the immediate post-delivery period at this study area was found to be low. All staff should be cooperative to provide good women-friendly care provision in health facilities.
Osimertinib plus Bevacizumab Improve the Outcome of Leptomeningeal Metastasis Patients with EGFR Mutant Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: yi yali , Cai Jing , Xu Peng , Xiong Le , Lu Zhiqin , Zeng Zhimin , Liu Anwen
Published: January 2022

Background

EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is prone to leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) after Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) treatment. Our previous study suggested that osimertinib plus bevacizumab was safe and effective in LM from EGFR-mutant lung cancer. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of osimertinib plus bevacizumab with osimertinib in EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients with LM.
Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from 27 LM patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancer who received osimertinib with or without bevacizumab at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. Next, we investigated the antitumor efficacy of osimertinib plus bevacizumab in an LM xenograft model using the H1975 (EGFR exon20 T790M and exon21 L858R) cell line. We examined the ability of osimertinib plus bevacizumab compared with osimertinib to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and explored the potential mechanism.
Results

Our retrospective study observed the improved survival of LM patients in osimertinib plus bevacizumab group. The median overall survival (OS) of the patients who received osimertinib and bevacizumab (n = 16) compared with osimertinib (n=11) was 18.0 months versus 13.7 months (log-rank test, p=0.046, HR=2.867, 95%CI:1.007-8.162). The median intracranial Progression-free Survival (iPFS) was 10.6 months versus 5.5 months (log-rank test, p=0.037, HR=3.401, 95%CI:1.079-10.720). In the LM xenograft model with H1975 cells, the combined treatment significantly increased the effective intracranial concentration of osimertinib, modulated the level of E-cadherin and downregulated the levels of EGFR and downstream signaling pathways including p-AKT and reduced tumor microvessel density (TMD), indicated that combined osimertinib with bevacizumab play a synergistic effect in EGFR-mutant LM model possibly by modulating the level of E-cadherin.
Conclusions

Our findings indicate that osimertinib plus bevacizumab tend to improve the outcome of LM patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC than osimertinib.
Knowledge and Practices on Consumption of Free-Range Chicken Viscera in Selected Rural Communities of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, with Focus on Zoonotic Transmission of Toxoplasma Gondii and Toxocara Spp.
Authors: Omonijo Adejumoke Oluwatosin , Mukaratirwa Samsom
Published: January 2022

Free-range chickens (FRC) are a host to a variety of pathogens of zoonotic and economic importance which includes Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp among others. Humans acquire infections via the ingestion of infective stages of T. gondii and Toxocara spp with raw or undercooked food. This study aimed to assess knowledge and practices on the household consumption of FRC meat and viscera by rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa as risk factors in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among twenty (20) randomly selected households in each selected community on the northern coast (Gingindlovu and Ozwathini) and southern coast (uMzinto and Shongweni) of KZN province. An adult from each household was interviewed on FRC consumption practices using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Descriptive, and Chi-square statistics were used to assess knowledge and practices related to FRC consumption and zoonoses transmission. Knowledge of zoonosis transmission was estimated at (31.3%, 25/80) in the four localities and a significant association was found between the educational level of respondents and study locations (p<0.05). Knowledge was highest among respondents with a high school education (13.75%, 11/80) and lowest (1.3%, 1/80) among respondents with no formal education. Overall, over three-quarters (76.3%, 61/80) of respondents reported chicken viscera consumption although majority (96.7%, 59/80) preferred eating them ‘well-cooked’. This result underscores the need to intensify awareness on health risk associated with the consumption of raw/undercooked viscera from free-range chickens.
A method for chemical and physical modification of oriented pulp fibre sheets
Authors: Forsberg Diana Carolina Reyes , Westin Per-Oskar , Li Lengwan , Svedberg Anna , Grundberg Hans , Berglund Lars A.
Published: January 2022

Wood pulp fibres are promising reinforcements for biocomposites due to their renewable resource origin and mechanical properties. An oriented and dense fibre reinforcement structure is beneficial for biocomposite properties. We present a method of modifying fibres (e.g. to increase strain to failure) in pre-formed oriented high-density paper structures intended for biocomposites or as hot-pressed fibre materials. Mildly delignified, well-preserved holocellulose fibres from softwood are used. Cold alkali treatment (hemicellulose removal) and mercerisation (conversion to cellulose II) were carried out successfully on oriented fibre sheets. Controlled anisotropy and sheet density are achieved from untreated and straight fibres in the sheet formation step. High mechanical properties and increased ductility of mercerised sheets were observed, which may be valuable for hot-pressed fibre materials (E ≈ 7.1 GPa, strength of 108 MPa and strain to failure of 5.3%) and biocomposites. In contrast, modified wood pulp fibres were difficult to orient, resulting in higher sheet porosity and weak interfibre bonding.
Temporal Variation of Floral Reward can Improve the Pollination Success of a Rare Flowering Plant
Authors: Benadi Gita , Kögel Raphael , Lämsä Juho , Gegear Robert J.
Published: January 2022

Many pollinating animals visit a variety of flowering plant species. Rare plant species pollinated by such generalists may experience a low quality or quantity of pollination, depending on the pollinators' foraging behaviour. How plants cope with this rarity disadvantage is not well understood. One possibility would be to offer a higher floral reward, for example a higher nectar sugar concentration. However, since nectar production is costly, rare plants may only be able to increase their nectar concentration for a limited time and offer little reward afterwards. In this study we performed a laboratory experiment with bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) foraging on artificial flowers of two colours to investigate whether the bees' foraging behaviour produces a rarity disadvantage and if so, whether the rare flower type could improve its pollination success through temporal variation of its nectar sugar concentration, i.e. a temporary increase of nectar sugar followed by a period with low concentration. We found that when both flower colours offered equal rewards, the rare colour received only slightly fewer visits per flower, but had a considerably lower expected pollination success based on the bumblebees' visitation sequences. Temporal variation of the rare colour's sugar concentration increased both the quantity and quality of visits it received. This positive effect was reduced when there were fewer rare flowers or when two bumblebees foraged simultaneously. Our results suggest that temporal variation of floral rewards can alleviate, but not completely eliminate the rarity disadvantage.
Plant Species Modulate Plant-Mediated Indirect Effects of Orius Sauteri on Pests Frankliniella Occidentalis and Bemisia Tabaci
Authors: Di Ning , Zhu Zhengyang , Harwood James D. , Xu Zhigang , Wang Su , Desneux Nicolas
Published: January 2022

Exploring the interactions between host plants, herbivores and natural enemies is an important experimental approach to enhance biological control and induced plant defense responses following infestation by herbivores could enable plants to minimize damage. Orius sauteri (Poppius), an important generalist predator, has been widely used as a biological control agent for suppressing many agricultural pests on agronomic and horticultural crops. It is also documented as ovipositing eggs in plant tissues and piercing and sucking as omnivorous predator. We therefore explored the fitness parameters of primary (western flower thrips) and secondary pests (whiteflies) on three different plant species pre-inoculated by O. sauteri. Pre-inoculation of O. sauteri significantly reduced the survival of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) on tomato and Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) on cowpea. The reproduction of B. tabaci on tomato, cucumber and cowpea was affected by O. sauteri in a different manner. The presence of O. sauteri significantly reduced the reproduction of F. occidentalis on tomato and cucumber plants, but there was no significant effect on cowpea plants. This demonstrates that plants with the pre-inoculation of O. sauteri decrease the performance of herbivores on different plant species but to differing degrees. These results further enhance our knowledge of ecological relationships between natural enemies and herbivores, and provide the context for the early release of natural enemies to control pests.
Parity of Esteem and Systems Thinking. A Theory Informed Qualitative Synthesis
Authors: Owens Janine , Lovell Karina , Brown Abigail , Bee Penny
Published: January 2022

Background: UK policy recognises the interdependence of physical and mental health, but the failure to define Parity of Esteem (PoE) in any depth, challenges its implementation. There are at least two shortcomings in current PoE implementation; the lack of specificity in its operational components and progress indicators and the sub-optimal ‘siloed’ approach to its redress. Methods: This is a descriptive qualitative study employing 27 qualitative interviews and the World Health Organisation (WHO) system domains as a framework for the thematic analysis. Results: Examining the current strengths and challenges of systems in mental and physical healthcare using the WHO domains and macro, meso and micro levels, identifies specific actions to redress inequity between mental and physical health provision. Conclusion: The evidence suggests that moving PoE from rhetoric towards reality requires new configurations with a systems orientation, which uses macro, meso and micro levels to analyse and understand the complexity of relations within and between domain levels and reorienting funding, training and measurement. This requires embedding new competencies, infrastructures and practices within an effective learning healthcare system.
Feasibility of a Parent-led Stepped Care Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Children: a Mixed Methods Pilot Trial Protocol
Authors: Skjærvø Ingeborg , Martinsen Marianne , Næss Anders , Jensen Tine Kristin , Fagermoen Else Merete , Skagemo Cecilie Ursin , Dyrdal Gunvor Marie , Knutsen Marie , Michaelsen Kaja , Nymoen Roxana Camilla , Ormhaug Silje Mørup
Published: January 2022

Background: Traumatizing events put children at risk of developing severe mental health problems. There is a large gap between the need for and access to evidence-based treatments for traumatized children and youth. To bridge this gap, the treatment model stepped care trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (stepped care TF-CBT) has been developed. The model consists of a parent-led therapist assisted component (step one), with an option to step up non-responders to standard therapist-led TF-CBT treatment (step two). We will investigate the feasibility, acceptability, outcomes and predictors of an adapted stepped care TF-CBT model, where step one is placed in the first-line municipal health services and step two in the second-line specialist health services. We will include the perspectives of children, caregivers, therapists and service leaders. Methods: This is a multicentre feasibility study, with a mixed methods longitudinal research design. We recruited 45 therapists across 19 municipalities in Norway and provided training in the stepped care TF-CBT model. Through the therapists, an estimated 78-83 child-caregiver dyads will be recruited. The main criteria for inclusion are age 7-12 years, at least moderate post-traumatic stress symptoms following exposure to trauma, and that receiving parent-led treatment is safe for the child. Interviews to explore experiences with the model will be conducted with children, caregivers, therapists and municipal service leaders. Further data from children, caregivers and therapists will be collected throughout treatment and at 3-month follow-up to assess post-traumatic stress symptoms and mental health, daily functioning, quality of life and therapeutic alliance. Discussion: The results will help inform clinicians and policymakers of the potential benefits and barriers of providing step one of stepped care TF-CBT in a first-line setting. The study will increase knowledge of factors that characterize children and families that benefit from the parent-led step one, and families that may need modifications in the model, or different interventions.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04073862. Retrospectively registered 03 June 2019 (first patient recruited May 2019), https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04073862
Novel approach on Formamidinium tin iodide-based Perovskite solar cell for the best replacement materials of Hole Transport Layer and Electron Transport Layer by using Solar cell Capacitance simulation
Authors: Vishnuwaran M. , Ramachandran Krishnamoorthy
Published: January 2022

Perovskite Solar Cells (PSC) research has increased noticeably in recent years as a result of significant improvements in their performance. Perovskite solar cells are a new development in Photovoltaic technology. Because PSCs are inexpensive, have the ability to tune the bandgap and are a promising future option for meeting cell efficiency limits and strong broad optical absorption. Toxicity is an important factor in the development of organic and inorganic Perovskite solar cells. PSCs based on Sn are a worthy competitor to PSCs based on Lead (Pb). The majority of them used Methylammonium tin iodide (CH3NH3SnI3) material as an absorber layer because it has greater absorption but suffers from temperature instability. As a result, in this work, we use Formamidinium tin iodide (FASnI3) absorber, which has higher temperature stability than CH3NH3SnI3 Methylammonium tin iodide with a band gap of 1.4 eV. Solar cell Capacitance simulation used in this work to create FASnI3-based solar cells. This paper proposes a Power Conversion Efficiency of 24.22% for PSCs. For maximum Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE), the optimized thickness values are 10 nm for CuI (Hole transport layer), 850 nm for FASnI3, and 20 nm for ZnOS (Electron Transport Layer). The best temperature range for device performance is around 340K. SCAPS was used to calculate the current work. In addition, we demonstrated that ZnOS is the most promising ETL as a TiO2 replacement in this work. The proposed work focuses on paving the way for novel eco-friendly non-toxic PSCs as well as investigating optimised Voltage output circuit (Voc), Current density (Jsc), Fill factor (FF), and Power conversion Efficiency (PCE) device characteristics.
Legume/Maize Intercropping and N Application for Improved Yield, Quality, and Water and N Utilisation in Forage Crops under Arid Conditions in Northwest China
Authors: Zhang Haixing , Shi Wei , Chang Shenghua , Jia Qianmin , Hou Fujiang
Published: January 2022

Aim
Legume/maize intercropping systems have been used in many developing countries. However, the effects of such systems on crop yield, quality, water-use efficiency (WUE), and N-use efficiency (NUE) were differed with the use of different legume crops and fertilizer application rates.
Methods
In the present study, field experiments were carried out in arid areas of Northwest China from 2019 to 2020 with three planting patterns (LM: lablab bean/silage maize intercropping; FM: forage soybean/silage maize intercropping; M: silage maize monoculture) and four N application levels (N1: 0 kg ha−1; N2: 120 kg ha−1; N3: 240 kg ha−1; N4: 360 kg ha−1).
Results
Compared with N1, the N3 and N4 treatments significantly increased fresh and hay grass yield, crude protein yield, crude protein content, and crude fat content of silage maize, legumes, and the whole system, and decreased the content of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF). Compared with N1, the 2-year average total hay yield of N3 and N4 increased by 60.38% and 56.45%, respectively, and the total crude protein yield increased by 106.71% and 100.00%, respectively. Compared with N1, the N3 and N4 treatments significantly increased WUEB, N content, N uptake, and NUE, and the 2-year average NUE of N3 was 59.52% higher than that of N4. Compared with M, LM and FM increased crude protein content and decreased NDF and ADF content, and the forage quality of LM was higher than that of FM.
Conclusions
Compared with M, LM and FM increased hay yield by 3.70% and 1.72%, crude protein yield by 32.05% and 22.82%, and WUEB by 10.49% and 6.02%, respectively. Among all treatments, LM-N3 had the highest total fresh and hay yield, crude protein yield, N uptake, WUEB, and NUE in two years.
Impact of Green Fiscal Policy on the Investment Efficiency of Renewable Energy Enterprises in China
Authors: Meng Zhaosu , SUN Huike , LIU Xiaotong
Published: January 2022

This study focuses on the investment efficiency of renewable energy enterprises and how they respond to government green fiscal policies. It complements previous research that only examines corporate investment efficiency from government subsidies or tax incentives. Moreover, we extend the impact of green fiscal policies on the investment inefficiency of renewable energy enterprises from the perspective of property heterogeneity. We choose financial data of 158 renewable energy enterprises for both state-owned (SOEs) and private (Non-SOEs) listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchange from 2010-2018 and use the Richardson model to measure the investment efficiency. The fixed-effect panel model is applied to explore the impact of green fiscal policies on the investment efficiency of renewable energy enterprises. The results show that, in general, green financial subsidies aggravate over-investment, especially for SOEs, while green tax incentives alleviate under-investment considerably, especially for Non-SOEs. We also find inefficient investment pervasive in China, among which the over-investment problem more serious than under-investment. But for the Non-SOEs, under-investment is more predominant. Finally, we propose that government subsidies for SOEs should be constrained and supervised, while more flexible tax incentives for Non-SOEs should be advocated.
Common and Distinct Functional Connectivity of the Orbitofrontal Cortex in Depression and Schizophrenia
Authors: Huang Huan , Rong Bei , Chen Cheng , Ba Lan , Huang Junjie , Chen Jingang , Liu Zhongchun , Zhou Yuan , Wang Gaohua , Wang Huiling
Published: January 2022

BackgroundSchizophrenia and depression are highly prevalent serious psychiatric disorders with potentially similar clinical and biological features, and disrupted connectivity have been found to play an important role in the pathophysiology of these two diseases. Here, we sought to identify common and distinct neuropathological mechanisms in schizophrenia and depression patients with resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).MethodsTwenty-eight patients with depression (DEP), twenty-nine patients with schizophrenia (SCH), and thirty healthy control subjects (HC) were enrolled. A data-driven intrinsic network level analysis (Intrinsic Connectivity Contrast, ICC) was used to identify functional connectivity (FC) changes at the whole-brain level. Then the regions with group differences were used as seeds in following FC analysis. ResultsSignificant ICC differences were found in bilateral orbitofrontal cortex(OFC) across three groups. Common reduced ICC in DEP and SCH were found in OFC, with more extensive abnormalities in schizophrenia than depression. Subsequent FC analysis indicated that, compared to the DEP and HC group, the FC between right OFC and the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and right anterior insula(AI) were significantly lower in the SCH group. In addition, the FC between left OFC and right cerebellum and subcallosal gyrus were decreased in both patient groups compared to the HC group. Correlation analysis showed that the FC between OFC and MPFC was positively correlated with cognitive function in the SCH group. ConclusionThese results suggest a critical role for OFC connectivity in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and depression, which may shed new light on the potential neural mechanisms underlying these two disorders.
An Experimental Framework for Determining the Degree of Intraguild Predation in a Three-Species Omnivorous Food Web in the Field
Authors: Hsu Gen-Chang
Published: January 2022

Intraguild predation (IGP) is common in natural and human-managed systems and plays a critical role in food web dynamics. Previous studies have documented the occurrence of IGP across a wide range of predator taxa, yet there is still a lack of quantitative understanding regarding the degree/intensity of IGP in these systems. Here, I propose an experimental framework combining controlled feeding trials and stable isotope analysis to determine the degree of IGP in a three-species omnivorous food web (shared prey + mesopredator + top predator) in the field. The degree of IGP is defined herein as the proportion (in number) of mesopredator consumed in the total diet (shared prey + mesopredator) of top predator. The feeding trials are used to construct a standard curve for the degree of IGP in the focal system, to which the stable isotope signatures of field samples are compared to estimate the degree of IGP in the field. The proposed framework leverages the strengths of different experimental approaches to studying trophic interactions, providing a useful tool for quantifying IGP in a more accurate (controlled feeding trials and standard IGP curve) and realistic (stable isotope analysis of field samples) fashion. If proven successful, the current framework can be extended to food webs involving more complex interactions (e.g., cannibalism and multiple shared prey) and further complemented with other approaches (e.g., molecular gut content analysis) to capture a more complete picture of IGP dynamics in the field.
Perceived Stigma, Substance Use and Self-Medication in Night Shift Health Care Workers: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Cousin Lorraine , Roucoux Guillaume , Petit Anne Sophie , Baumann-Coblentz Laurence , Torrente Olivia Rousset , Cannafarina Adriano , Chassany Olivier , Duracinsky Martin , Carrieri Patrizia
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND: Many risk factors related to alteration of circadian rhythms impact the health of night-shift hospital workers (NSHW), resulting in mental and somatic disorders. NSHW working conditions – including a stressful work environment – and related sleep disorders can foster addictive behaviors in this population. To study how the environment affects night shift health workers (NSHW) and whether psychoactive substances (PS) are a self-medication response.METHODS: Qualitative study to verify the plausibility of the self-medication theory applied to addictive behaviors. Semi-structured interviews (N=18 NSHW) and thematic analysis, following consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research recommendations. RESULTS: Both night shift and the stressing and stigmatizing environment affected NSHW mental and physical health. Alcohol after work and smoking were used as a “social” break but also as a means to reduce stress. Alteration of circadian cycles led NSHW to use of non-prescribed sleeping pills. PS appeared as a self-medication act, modulated by social and professional environments, source of stress, discrimination, isolation and social norms. CONCLUSION: Anti-stigma interventions in healthcare setting and screening of mental/somatic disorders in NSHW will help reduce harmful self-medication behaviors and improve hospital care in the COVID era.
DNA methylation of pck1 might contribute to the programming effects of early high-carbohydrate diets feeding to the glucose metabolism across two generations in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Liu Tong , Liang Xu-Fang , Cai Wenjing , Zhuang Wuyuan , Zhang Yanpeng
Published: January 2022

To assess the effects of early high-carbohydrate stimulus on glucose metabolism across two generations in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and explore a mechanism to explain those nutritional programming effects via epigenetic modification. The larvae were delivered a high-carbohydrate diet (53.66%) during first-feeding to the end of the yolk-sac (FF) and after yolk-sac exhaustion for 5 d (YE) as early nutritional stimulus. Then those larvae (F0) and their offspring (F1) were both fed with control diet (22.69%) until adult (15 week), they were challenged with a high-carbohydrate diet (35.36%) at 16th week. The results indicated that early stimulus raised the mRNA levels of genes involved in glycolysis and gluconeogenesis immediately. At the end of challenge in F0, the plasma glucose levels were decreased and expression levels of glucokinase (gck) were increased, the transcription of genes in gluconeogenesis were inhibited in two treatment groups. When challenged in F1, the glucose levels were lower in FF (F1) and the mRNA levels of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (pck1) were decreased in FF (F1), YE (F1). Besides, the lower expression levels corresponding with hypermethylation in CpG island of pck1 were maintained from the adult of F0, 24 hours post-fertilization embryo to the adult of F1 in two experimental groups (F0 and F1). In conclusion, these results indicated that early high-carbohydrate stimulus could significantly reprogram glucose metabolism in adult zebrafish and those modifications could be transmitted to next generation partly, the DNA methylation of pck1 might work as a stable epigenetic marker to contribute to those processes.
Changes of resting-state neural activity and nerve fibers in ischemic stroke patients with hemiplegia
Authors: Cao Xuejin , Wang Zan , Chen Xiaohui , Liu Yanli , Abdoulaye Idriss Ali , Ju Shenghong , Wang Yuancheng , Guo Yi Jing
Published: January 2022

Many neuroimaging studies have reported that stroke induces abnormal brain activities. Yet, little is known about resting-state networks (RSNs) and the corresponding white matter changes in stroke patients with hemiplegia. Here, we utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure the neural activity and related fiber tracks in 14 ischemic stroke patients with hemiplegia and 12 healthy controls. The fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) calculation and correlation analyses were used to assess the relationship between the regional neural activity and movement scores. Tractography was performed using the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data to analyze the fibers passing the regions of interest. Compared with controls, stroke patients showed abnormal functional connectivity (FC) in some brain regions of the RSNs. The fALFF was increased in the contralesional parietal lobe, with the regional fALFF being correlated to behavioral scores in stroke patients. And the tracked fibers across regions with reduced FC in the RSNs were increased in stroke patients. The study suggested that structural remodeling of functionally-relevant white matter tracts probably be an adaptive response that compensates for injury to the brain.