RR Values Research Articles

Effect of shale properties on CH4 and CO2 sorption capacity in Czech Silurian shales

The study involved an experimental assessment of the CO2 and CH4 sorption capacity of seven dark Silurian shale samples from three formations in the Barrandian Basin (Czech Republic). The shale samples had dominant inorganic matter consisting mainly of clay minerals, quartz, calcite and plagioclase, and very low organic matter. Most of the organic particles were the remains of zooclasts, especially graptolites and bitumens. The graptolite reflectance (Rr) reflecting the degree of thermal maturation of the shales ranges between 0.56% in the Kopanina Formation and 1.09% in the Litohlavy Formation, with the exception of the probably thermally altered part of the Motol Formation, which has reflectance higher than 1.70%. The total organic carbon (TOC) content was found to be in the range of 0.34–2.37 wt%. The porosity values were from 4.6% to 18.8%. In all shale samples, the high pressure excess sorption isotherms of CO2 and CH4 were measured at a temperature of 45 °C for both gases at pressures up to 8 MPa for CO2 and up to 15 MPa for CH4 on dry samples, using a manometric sorption apparatus. The Gibbs equation was used for evaluation of the maximum excess sorption (nmax,CO2 and nmax,CH4). The nmax,CO2 values ranged from 0.118 mmol/g to 0.244 mmol/g, while the nmax,CH4 values were more than twice lower (0.050 mmol/g - 0.088 mmol/g). The xCO2/CH4 ratio ranged from 1.47 to 2.98, with a median value of 2.54, calculated without the sample from the Kopanina Formation (4.36). The influence of the shale parameters on the CO2 and CH4 sorption capacity was determined. No relation has been proven between the value of Rr and the TOC-normalized CO2 and CH4 sorption capacities. The CO2 sorption capacity showed a negative correlation with TOC and with clay minerals but a positive correlation with quartz, while the behaviour of CH4 was opposite in these cases. A strong positive correlation was found between the volume of micropores and the CO2 excess sorption capacity, and negative dependence was found for CH4. The CO2 sorption capacities always depend on the micropores content, and the CH4 capacities depend on the shale components.

Assessment of adaptive changes under the influence of applied recreational training in men based on cardiorespiratory selected parameters

Introduction:Systematic physical activity contributes to the development of adptive changes in the human body.Purpose of the work:The aim of the study was: To assess adaptive changes under the influence of recreational training used in men based on selected parameters.Material and method:53 men aged 45 (± 6) years were examined. The tests were performed at the beginning and end of training lasting 18 weeks. Men undertook systematic training three times a week. The training units lasted 1.5 hours, the work performed was continuous, mainly based on oxygen metabolism with elements of anaerobic effort.BMI, HR, RR, VC, TV, IRV, ERV, IC and the difference in chest circumferences between inspiration and exhalation were assessed in the subjects. Results:Average values were obtained: BMI 26 (± 2), there was no difference in measured chest circumferences before and after the training period. The measured RR values showed a significant statistical difference for diastolic pressure. Diastolic pressure decreased by 4 mmHg at significance level p = 0.000. The mean HR measured before and after the training period showed constant values of 68 (± 11) bpm. Similarly, the VC average showed no change. A significant decrease in the ERV parameter was noted for p = 0.03. The average value of ERV, IRV, TV measured before and after the training period did not show significant differences. A significant difference was observed during the IC measurement, where this parameter increased its value at the significance level p = 0.02.Conclusions:Adaptive changes and their trends depend on the type of physical training used.
 Not every type of systematic training used for 18 weeks will cause significant adaptive changes.

Prevalensi dan Analisis Faktor Risiko Multidrug Resistance Bakteri Escherichia coli pada Ayam Komersial di Kabupaten Blitar

Multidrug resistance is a problem that is difficult to overcome in terms of treating infectious diseases. Multidrug resistance is the term used to describe when a bacteria is resistant to three or more different classes of antibiotics. Escherichia coli as a commensal bacterium which has multidrug resistance, this causes more issues because Escherichia coli can transfer its resistant properties to other bacteria within the poultry digestive tract. The observational study is used to determine the risk factors and to estimate the quantitative effects arising from various components that contribute to the emergence of a disease. The sampling in this study was carried out randomly through cloaca swabs from commercial chicken farms in Blitar and 345 samples were collected. Complementary data collection was carried out using questionnaires, interviews, and field observations. The results showed the incidence of multidrug resistance in commercial chickens in the Blitar District was 72.5%. There is a relationship between causative factors with the incidence of multidrug resistance in Escherichia coli bacteria that is significantly associated with positive risk factors. The strength of this relationship can be seen from the value of OR and RR, among others factors of chicken breed (OR = 3.07; RR = 1.34), breeder's education (OR = 2.3; RR = 1.29), type of livestock business (OR = 7.5; RR = 1.43), type of animal feed (OR = 1.91; RR = 1.2), veterinary support for livestock raising management (OR = 3.09; RR = 1.44). The reference variables are whether the antibiotics are administered by non-veterinarians (OR = 2.35) or by the TS (OR = 7.92), and whether there is an antibiotic administration program (OR = 3.16; RR = 1.47). The overseeing function of farm maintenance, management, and implementation of antimicrobial administration in commercial chicken farms needs to be improved, to increase breeders' awareness of the careful usage of antibiotics and controlling the incidence of antibiotic resistance.

Salt-Induced Shape-Memory Effect in Gelatin-Based Hydrogels.

Hydrophilic biopolymers display a strong tendency for self-organization into stable secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures in aqueous environments. These structures are sensitive to changes in external conditions, such as temperature, pH or ions/salts, which may lead to molecular and/or macroscopic transitions. Here, we report on biopolymer-based stimuli-sensitive switchable matrices showing a shape-memory function as an output being alternatively switched by two different input signals, such as environmental changes in salt concentration or temperature. This was realized by implementing a shape-memory function in hydrogels based on the coil-to-helix transition of protein chains in gelatin-based networks. The hydrogels exhibited mechanical properties similar to that of soft tissue (storage modulus G' = 1-100 kPa) and high swelling capabilities (Q = 1000-3000 vol %). In these gelatin-based networks, the covalent netpoints defined the permanent shape while after deformation helicalization of the gelatin acted as reversible stimuli-sensitive switches providing additional crosslinks capable of fixing the deformed temporary shape. By using either chaotropic salts to suppress gelatin helicalization or kosmotropic salts to support conformational changes of gelatin toward a helical orientation, these additional crosslinks could be cleaved or formed. In bending experiments, the strain fixity (Rf) and strain recovery ratios (Rr) were determined. While Rf ranged from 65 to 95% and was depending on the network composition, Rr were independent of the hydrogel composition with values about 100%. In addition, Rf and Rr were independent of the type of chaotropic salt that was used in this study, showing equal Rf and Rr values for MgCl2, NaSCN, and Mg(SCN)2.

The effectiveness of PC6 acupuncture in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

A growing number of studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture in preventing and treating postoperative nausea and vomiting. Here, we used meta-analysis to confirm these benefits in children and to determine the optimal time to perform this treatment. Four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Chinese Database of Biology and Medicine) were searched from inception until January 16, 2019. We included randomized controlled trials for evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture in the prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting during the early stage (0-4hours) and within 24hours postoperatively in pediatrics. Control groups received standardized care control or standardized care combined with sham control. Sixteen literatures and 1773 patients undergoing general anesthesia were included in the study. The results indicated that acupuncture was effective in reducing postoperative vomiting, both during the first 4hours (RR=0.47, 95% CI 0.26, 0.84; low quality) and within 24hours postoperatively (RR=0.74, 95% CI 0.60, 0.91; low quality). Stratifying by the timing of acupuncture, acupuncture was effective in reducing the first 4hours (RR=0.34, 95% CI 0.18, 0.64; moderate quality), and 0-24hours postoperative vomiting (RR=0.81, 95% CI 0.70, 0.93; moderate quality) when performed before and during anesthesia, respectively. Further, the RR value was more robust when acupuncture was performed before anesthesia. Acupuncture was also effective in treating 0-24hours postoperative nausea (RR=0.73, 95% CI 0.60, 0.88; moderate quality) and in reducing the utilization of remedies during the first 4hours (RR=0.64, 95% CI 0.45, 0.89; moderate quality). Acupuncture reduces the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting as well as the utilization of antiemetic remedies, particularly during the first 4hours following the operation. Acupuncture performed before anesthesia was demonstrated to be the most ideal intervention time for children.

Investigation of the effect of different Bi2O3–x:PVA (x = Sm, Sn, Mo) thin insulator interface-layer materials on diode parameters

In this work, Au/4H–SiC Schottky diodes with different Bi2O3–x:PVA (x = Sm, Sn, Mo) thin insulator interface layer were produced for the fabrication of metal/insulator/semiconductor (MIS) structures. The effect of different Bi2O3–x:PVA interfacial layer deposited between metal and semiconductor on important optical and electrical parameters of Schottky diodes was investigated. The main electrical parameters of the prepared structures such as the saturation current (I0), the barrier height (ΦB0), ideality factor (n), and series and shunt resistance (Rs and Rsh) were obtained from the I‒V characteristics. The discrepancies in these parameters can be ascribed to the use of different nanomaterials as an interlayer. Moreover, the values of n, ΦB0, and Rs were also extracted by using Cheung and Norde functions and obtained results were compared with each other. The energy dependence of interface states [Nss vs (Ec − Ess)] was investigated by taking into account the voltage dependence of Φe(V) and n(V). In addition, Ln(I)–Ln(V) plots were drawn to specify the possible current transport mechanisms of the prepared structures. Experimental results show that the Schottky structures with (Bi2O3–Sn:PVA) and (Bi2O3–Sm:PVA) interlayers yield higher RR and Rsh values and lower Io values. This provides an evidence to performance increase in MS structures.

Contact behaviour of simulated rough spheres generated with spherical harmonics

Normal contact behaviour between non-adhesive fractal rough particles is studied using a finite element method (FEM). A series of spherical grain surfaces with distinguished roughness features are generated by means of Spherical Harmonics. These surfaces are described by two roughness descriptors, namely, relative roughness (Rr) and fractal dimension (FD). The contact behaviour of rough spheres with a rigid flat surface is simulated using FEM to quantify the influences of surface structure and sphere morphology by focusing on contact stiffness and true contact area. The dependence of normal contact stiffness (k) on applied normal force (F) is found to follow a power law (k = αFβ) over four orders of magnitude, with both α and β being highly correlated with Rr and FD. With increasing load, the power exponent converges to that of Hertzian contact, e.g., 1/3, independent of Rr. Regions of true contact evolve through the formation of new microcontacts and their progressive merging, meanwhile the area distributions of contact island induced by various forces tend to obey similar Weibull distributions due to fractal nature in their surfaces. Contacts with larger values of Rr are found to produce contact contours with higher fractal dimension as calculated by a 2D box-counting method. Our results suggest that the correlation between radial lengths in a quasi-spherical particle should be considered in studying contact behaviour.

Peran Religiusitas terhadap Konformitas pada Mahasiswi Berhijab

The study aims to determine the role of religiosity on conformity in hijab female students. The study population was university X students whom wear hijab, and with aged 18-23 years old. The research sample used 160 people and for try out with 50 people. This study used sampling quota techniques. Religiosity and conformity was measured by the scale which refers to the dimensions of religiosity from Ancok and Suroso (2011) and type of conformity from Nail, Domenico and McDonald (2013). The research used simple regression analysis. The result obtained by value of RR = 0.559, R square = 0.313, F = 71.884, P = 0.000 (p <0.05), it meaning that there is a significant role of religiosity towards conformity. Thus the hypothesis proposed is accepted.

Взаимосвязь пассивных и активных пульсаций артерии крысы как обобщение закона Франка—Старлинга для кровеносных сосудов

The experiments on narcotized male rats (n=30) determined the parameters of passive and active pulsatile modes of isolated segment of femoral artery in situ. Rheographic elasticity (RE) and reactivity (RR) were correspondingly determined as the ratios of peak-to-peak (p2p) magnitudes of passive and active pulsatile oscillations of arterial electroimpedance (AEI) to p2p magnitude of BP undulations. The medians and interquartile ranges of RE and RR were 6 (3; 11) and 70 (40; 110) mΩ/mm Hg, respectively. The maximal and minimal values of RE and RR in various rats differed by 50 and 80 times, respectively, and were bimodally distributed: in major group (n=23), the values were RE 20 and RR>300 mΩ/mm Hg. The above ranges of RE and RR parameters were considered as the diagnostic signs of normal and pseudo-healthy rats with pathologically augmented AEI oscillations, respectively. Statistical analysis of all rats (n=30) revealed the positive correlation between RE and RR (r=0.76) with linear regression RR=31+7.6×RE. It is hypothesized that this correlation is underlain by a mechanism similar to that described by the Frank-Starling law for myocardium.

1028 Early response to a low- dose acubitril/valsartan (ARNI) therapy among stable symptomatic patients with HFrEF

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements no financial support Background Sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) has shown to improve outcomes, that is related to reverse remodeling of the left ventricle (LV) with improved ejection fraction (LVEF) and mitral regurgitation (MR) during long-term therapy. There are limited data on early effects of S/V treatment with respect to the left ventricle function and echocardiographic evaluation of this phenomenon. Aim of the study was to evaluate the early effect of a starting-dose of S/V administered in patients (pts) with stable symptoms of heart failure on clinical symptoms, laboratory tests and echocardiographic parameters using global longitudinal strain (GLS) as a sensitive parameter detecting improvement of LV function. Methods Twenty pts (mean age 60 years, 2 female), with HFrEF (NYHA class II-III) on optimal medical treatment with ICM (75%) or NICM (35%) were included to low-dose S/V treatment (24/26mg) after excluding contraindications. Clinical and echocardiographic evaluation was performed at baseline and after 30 days. The following parameters have been measured: 6-Minutes Walking Test (6MWT) and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire, laboratory results and echocardiographic assessment with speckle tracking technique (STE). Results All pts completed 30 days treatment period without complications and no change to medication. During this period the mean values of RR decreased significantly (SBP 129,4mmHg vs 121,25mmHg and DBP 81,6mmHg vs 79,2mmHg respectively). Other clinical parameters did not change. There were no differences NT-pro BNP and TNT levels (respectively 1726 vs 1930 pg/ml and 26 vs 22 ng/ml). After 30days, the mean 6MWT distance increased by 50m (349,5 vs 401,5m p < 0.01), and a positive response was observed in Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (p < 0.001). Echocardiographic parameters revealed positive remodeling of LV and left atrium (LA). There was a significant improvement in LVEDd (67,9mm vs 64,9mm, p < 0.01), LVESd (61,6mm vs 58,8mm, p < 0.01) and stroke volume (40,5 to 45,8ml, p < 0.01). There was no significant increase in LVEF (30% vs 31,5%, p = 0.052). The diastolic parameters of LV function didn’t change during the study. The LA volumes significantly decreased (110 vs 92ml, p < 0.01) during the treatment period as well as the degree of MR (ERO 0.51 vs 0,37 p < 0.01). Out of several LV deformation parameters, only global longitudinal strain has changed significantly (GLS-6,1% vs -7,0%, p = 0,02). The improvement in symptoms and 6MWT correlated only with global systolic radial (RS) and longitudinal (GLS) strain correlated positively after 30 days treatment. Conclusion:Thirty days treatment with low-dose S/V in stable, symptomatic HFrEF patients leads to symptomatic and clinical improvement which correlates with positive remodeling of the left ventricle and reduces the degree of mitral regurgitation. The GLS is a sensitive indicator of LV function improvement after short time S/V treatment and may be used to assess early response.

Susceptibility of Aedes aegypti populations to pyriproxyfen in the Federal District of Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: In Brasilia, pyriproxyfen (PPF; 0.01 mg/L) has been used for the larval control of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes since 2016. Information on the susceptibility of Ae. aegypti to PPF, and the development of resistance in populations from the Federal District of Brazil (FD) is limited. It is essential to monitor the susceptibility of Ae. aegypti to insecticides in order to improve vector control strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of Ae. aegypti populations from five areas of Brasilia to PPF.METHODS: We performed dose-response tests to estimate the emergence inhibition and resistance ratio of each field population, including the Rockefeller reference population. We also analyzed egg positivity, and the density and mortality of larvae and pupae. RESULTS: Populations from Vila Planalto (RR50=1.7), Regiment Guards Cavalry (RR50=2.5), and Sub-secretary of Justice Complex (RR50=3.7) presented high susceptibility to PPF, while the RR values of populations from Lago Norte (RR50=7.7) and Varjão (RR50=5.9) were moderately high, suggesting the emergence of insipient resistance to PPF in Brasilia. At 30 ng/mL, the highest larvae mortality rate was 2.7% for the population from Lago Norte, while that of pupae was 92.1% for Varjão and Vila Planalto.CONCLUSIONS: The five populations of Ae. aegypti from the FD are susceptible to PPF and there is a need to monitor the susceptibility of Ae. aegypti in new areas of the FD.

A New Deep Learning Algorithm for Detecting the Lag Effect of Fine Particles on Hospital Emergency Visits for Respiratory Diseases

There exists a time lag between short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and incidence of respiratory diseases. The quantification of length of the time lag is significant for preparation and allocation of relevant medical resources. Several classic lag analysis methods have been applied to determine this length. However, different models often lead to distinct results and which one is better is subtle. The prerequisite of obtaining the reliable length is that the model can truly reveal the underlying pattern hidden in the above relationship. Long short-term memory (LSTM) is an artificial recurrent neural network (RNN) architecture used in the field of deep learning, whose strong capability makes it widely applied in many fields. In this study, we manage to exploit it to acquire the time-lag length in the exposure-response relationship. The relationship between exposure and response is assumed as linear and non-linear, and models with and without confounding factors are performed under these two assumptions. Results of DLNM model show that the best hospital emergency visit prediction appears in 3 lag days, with the maximum RR value of 1.004357 (95% CI: 1.000938-1.009563). Then, a vary of LSTM models with different time steps are performed, which are evaluated by mean absolute error (MAE), the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), the root of mean square error (RMSE) and R square (R 2 ). The results show that LSTM of time step 3 achieves the lowest MAE (33), MAPE (9.86), RMSE (42) and the highest R 2 (0.78), consistent with the result of DLNM model. Also, the proposed model is compared with ARIMA model, one of the commonly used forecasting models, showing better accuracy. This demonstrates that LSTM can be used as a new method to detect the lag effect of PM2.5 on respiratory diseases.

The Association between Outdoor Air Pollution and Lung Cancer Risk in China: Trends in the Last Decades and Sex Differences

Background: This study aims to identify and examine lung cancer risks and mortality burdens associated with air pollutants, including PM10, NO2 and SO2, in China. Methods: The study population comprised a population from seven representative cities located in different regions of China. The yearly average values (YAV, μg/m3) of the PM10, NO2 and SO2 levels were extracted from CSYB for each selected city from 2006 to 2014. Data collected in the Chinese Cancer Registration Annual Report (CCRAR) provide lung cancer incidence and mortality information. The associations of PM10, SO2 and NO2 with the lung cancer incidence rate and mortality rate were analyzed by using a two-level normal random intercept regression model with a five-year moving window of past exposure to each pollutant. Findings: The male age-adjusted incidence rate (MAIR) and male age-adjusted mortality rate (MAMR) decreased significantly from 2006 to 2014. The yearly average values of PM10, SO2 and NO2 consistently and significantly decreased from 2006 to 2014. Compared to SO2 and PM 10, NO2 at an exposure window of 2~3 years had the highest RR values for the MAIR (RR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.19-2.05, p=0.002), MAMR (RR=1.70, 95% CI: 1.32-2.18, p=0.0002) and FAMR (RR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.08-1.49, p=0.003). Interpretation: Our findings suggested that air pollutants may be related to the occurrence and mortality of lung cancer. NO2 was most strongly associated with the risk of lung cancer, followed by SO2. Air pollutants have the strongest effect on the incidence and mortality of lung cancer with a 2-3 year lag. Funding Statement: Key Project of Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Department (2014TT1001), Project of Hunan Health Commission (C2014-34), Project of Hunan Health Commission (20201665), Project of Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology ( YHR2018- 234), Project of Hunan Cancer Hospital (No. A2011-03). Declaration of Interests: No interests to declare.

Variations in elemental and mineralogical compositions of Late Oligocene, Early and Middle Miocene coal seams in the Kale-Tavas Molasse sub-basin, SW Turkey

The Kale-Tavas sub-basin, which is the south-western part of the Lycian Molasse Basin, SW Turkey, hosts several coal seams of Late Oligocene, Early and Middle Miocene age within, respectively, the Mortuma, Yenidere, and Sekköy Formations. This study aims to determine coal rank, mineralogical, and geochemical features of the coal seams, and to ascertain factors controlling the mineralogical distribution and elemental enrichment. The distinct differences among the studied coal seams refer to mean random huminite/vitrinite reflectance (Rr). The highest Rr values (0.63–0.69%) are measured on the Late Oligocene Tavas coal, whereas the lowest Rr values (0.26–0.27%) were recorded in the Middle Miocene Narlı coal. Similar mineralogical assemblages were found in all the studied coal seams; however, aluminosilicate minerals are dominant to abundant phases in the coal from the Mortuma and Yenidere Formations, while carbonate minerals are the dominant phases in the coal from the Sekköy Formation. Accordingly, aluminosilicate-related elements (e.g. Al, K, Ti, and Li) display relatively higher concentrations in the studied coal seams from the Mortuma and Yenidere Formations, whereas relatively high-Ca concentrations and depletion of aluminosilicate-affiliated elements were recorded in the coal of the Sekköy Formation. Furthermore, Ni, Mo, and U are relatively enriched in all the studied seams, while relative B-enrichment is identified in the coal seams of the Mortuma and Yenidere Formations, and these seem to be related to possible marine influence of the palaeomires during Late Oligocene and Early Miocene and/or the occurrence of specific B-bearing aluminosilicate minerals. Also, U and Mo enrichments in the Narlı coal may be related with the development of anoxic conditions within the palaeomires during the Middle Miocene. Other indicators for anoxic conditions are framboidal pyrite grains and accessory Ni-bearing iron sulphides in all the studied samples. Although coal-bearing formations in the Kale-Tavas sub-basin deposited under different sedimentary environment, as the source areas for sediment supply of the coal seams remained the same during the Late Oligocene to Early Miocene, the mineralogical composition and elemental enrichment of the coal were mainly controlled by clastic inputs and redox conditions within the palaeomires; to a lesser extent a possible marine influence might have contributed to elemental enrichment.

Organo-petrographic and geochemical characteristics of Gurha lignite deposits, Rajasthan, India: Insights into the palaeovegetation, palaeoenvironment and hydrocarbon source rock potential

The sedimentary sequence containing lignite deposits in Gurha quarry of the Bikaner-Nagaur Basin (Rajasthan) has been investigated. The samples from lignite and allied shale horizons were evaluated for petrographical, palynological, palynofacies and organic geochemical inferences, to depict the source flora and to reconstruct the palaeodepositional conditions prevailed during the sedimentation. An assessment for the hydrocarbon generation potential of these deposits has also been made. The results revealed the dominance of huminite macerals and phytoclasts organic matter (OM) indicating the existence of forested vegetation in the vicinity of the depositional site. A relatively high terrigenous/aquatic ratio (TAR) and the carbon preference index (CPI) are also suggesting the contribution of higher plants in the peat formation. However, the n-alkane distributions, maximizing at n-C17 and n-C29, showed inputs from the algal communities along with the higher plant derived organic matters. Recovered palynomorphs of the families Onagraceae, Meliaceae, Arecaceae, Rhizophoraceae, Rubiaceae, Ctenolophonaceae, etc. together with oleanene and ursane types of triterpenoids suggest the contribution from angiosperms source vegetation. Interestingly, the presence of Araucareaceae and Podocarpaceae pollen grains shows the existence of gymnosperms vegetation. Further, the presence of tetracyclic diterpanes; demethylated ent-beyerane, sandaracopimarane, pimarane, and Kaurane type of compounds confirms the contribution of conifers. The variation in the values of the coefficient of non-equality (H: 0.68%–7.56%), the standard deviation (δ: 0.04%–0.16%) and the coefficient of variability (V: 16.10%–46.47%), also shows the heterogeneity in the source organic matter.The various petrographical indices, palynological entities, and geochemical parameters indicate that the peat-forming vegetation was accumulated under a mixed environment and fluctuating hydrological settings. The interpretation of palynofacies data on APP (Amorphous organic matter-Phytoclast-Palynomorphs) diagram suggests that the accumulation of organic matter occurred in a dysoxic-suboxic condition in a proximal (to land) setting with the shift to an anoxic condition in distal setting towards the termination of sedimentation. The huminite (ulminite) reflectance (Rr) values (av. 0.28%) showed a good relationship with average Tmax value (414 ​°C), suggesting the immaturity. The TOC content ranges of 13–59 ​wt.%, and HI values vary between 101 and 546 ​mg HC/g TOC in the studied samples. Collectively, the studied lignite and shale samples have the admixed kerogens (Type III–II) and exhibit the ability to generate the gaseous to oil hydrocarbons upon maturation.

The role of interface traps, series resistance and (Ni-doped PVA) interlayer effects on electrical characteristics in Al/p-Si (MS) structures

The main point of this article is to examine in detail the effects of interface/surface states (Nss), series resistance (Rs) and (Ni-doped PVA) polymer interlayer on current–voltage (I–V) and frequency dependent capacitance–voltage (C–V) properties at room temperature. Some main diode parameters such as reverse-saturation current (Is), ideality factor (n), barrier height (BH) (= ΦB(I–V)), Rs, and rectification ratio (RR = IF/IR) at ± 3 V were calculated from the linear part of LnI–V plot as 2.14 × 10−9 A, 1.606, 0.750 eV, 30.5 Ω, and 106, respectively. Energy dependent values of Nss were also extracted from the I–V data by considering voltage dependent ΒΗ and n they decrease from mid-gap of Si towards the bottom of valance band (Ev) almost as exponentially. The doping atoms (Na), Fermi energy level (EF), (ΦB(C–V)), and depletion layer width (WD) were also calculated from the reverse bias C−2–V curves as function of frequency. The achievement of obtained results that manufactured (Ni-PVA) interlayer provide better performance in respect of lower values of leakage current, Nss, Rs, and higher values of RR and shunt resistance. The dielectric value of (Ni-PVA) interlayer was found as 1.44 from the interlayer capacitance (Ci = e′eoA/di) even at 20 kHz and this is higher than the dielectric value of SiO2 at 20 kHz. However, this value can be increased by increasing a dopant level of Ni until 5–7%. Therefore, this interlayer can be successfully use an alternative interface layer compared to traditional oxide interlayers.

Lag effect of air temperature on the incidence of respiratory diseases in Lanzhou, China.

Previous studies have found that ambient temperature was associated with respiratory disease. However, little evidence is available in Lanzhou, a semi-arid region in northwest China, and respiratory disease is not well understood. This study evaluated the risk of outpatient visits for respiratory diseases associated with ambient temperatures from 2007 to 2016 in Lanzhou. We used a distributed lag non-linear model coupled with a generalized additive model to estimate the association between daily temperature and hospital visits for respiratory diseases in age- and sex-specific groups. Over 10years, 1,042,656 hospital visits were recorded for respiratory disease, the ratio between males and females was 1.21:1. The peak period of onset occurs from November of the current year to March of the following year. Both low and high temperatures were associated with an increased risk of hospital visits for respiratory illness. The results showed that a large temperature decrease was associated with a significant risk for respiratory disease, the maximum effect of a temperature drop was reached at lag 1~2days, the extreme low temperature (- 16°C) had the maximum RR at lag 1, and the RR value was 1.082 (95% CI 1.025-1.142). The high temperatures (23°C) had maximum RR for respiratory disease on the current day, and the RR value was 1.099 (95% CI 1.049-1.152). The high temperatures had acute and short-term effects and declined quickly over time, while the effects in low-temperature ranges were persistent over longer lag periods. Females suffered more from cold-associated morbidity than males. The effects of both hot and cold temperatures were greater among adolescents aged 6-14years. Our study suggests that ambient temperatures are associated with hospital visits for respiratory illness in Lanzhou, particularly for those who are female and young. Caregivers and health practitioners should be made aware of the potential threat posed by cold and hot temperatures.

Oscillatory thermo-regulatory behavior of fecundity-gene-introgressed sheep in the hot semi-arid region

Fecundity gene (FecB) introgression improves the prolificacy of sheep. However, it may adversely affect the adaptability of thermoregulatory behavior when it is introgressed in other than hot-humid regions because it is found in the sheep of the hot-humid region. Therefore, the present study was initiated to assess the oscillatory thermoregulatory behavior of FecB-introgressed sheep in a hot semi-arid region. The thermoregulatory behavior parameters (i.e., respiration rate [RT], heart rate [HR], rectal temperature [RT], and skin temperature [ST]) were recorded at a three-hour interval for continuous 24 hours in well-adapted sheep of the semi-arid region and in FecB-introgressed sheep of the same region during extreme climatic conditions (summer and winter). The cosinor analysis showed a daily circadian rhythm (P < 0.01) in RR, HR, and ST values, as well as similar significant (P < 0.01) differences in thermoregulatory behavior in both the sheep during the summer and winter. The rhythmic change of ambient temperature throughout the day influenced the thermoregulatory physiological behaviors of both well-adapted and FecB-introgressed sheep under semi-arid conditions. The nonsignificant (P > 0.05) difference in mesor, amplitude, and acrophase in RR, PR, RT, and ST among the breeds during summer and winter indicated that the FecB-introgressed sheep also use a similar adaptive strategy to cope with environmental extremes of the hot, semi-arid region like well-adapted sheep.

Penentuan Nilai Work Level Month (WLM) Maksimum Pekerja Pada Ruangan Berbahan Gipsum

Research has been done to identify radioactive elements and determine Work Level Month (WLM) values on workers in the sized room of 2m x 2m using gypsum material. Identification of radioactive elements in gipsum samples using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) methods and measurement of radiation dose in gypsum walls using surveymeter methods. Identification of radioactive elements to the LIBS method showed an element of Th, U, K were detected. The accumulated dose of radiation detected in the room using gypsum walls is (1,6993±0,0169) I¼Sv and the accumulated dose of radiation detected in the room without gypsum walls is (0,5657±0,0292) I¼Sv. WLM values from the room use a gypsum walls if workers work for 1 years is 0,9924 WLM, then it is still considered safe because it is still below the RR values that has been determined that is equal to 50 WLM.

Vitamin B6 Intake and Pancreatic Carcinoma Risk: A Meta-Analysis

Objectives: There are conflicting results for the association between vitamin B6 intake with reduced pancreatic carcinoma risk. Thus, a meta-analysis was performed to summarize the evidences from epidemiological studies.Methods: We searched documents from PubMed-Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The results were analyzed by using Stata software.Results: A total of nine studies were included. The multivariate-adjusted results found that the total RR values of pancreatic carcinoma was 0.65 (95% CI: 0.53–0.80) for the highest vitamin B6 intake vs the lowest vitamin B6 intake, and there was no significant heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 42.0%, P = 0.087). Sensitivity analysis indicated that no single study leaded to an excessive change for the relation between vitamin B6 intake and pancreatic carcinoma risk.Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggested that vitamin B6 intake could significantly decrease pancreatic carcinoma risk. However, further study is needed based on the limitations of the current analysis.