Foreign Direct Investment and External Debt Impacts Assessment on Environmental Resources Depletion in Nigeria

The public interest in justness, equity and fairness in the use of environmental resources between the present and future generations have raised concern about the current depletion rate of environmental resources in Nigeria. Several socioeconomic factors are involved. Worrisome however is the inflow of foreign direct investment and external debt escalation in recent years in the economy. Importantly, we asked, do they contribute to the depletion of environmental resources in Nigeria? In that, we modelled the implications of growth in FDI and external debt on four cases of environmental resources depletion (forestry, solid minerals, fisheries, and crude oil resources productions). The estimated results suggested that though the depletion rate of environmental resources like crude oil depends largely, over the long run and short run, on the movement in FDI inflow, critical to the level of depletion of the forest is the short run effect of external debt. Furthermore, the depletion level of fisheries responds positively only to a change in FDI with a lag in the short run. In terms of solid minerals, we found a long run impact of external debt. Therefore, provided the impact of a rise in FDI and external debt on the depletion of environmental resources is subject to the particular resource and time in Nigeria, selective policies based on the FDI and external debt management is appropriately adequate to control the level of depletion of environmental resources in Nigeria for the benefit of the future generation.

Berberine ameliorates testosterone-induced benign prostate hyperplasia in rats

Introduction Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a major urologic problem that mostly develops in older males. Oxidative stress and inflammation influence the occurrence of BPH. Berberine (BBR) is a natural ingredient that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The current research aims at examining the effects of BBR on testosterone-stimulated BPH in rats. Methods Animals were randomly categorized to six groups. In the control group, normal saline and olive oil were injected as the vehicle. BPH group: received testosterone (3 mg/kg, subcutaneous, 28 days), BPH + BBR groups; received BBR (25 and 50 mg/kg, p.o, 28 days), BPH + finasteride groups: received finasteride (1 mg/kg, p.o, 28 days), BBR (50 mg/kg, p.o, alone) was administered for subjects in the BBR group. On the 29th day, after anesthesia, cervical dislocation was used to kill the subjects. Serum concentration of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone was measured and prostate tissues were excised and used for biochemical, inflammation, and histological analysis. Results BBR prevented increased serum concentrations of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. BBR considerably reduced BPH-stimulated oxidative stress and inflammation through preventing the rise in lipid peroxidation and nitrite concentration and declined the accumulations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor α) and declining the depletion rate of GSH and the function of catalase and superoxide dismutase. Histopathological investigations reported that administration of BBR could suppress testosterone-stimulated BPH. Conclusion This study demonstrated that BBR could significantly prevent the development of BPH in rats.

A Comparison of Surface and Total Deltamethrin Levels of Insecticide-Treated Nets and Estimation of the Effective Insecticidal Lifetime

The ability to anticipate the useful lifetime of an insecticide-treated mosquito net (ITN) would provide a proactive approach for planning net distribution programs. Therefore, we used an exponential decay model of deltamethrin depletion to predict the effective insecticidal lifetime of PermaNet® 2.0 nets used in the Lao PDR. Residual deltamethrin was measured using two nondestructive analytical field methods; X-ray fluorescence (total levels) and a colorimetric field test (surface levels) at 12 and 24 months postdistribution. The model assumes that the 12-month depletion rate can be used to predict future levels. The median total and surface deltamethrin levels for the Lao nets at 12 months were 31.2 and 0.0743 mg/m2, respectively. By defining a failed net as having total deltamethrin levels of less than 15 mg/m2 or a surface level less than 0.0028 mg/m2, it was predicted that 50% of the group of nets will fail at about 27 months after distribution. Insecticide-treated bednets (ITNs) are recognized as important tools for reducing malaria transmission in malaria-endemic regions.1–3 The effectiveness of ITNs at reducing malaria transmission relies on their ability to act as chemical as well as physical barriers. Over time, the accumulation of holes, rips, and tears as well as depletion of insecticide potency, reduces the efficacy of ITNs. Although the accumulation of holes results in decreased personal protection, the presence of remaining insecticide still has the potential to reduce malaria.4 It has been suggested by mathematical models that 94% of transmission can be prevented if 80% of the population continues to use these nets.4 Thus, monitoring insecticide levels along with physical integrity are important in recognizing when an ITN is no longer effective. Although damage to the nets can be visually ascertained, monitoring insecticidal potency is often assessed by using mosquito bioassays or chemical techniques. Mosquito bioassays, such as the WHO Cone Test, are the “Gold Standard” for assessing ITNs. Although mosquito bioassays are important elements in evaluating net efficacy, it is difficult to compare net performance across geographical regions where mosquito behavior and insecticide resistance are quite variable. Therefore, this report focuses on measuring surface and total residual insecticide levels by chemical means as a practical way to monitor and predict net longevity. The chemical techniques used to measure insecticide levels usually result in the partial destruction of an ITN. Spectroscopic methods such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF)5,6 and surface level measurements such as the colorimetric field test for cyanopyrethroids (CFT)7 provide alternative insecticide analysis techniques that are nondestructive to the net, thus allowing the same net to be monitored for insecticide levels over time. The XRF method measures the total (TL) amount of insecticide per area and the CFT measures available insecticide on the net surface (SL) via an abrasion technique using filter paper. Deltamethrin adhered to the filter paper is measured using a colorimetric cyanopyrethroid analysis method.7 The deltamethrin molecule contains both cyano and bromine groups, thus allowing it to be detected by the CFT and XRF, respectively.5,7 In this report, we describe the use of both XRF and CFT methods were on the same net after 12 and 24 months of use. The objectives of this report are to apply an exponential decay model for predicting the effective longevity of ITNs based on TL and SL deltamethrin measured after 12 months of use. The model is based on an assumption that by 12 months, factors contributing to insecticidal loss, such as washing and storage habits have become routinely established, thereby resulting in a depletion rate constant, from which future levels can be predicted.

Way Forward

The combination of fallowing and substituting groundwater by surface water was effective in reducing aquifer depletion in Guantao. The average annual depletion rate after 2014 was about half the value of the pre-project period 2000–2013 and basically limited to the deep aquifer. The goal of closing all deep aquifer wells has only been reached partially, their use being necessary in locations where the shallow aquifer is too saline.

337 Efficient RFI Bulls Presented Lower Fractional Synthesis Rates of Plasma Proteins When Fed Corn but Not Grass Based Diets

Protein turnover (PT), the continual synthesis and degradation of body proteins not leading to protein gain, is an essential high energy-demanding process. We assumed that PT might explain the between-animal variations of residual feed intake (RFI). The objective was to measure PT in extreme RFI cattle fed two contrasted diets (grass or corn-based). We conducted a RFI test for 84 days with 100 Charolais bulls and we selected the 32 most extreme (8 per diet and RFI group) for PT measurements using 1) the urinary 3-methyl-histidine to creatinine ratio, as a biomarker of the fractional protein degradation rate (FDR) of skeletal-muscle and 2) the isotopic N turnover rate measured in urine and plasma, as a proxy, respectively, of the whole-body FDR and the fractional protein synthesis rates (FSR) of plasma proteins. The 3-methyl-histidine and creatinine were determined from 10 d total urine collection. Isotopic N turnover in urine and plasma was evaluated by modelling the 15N depletion rate over 112 d following an isotopic N dietary change. Higher plasma FSR and higher skeletal-muscle and whole-body FDR were observed with corn-vs-grass diets (≥11%; P ≤ 0.03), in line with higher metabolizable protein and net energy intakes (≥10%, P = 0.001). Differences between extreme RFI animals were noted with the corn diets only, where efficient animals presented significant lower plasma FSR (-10%; P = 0.04) and numerically lower skeletal-muscle and whole-body FDR (-13% and - 8.9%; P > 0.16 respectively) than non-efficient. Non-significant differences were probably due to an insufficient size of our experimental setup. Plasma FSR is related to the PS of hepatic exportation, hence the lower plasma FSR observed in efficient RFI animals fed corn diets may reflect a lower organs to carcass ratio. Altogether results suggests that efficient RFI bulls fed corn diets had a lower hepatic PT with no-significant changes of whole-body and skeletal muscle PT.

Renewable Energy: Sources, Integration and Application: Review Article

Renewable technologies are technically viable and economically attractive; traditional energy technology receives many investment dollars. This study examines the integration of renewable energy sources using functions that associate emissions with power generation; traditional producing units can represent these emissions. The environment friendly design has become a significant concern in the first decade of the 21st century. As a result of climate change and a limited supply of traditional energy sources (fossil fuel), the world needs to take renewable energy seriously. Renewable sources of energy are derived from the energy flow that occurs naturally in a continual manner. Many people define renewability as the ability to regenerate at a rate equal to or faster than a given energy source's depletion rate. Currently, fossil fuels are used to meet most energy needs, which should be replaced in the future by cleaner energy sources, such as renewables or nuclear energy. Building integration systems aim to replace a building element with a solar panel array to boost the RES system's viability. Renewable energy sources can be used to lessen the use of fossil fuels when certain criteria are satisfied. The use of renewable energy sources in buildings has well-understood environmental and economic benefits in this study. By relying on sustainable sources of energy, we can save as much energy as feasible.

The Efficiency of Motorcycle Use in Illegal Bushmeat Transportation in Western Serengeti, Tanzania

Bushmeat is an important source of protein, as well as economic income for communities in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. This study was conducted in north-western Serengeti, Tanzania, from July to September of 2019. Two villages were sampled for distance calculation: Kowak and Robanda. The snowballing technique was the sampling design adopted. Trained assistants identified at least one bushmeat vendor in each village to be interviewed, who was thereafter asked to identify another vendor known to him/her. The number of days spent delivering bushmeat packages to the illegal market (an average of 200 km) from the bushmeat source was 16.8 days when using donkeys, 6.8 days when using bicycles, and 2.0 days when using motorcycles. Motorcycles were 8.4 and 3.4 times more efficient than donkeys and bicycles, respectively. Bicycles were 2.5 times more efficient than donkeys. The mean weights of bushmeat packages delivered by donkeys were 188.4 kg and 109.0 kg when using bicycles. Motorcycles delivered 185.0 kg of bushmeat per trip. The mean weights carried by donkeys and motorcycles were 1.7 times higher than those of bicycles. The mean depletion rates of motorcycles were 92.5 kg of bushmeat per day for a distance of 200 km. Bicycles depleted 16.0 kg, while donkeys only depleted 11.2 kg per day to the market. The use of motorcycles in bushmeat transportation increased the efficiency in delivering illegal bushmeat to predetermined illegal markets, and thus resulted in a high depletion rate. Wildlife authorities should introduce patrol systems that include the control of motorcycles close to protected areas. There should be day and night checkpoints in various places, such as large bridges that cannot be avoided and along rural pathways.

Infill Depleted Gas Well Cementing Challenges for Offshore Myanmar Drilling Operations

Infill well drilling was planned and executed to increase production in a significantly depleted field. A total of 3 infill wells were drilled in 2 different layers of reservoir for an offshore operator in Myanmar. In the offset wells, water production had become significantly higher throughout. Previously all offset wells in this field were completed with open hole sand screens was chosen to isolate the water bearing sand in the sand reservoir below. Pore pressure prognosis were calculated from offset well depletion rate. Reservoir formation properties is assumed to be same throughout the field. The first well was drilled and was found that there were two gas water contacts through the 3 targeted sand layers. The gas water contact and WUT (Water Up To) in this well were unexpected and it was prognosed that these gas water contact are there due to compartmentalization. The 7" liner were set and cemented throughout these reservoirs. The cement job went as per the plan and there were no losses recorded during cementing. However, initial cement log did not show isolation. 2 more runs of cement log were performed 6 days and 10 days later while conducting intervention activities on other wells. All three cement log came to the same conclusion, showing no isolation throughout the annulus of the 7" production liner. Significant amount of gas had percolated into the annulus over time. Despite no evidence of poor cement slurry design observed during running various sensitivity studies and post-job lab tests final cement log, which was conducted under pressure and confirmed no hydraulic isolation. A cement remedial job was planned and an investigation was conducted to identify the plausible root causes. This paper explains on the root causes of poor cement presence in the annulus, and the remedial work that took place to rectify the issue.

Numerical Simulation of Nonequilibrium Foamy Oil for Cyclic Solvent Injection in Reservoirs after Cold Heavy Oil Production with Sand

Summary Nonequilibrium foamy oil behavior and solvent transport are two important recovery mechanisms for cyclic solvent injection (CSI) processes in post-cold heavy oil production with sand (CHOPS) reservoirs. The nonequilibrium solvent exsolution and gas bubbles generated during the pressure depletion stage have the typical characteristics of foamy oil flow. In this paper, a field-scalepost-CHOPS model is constructed and upscaled from a core model, which was calibrated against detailed experimental data involving various propane (C3H8)-based and carbon dioxide (CO2)-based solvent mixtures. The field model is upscaled from the core model to analyze the impacts of simulation scales, heterogeneous wormholes, and the operating schedules on foamy oil behavior of different solvent systems. Reaction kinetics are implemented to represent the nonequilibrium gas dissolution and exsolution for foamy oil flow. A fractal wormhole network is modeled. To analyze the impacts of pressure depletion strategies, single-stage pressure depletion involving three oil solvent systems, as well as two cycles of CSI production processes, are examined. Detailed sensitivity analyses involving different solvent compositions are discussed. The results illustrate that both C3H8-based and CO2-based solvents exhibit significant nonequilibrium foamy oil characteristics, enabling the oil viscosity to remain close to its value with dissolved solvent during the pressure depletion process. However, the amount of nonequilibrium foamy oil flow is strongly dependent on the pressure depletion rate: A faster depletion rate is beneficial for higher oil recovery. The core model results are more sensitive to the solvent types, whereas the field-scale simulations show comparable recovery performance for both C3H8-based and CO2-based solvents. This observation highlights the significance of domain size, time scale, and wormhole heterogeneities on the ensuing foamy oil behavior. Although several post-CHOPS models were developed in the past, detailed field-scale models that simulate nonequilibrium foamy oil kinetics in a realistic wormhole network are lacking. The simulation model developed here has been calibrated against detailed experimental measurements and upscaled from a core-scale model. Improving our understanding of solvent dissolution/exsolution would aid in the design of operating strategies (e.g., pressure depletion and solvent injection schemes) for enhanced solvent/oil mixing and transport.

The MLR COMPASS-like complex is required to regulate triglyceride depletion and stress response in the Drosophila fat body

MLR COMPASS-like complexes are highly conserved histone modifiers and enhancer regulators recruited by multiple transcription factors during differentiation and development, including lineage-determining factors, nuclear receptors, and developmental signaling pathway effectors. While the essential functions of MLR complexes during differentiation-associated transcriptional reprogramming has been well-explored, roles that these complexes play during reprogramming events in terminally differentiated cells remain understudied. We determined that the Drosophila MLR complex is required in fat body adipocytes for proper regulation of the triglyceride depletion rate during non-feeding periods, including metamorphosis and adult starvation. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the complex plays a critical role in controlling stress-related reprogramming in these cells, suggesting that the metabolic phenotypes are indirect effects of dysregulated stress transcription. Furthermore, our evidence suggests that the complex interacts with Foxo and Relish (Nf-κb) pathways and is required for proper expression of their targets. This investigation further elucidates the necessary functions of MLR complexes in regulating transcriptional reprogramming in terminally differentiated cells as well as suggests novel binding partners. Apparent roles for these complexes in the proper regulation of stress-induced transcription implies new mechanisms involved in cancer and other human diseases associated with MLR subunit mutation.