Comparison of Oral Versus Vaginal Misoprostol for Induction of Labour at Term

Background: To compare the efficacy and safety of oral versus vaginal administration of Misoprostol for induction of labour at term. Methods: In this interventional study primigravida were assigned in two groups; A and B, using non-probability convenient sampling technique. Group-A (n=50) had Misoprostol orally, while group-B (n=50) received the drug by vaginal route. Dosage was 100 μg four hours apart in group-A and six hours apart in group-B. Maximum of four doses were given. Main outcome measures of study were labour-induction interval, labour-delivery interval, mode of delivery, neonatal outcome and feto-maternal complications. Results: The mean dosage requirement for induction of labour in groups A and B was 2.1±1.1 and 2.4±1.8 (p-0.23) respectively. Mean labour-induction interval in group A and B were 7.5±4.2 and 7.3±4.1 (p-0.87) hours respectively, which is not significant statistically. Mean labour delivery interval was shorter in vaginal group (4.9±2.7 hours) versus oral group(6.0±2.2) hours (p-0.04). Need for Oxytocin augmentation was less in vaginal group (21%) versus oral group (68%) (p-0.009). There was no statistical difference between the groups with respect to mode of delivery and neonatal outcome. The incidence of hyper-stimulation was similar in both groups. Conclusion:Misoprostol is a cost effective alternate for induction of labour. Misoprostol through vaginal route results in successful cervical ripening, less need for oxytocin and shorter time to delivery with acceptable safety profile

Hydrologic Characterization of the Saline Frio Formation, Victoria County, Texas Gulf Coast: A Case Study

Pressure data gathered from drillstem tests (DSTs) and bottomhole pressure measurements in onshore oil and gas wells along the Texas Gulf Coast were used for evaluating pressure regimes and their influence on the migration potential of formation fluids. The data were used to construct potentiometric surfaces and residual potential surfaces and to assess the effects of depressurization caused by hydrocarbon production. This technique was utilized for preliminary geohydrologic characterization of the Frio Formation of the Texas Gulf Coast. Included in this report are the results of such an analysis for Victoria County, Texas, as a sample case study. Pressure data were evaluated for reliability, and a screening and classification system was applied to closely monitor the quality of data used for generating potentiometric surfaces. Preceding the hydrologic analysis, steps were taken to review the available geologic information in the context of Tertiary Texas Gulf Coast formations. An evaluation of the regional pressure-depth plots reveals multiple overlapping pressure regimes. Also indicated is an area of extensive depressurization attributable to hydrocarbon production. The potentiometric surfaces also reflect depressurization that results in local variations in flow directions and a general trend of flow toward the oil and gas fields. Potentiometric surfaces for the deeper sections of the Frio reflect the high equivalent hydraulic heads in the geopressured region.Bureau of Economic Geolog

Surface Water Hydrology of the Proposed Low-Level Radioactive Waste Isolation Site, Hudspeth County, Texas

This report describes the surface-water hydrology at the proposed low-level radioactive waste isolation site in Hudspeth County, Texas. The objective of these investigations was to evaluate the flooding potential at the site based on computer simulation of runoff from observed and hypothetical rain events. Analytic techniques and assumptions used in this study are based on recommendations of federal and state regulatory agencies regarding flood insurance and dam safety criteria. Published topographic maps, aerial photographs, and site surveys were used for delineating drainage basins and surface-water pathways on the study area. Surface-water runoff volumes were calculated for rain events monitored at the site during the study period. Hydrologic computer models were employed to determine correlation of rainfall to surface-water runoff. These computer models were calibrated using rainfall and stream-flow data measured at the site. Flood profiles were calculated for 100-yr and probable maximum rain events, which were estimated from historical data. The following conclusions regarding the flooding potential at the study area were drawn on the basis of these studies: (1) Computer simulation indicates that floods resulting from hypothetical 100-yr and probable maximum precipitation events are contained within existing channels in the study area, leaving large interchannel areas unflooded. Some overland sheet flow is encountered over the flat area, but the velocities of flow are very small. (2) Rainfall events recorded during the 1988-1989 period were short and localized. The response of runoff to rainfall is rapid and the duration of the peak water flow after rainfall is relatively short. (3) Flow velocities range from 3 to 13 ft/sec (0.9 to 4 m/sec) in channels and are lower over flat areas. Maximum depth of flow due to a 100-yr flood in the better-defined channel on the central part of the study area is about 5 ft (1.5 m).Bureau of Economic Geolog

A Comparative Analysis Of Conventional Software Development Approaches Vs. Formal Methods In Call Distribution Systems

When we think about formal method; the first thing which comes in our mind is mathematical approach. The process of formalization is an approach based on mathematics and used to elaborate the properties of systems (hardware and software). The mathematical modeling or formal methods provide us a framework for large and complex systems. Thus these systems can be specified, analyzed, designed, and verified in a systematic way rather than the approaches which are used conventionally. Formal verification and the methods are applied using theoretical computer science fundamentals to solve the complex and difficult problems in large and complex software and hardware systems to ensure the systems will not fail with run-time errors. Conventional approaches of software verification in call distribution systems rely on quality assurance to verify the system behavior and robustness. The process of software testing cannot show the absence of errors it can only show the presence of errors in software systems. [1] In contrast, the mathematically-based techniques of verification are based on formal methods to prove certain software attributes, for example proving that software does or does not contain the occurrence of errors at run-time such as overflows, divide-by-zero, and access violation, invalid memory access and stack/heap corruption. [1] In this paper later we will have comparative analysis of formal methods vs. conventional software development approaches in call distribution systems. Using this comparison we‘ll try to identify the methodologies and approaches which would be better in SDLC for call distribution systems.

Abandoned Well Characterization: A Methodology to Evaluate Regional Hydraulic Controls on Flow From Hydrocarbon Reservoirs into Underground Sources of Drinking Water

Between 1859 and 1990, approximately 3.3 million wells for oil and gas exploration and production were drilled in the U.S., of which nearly 2.4 million have been shut-in, temporarily abandoned, or plugged and abandoned (World Oil, 1992). Several major petroleum basins in the country contain large populations of these wells. Because drilling, completion, and abandonment practices for wells have evolved over the years, older wells that were found to be unproductive (or dry), or which had to be permanently shut-in for mechanical problems or economic reasons, may not have been adequately plugged according to modern standards or regulations. In some instances, upward movement of saltwater in such abandoned wells may pose a risk of contamination to underground sources of drinking water (USDWs). Three main conditions must exist for contamination of a USDW to occur by fluid migration from an oil and gas production zone or a waste disposal zone: (1) presence of a USDW overlying the zone; (2) presence of unplugged or inadequately plugged abandoned wells (or natural geologic pathways) that penetrate both a production or disposal zone and a USDW; and (3) an upward-directed hydraulic gradient between the zone of interest and the USDW. The first condition exists in many of the petroleum-producing areas in the U.S. However, the second and third conditions may or may not occur. In particular, the third condition depends in part upon the changes in pressure due to fluid withdrawal and injection associated with enhanced recovery or salt-water disposal (Class II wells).Bureau of Economic Geolog

Ethical Considerations Surrounding Vaccine Development During A Public Health Crisis

Epidemics and Pandemics have been plaguing mankind since many centuries, and are a cause of major healthcare expense in modern times. The novel coronavirus pandemic of 2019-2020 spread worldwide faster than many previous pandemics, including EBOLA in 2017. Although personal protective equipment, and social distancing slowed the outbreak, a vaccine is needed to ensure global immunization and to stop this deadly outbreak. Developing a vaccine in times of a public health crisis comes with a lot of ethical considerations, including overlooking proper informed consent, the issue of using placebo in control arm of trials, extended timelines of development of vaccines, randomized placebo control trial of secondary vaccine once the first vaccine is approved, and utilizing vulnerable population for trials. These issues are often overlooked due to the urgency of the situation, and the need of developing a cure/vaccine can lead to potential oversight of many regulations. We discuss some of these issues related to vaccine development in a pandemic situation in this commentary paper. We also discuss some of the arguments supporting a secondary vaccine development such as logistical/economic issue, better efficacy, and the conditions of Equipoise

Association Of Electroencephalogram Patterns With Ammonia Levels In Hepatic Encephalopathy Patients

Objective: To find out the association between electroencephalogram (EEG) and hepatic encephalopathy. Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 100 patients (with the age of52.5±6.09years for males and 51.7 ± 6.10 years for females) of reported hepatic encephalopathy, visiting the medical department (indoor and OPD) at Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital, Islamabad. The study was conducted from January 2020 to May 2021. Patients who had known epileptic and structural brain lesions or strokes were excluded from the study. Statistical analysis was done using GraphPad Prism software. The significance of data (p-value or R2 value) was calculated through a two-tailed test or correlation coefficient. Results: All the patients in hepatic encephalopathy grade IV reported abnormal EEG representing triphasic waves and flattening of EEG pattern. There was no correlation observed between age, gender and hepatic encephalopathy grades. However, a significant correlation (R2= 0.9032) was observed between serum ammonia levels and hepatic encephalopathy grades. Elevated serum ammonia levels depicted the severity of hepatic encephalopathy. Overall, the percentage of patients with abnormal EEG increased with increasing grade of hepatic encephalopathy. It was quite intriguing to note that EEG, being the common method to diagnose hepatic encephalopathy grades, is not dependent on patients’ socio-economic status. Conclusion: Data concluded that serum ammonia levels are well associated with the progression of hepatic encephalopathy. Moreover, the EEG patter provides the appropriate information about the neurological abnormalities associated with the severity of hepatic encephalopathy. Hence, serum ammonia levels and EEG both should accurately be used as indicators for diagnosis and monitoring the response to the treatment of various grades of hepatic encephalopathy. Data warrant further investigations to get a better insight into hepatic encephalopathy's relationship with EEG patterns through the inclusion of molecular parameters

Hydrogeology of Formations Used for Deep-Well Injection, Texas Gulf Coast

This research program was conducted to investigate fluid migration potential, fluid direction, and velocities in the regional hydrologic environment of the Texas Gulf Coast Tertiary formations in the context of deep-well injection of hazardous chemical wastes. The study focused on the Frio Formation due to its significant waste injection and the availability of a large database on formation pressures and water chemistry in the Frio. Pressure data collected from drill-stem tests and bottomhole pressure measurements in onshore oil and gas wells were used to evaluate pressure regimes. Pressure-depth profiles and potentiometric surfaces constructed from this data revealed three hydrologic regimes: a shallow section with fresh to moderately saline water in the upper 3,000-4,000 ft, an essentially saline hydrostatic section 4,000-5,000 ft thick, and a deeper overpressured section with moderate to high salinities. The hydrologic complexity is further compounded by extensive depressurization in the 4,000-8,000 ft depth interval, likely resulting from the production of over 10 billion barrels of oil equivalent and associated brines over the past 50 years. It was not possible to construct a composite potentiometric surface of the entire Frio to determine "natural" flow gradients or "natural" points of discharge. Potentiometric surfaces representing discrete depth intervals were mapped, and these values, along with flow gradients determined from potentiometric surfaces and published permeability and porosity data, were used to compute linear fluid flow velocities ranging from 0.01 ft/year to 105 ft/year in the lateral direction. The potential for vertical fluid migration was investigated using equivalent environmental hydraulic head maps. The presence of widespread pockets of depressured formations significantly affects the direction and value of fluid gradients, as these depressured oil and gas fields may become potential sinks for the injected chemical wastes. Published water chemistry data were supplemented by field sampling of waters from 32 oil fields. Active recharge of the Frio by continental waters does not seem to be occurring. All sampled waters appear to be in isotopic equilibrium with the rock matrix. Salt dome dissolution is the primary reaction controlling water chemistry in the northern section, while brines from the deeper geopressured section may be leaking into the hydrostatic section of the central and southern Gulf Coast Frio. The absence of organic acids and the alteration of Frio oils from samples shallower than approximately 7,000 ft suggest biodegradation, which has useful implications for the degradation of injected chemical wastes. A detailed analysis of the localized hydrodynamics in Victoria County, Texas, as a case study demonstrates the applicability of the developed techniques to injection facility siting and monitoring processes, particularly where depressurization was observed on a local, county-size scale.Bureau of Economic Geolog

Factors affecting wool quality and quantity in sheep

There are varieties of factors which can affect wool (macro and micro elements of wool) in sheep directly or indirectly. Genetic and environmental factors are major factors influencing wool quality and quantity. There are some bacterial, viral, fungal and espically parasitic diseases which also affect the wool. Other factors are exogenous chemicals, hormones, weather and photo period. In the present study, existing knowledge on the factors affecting wool were reviewed but there are gaps to conduct research on fundamental aspects of wool growth, which could have relevance to other areas of biology.Keywords: Wool quality, staple length, ultra high-sulphur proteins, fleec