Integrated approach for reservoir characterization and field development of Meyal area, Upper Indus basin, Pakistan

678-685Seismic data commonly provides insight into subsurface reservoirs. However, only seismic is not capable to completely evaluate reservoir pore fluid heterogeneities. Therefore, an integrated approach of seismic interpretation, petrophysical analysis and Gassmann fluid substitution is used in Meyal area, for its reservoir depiction and field development. The results of seismic analysis reveal that the study area is in compressional regime and thrust bounded pop-up structure makes it appropriate for hydrocarbon accumulation. A new lead is identified that could be probable hydrocarbon potential zone. Petrophysical investigation depicts that the zone is saturated with hydrocarbon and hold suitable effective porosity. In addition, fluid substitution in desired zone reflects variations in elastic properties (P, S-wave velocity and density) when substituted with brine. The maximum variations are perceived at maximum saturation of brine. This approach can be confidently applied to quantify reservoir potential in any sedimentary basin of the world

Peri-parturient rise in faecal nematode egg counts with reference to Haemonchus contortus in Bulkhi ewes in Northern Punjab, Pakistan

The occurrence of the peri-parturient rise (PPR) in fecal egg count (FEC) phenomena in Bulkhi ewes and its subsequent impact on naive lambs reared in a traditional semi-intensive husbandry system were monitored at the Small Ruminants Research Station, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan. In this study, two ewe groups, pregnant/lactating (n=37) and open/non-prcgnant (n=37), were observed for the PPR phenomena in the sub-tropical area of Pakistan. A significant difference (P\u3c 0.01) was noted for FEC, individual larval culture, packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (Hb) level in the pregnant/lactating ewes as compared to the open ewes throughout the study. Faecal examination showed consistently higher, predominantly Haemonchus contortus, FEC with lower PCV and Hb level in the pregnant/lactating ewes. The sharp increase in FEC occurred two weeks before lambing and persisted for 12 weeks after lambing. The results showed that the PPR in FEC was associated with both gestation and lactation which provided a large number of third-stage infective larvae (L3) on pasture. These larvae were considered the primary source of infection for the lambs. Thus, infection in lambs showed an initial rise in FEC after four weeks when highly susceptible lambs were allowed to graze along with their dams on the same naturally contaminated pastures. A control measure to consider would be to deworm ewes before lambing or in early lactation to reduce pasture contamination and infection of lambs. Copyright 2009 Zoological Society of Pakistan

Biogenic Synthesis of Ag Nanoparticles of 18.27 nm by <i>Zanthozylum armatum</i> and Determination of Biological Potentials

Nanotechnology has become a dire need of the current era and the green synthesis of nanoparticles offers several advantages over other methods. Nanobiotechnology is an emerging field that contributes to many domains of human life, such as the formulation of nanoscale drug systems or nanomedicine for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Medicinal plants are the main sources of lead compounds, drug candidates and drugs. This work reports the green synthesis of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous bark extract of Zanthozylum armatum, which was confirmed by a UV absorption at 457 nm. XRD analysis revealed an average size of 18.27 nm and SEM showed the particles’ spherical shape, with few irregularly shaped particles due to the aggregation of the AgNPs. FT-IR revealed the critical functional groups of phytochemicals which acted as reducing and stabilizing agents. The bark extract showed rich flavonoids (333 mg RE/g) and phenolic contents (82 mg GAE/g), which were plausibly responsible for its high antioxidant potency (IC50 = 14.61 µg/mL). Extract-loaded AgNPs exhibited the highest but equal inhibition against E. coli and P. aeruginosa (Z.I. 11.0 mm), whereas methanolic bark extract inhibited to a lesser extent, but equally to both pathogens (Z.I. 6.0 mm). The aqueous bark extract inhibited P. aeruginosa (Z.I. 9.0 mm) and (Z.I. 6.0 mm) E. coli. These findings—especially the biosynthesis of spherical AgNPs of 18.27 nm—provide promise for further investigation and for the development of commercializable biomedical products

EMI shielding properties of polymer blends with inclusion of graphene nano platelets

Polymer blends of poly vinyle chloride (PVC) and polyaniline (PANI) with the inclusion of graphene nano platelets (GNP) are fabricated to enhance the EMI shielding effectiveness. The initial assessment with cyclic voltammetry has shown improved electrical conductivity both for PVC/PANI blends and PVC/PANI/GNP composites. The capacitive effect of the blends and composites is evaluated at lower frequency region (100 Hz-5 MHz). EMI shielding measurements of PVC/PANI/GNP composites is performed in the frequency range 10 MHz-20 GHz. In case of PVC/PANI (15 wt%) blends, a maximum attenuation of similar to 27 dB is attained which is enhanced to similar to 51 dB (max.) with the inclusion of 5 wt% GNP, mainly due to the absorption phenomena. The enhanced shielding effectiveness is achieved mainly in the frequency range 11-20 GHz. The dispersion state, fillers nature and their interaction may be the main aspects for the enhanced EMI shielding effectiveness of hybrid polymeric nanocomposites.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population.The aim of this study was to inform vaccination prioritization by modelling the impact of vaccination on elective inpatient surgery. The study found that patients aged at least 70 years needing elective surgery should be prioritized alongside other high-risk groups during early vaccination programmes. Once vaccines are rolled out to younger populations, prioritizing surgical patients is advantageous