The Middle East has long been in turmoil,and the new round of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has further highlighted the urgency of security governance in the region.The Global Security Initiative(GSI)proposed by Ch...The Middle East has long been in turmoil,and the new round of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has further highlighted the urgency of security governance in the region.The Global Security Initiative(GSI)proposed by China provides theoretical guidance and practical paths for China’s participation in Middle East security governance.China’s engagement in Middle East security governance not only meets the expectations of Middle East countries but also fully demonstrates its responsibility as a major country,which is of great significance for China to explore participation in global security governance and address the global security deficit.展开更多
BACKGROUND Picky eating is a commonly observed behavior among children globally,negatively impacting their physical and mental growth.Although common characteristics distinguish peaky eaters,including food selectivity...BACKGROUND Picky eating is a commonly observed behavior among children globally,negatively impacting their physical and mental growth.Although common characteristics distinguish peaky eaters,including food selectivity,food neophobia,and food avoidance,there is no clear definition to assess this behavior.Due to the unavailability of data regarding picky eating,it wasn’t easy to estimate its prevalence.AIM To develop a regional protocol to help healthcare professionals identify and manage mild and moderate picky eating cases.METHODS A virtual roundtable discussion was held in April 2021 to gather the opinions of seven pediatricians and two pediatric dietitians from eight Middle Eastern countries who had great experience in the management of picky eating.The discussion covered different topics,including clearly defining mild and moderate picky eating,identifying the role of diet fortification in these cases,and the possibility of developing a systematic approach to diet fortification.RESULTS The panel identified picky eating as consuming an inadequate amount and variety of foods by rejecting familiar and unfamiliar food.Most of the time,moderate picky eating cases had micronutrient deficiencies with over-or undernutrition;the mild cases only showed inadequate food consumption and/or poor diet quality.Paying attention to the organic red flags like growth faltering and development delay and behavioral red flags,including food fixation and anticipatory gagging,will help healthcare professionals evaluate the picky eaters and the caregivers to care for their children.Although dietary supplementation and commercial food fortification play an important role in picky eating,they were no benefit in the Middle East.CONCLUSION The panel agreed that food fortification through a food-first approach and oral nutritional supplements would be the best for Middle Eastern children.These recommendations would facilitate identifying and managing picky-eating children in the Middle East.展开更多
Based on the waterflooding development in carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East,this study analyzes the geological characteristics and waterflooding behaviors/patterns of different types of high permeability zones(H...Based on the waterflooding development in carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East,this study analyzes the geological characteristics and waterflooding behaviors/patterns of different types of high permeability zones(HPZs),and proposes rational waterflooding strategies and modes.Four types of HPZs,i.e.sedimentation-dominated,sedimentation-diagenesis coupling,biogenic and composite,are identified in the carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East.Based on their distribution patterns,flow mechanisms,and waterflooding behaviors/patterns,five waterflooding modes are established:(1)the mode with stepwise-infilled areal vertical well pattern,for composite HFZs in patchy distribution;(2)the mode with regular row vertical well pattern for TypeⅠchannel“network”HFZs(with dominant water flow pathways at the base),and the mode with irregular differentiated vertical well pattern for TypeⅡchannel“network”HFZs(where multi-stage superimposition leads to“layered flooding”),for sedimentation-diagenesis coupling HFZs;(3)the mode with row horizontal wells through bottom injection and top production,for biogenic HFZs characterized by thin,contiguous distribution and rapid advancing of injected water along a工-shaped path;and(4)the mode with progressive waterflooding through edge water injection via vertical well and oil production via horizontal well,for sedimentation-dominated HFZs characterized by thick,contiguous distribution and flood first in upper anti-rhythmic reservoirs.Development practices demonstrate that the proposed waterflooding modes are efficient in the highly heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East,with balanced employment of reserves in the adjacent reservoirs and enhanced oil recovery.展开更多
We report the development of a triplex nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay(NALFIA)for the detection of the genomes of Nipah virus(NiV),Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus(MERS-CoV)and Reston ebolavirus(REBO...We report the development of a triplex nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay(NALFIA)for the detection of the genomes of Nipah virus(NiV),Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus(MERS-CoV)and Reston ebolavirus(REBOV),which are intended for screening bats as well as other hosts and reservoirs of these three viruses.Our triplex NALFIA is a two-step assay format:the target nucleic acid in the sample is first amplified using tagged primers,and the tagged dsDNA amplicons are captured by antibodies immobilized on the NALFIA device,resulting in signal development from the binding of a streptavidin-colloidal gold conjugate to a biotin tag on the captured amplicons.Triplex amplification of the N gene of NiV,the UpE gene of MERS-CoV,and the Vp40 gene of REBOV was optimized,and three compatible combinations of hapten labels and antibodies were identified for end point detection.The lowest RNA copy numbers detected by the triplex NALFIA were 8.21e4 for the NiV N target,7.09e1 for the MERS-CoV UpE target,and 1.83e4 for the REBOV Vp40 target.Using simulated samples,the sensitivity and specificity for MERS-CoV and REBOV targets were estimated to be 100%,while the sensitivity and specificity for the NiV target were 91%and 93.3%,respectively.The compliance rate between triplex NALFIA and real-time RT‒PCR was 92%for the NiV N target and 100%for the MERS-CoV UpE and REBOV Vp40 targets.展开更多
Greenhouse gas(GHG)emssions from fossil fuel consumption are driving global climate change.This study applied the fully modified ordinary least squares(FMOLS)model and pairwise panel Granger causality test to explore ...Greenhouse gas(GHG)emssions from fossil fuel consumption are driving global climate change.This study applied the fully modified ordinary least squares(FMOLS)model and pairwise panel Granger causality test to explore the relationships of GHG emissions with gross domestic product(GDP),population,urbanization,natural resource rents,foreign direct investment(FDI),and renewable energy consumption in 12 Middle East and North Africa(MENA)countries(Algeria,Bahrain,Comoros,Djibouti,Egypt,Qatar,Somalia,Saudi Arabia,Syria,the United Arab Emirates,Tunisia,and Yemen)from 1990 to 2023.Due to the limited data on renewable energy after 2020,the coverage of renewable energy consumption is from 1990 to 2021.Findings showed that Saudi Arabia,Egypt,Algeria,the United Arab Emirates,and Qatar are the top 5 GHG emitters in the MENA region,with the GHG emissions of the energy sector rising fastest among all sectors.Results also indicated that a 1.00%increase in GDP,population,urbanization,natural resource rents,and FDI raises GHG emissions by 0.48%,0.61%,0.86%,0.29%,and 0.11%,respectively.Conversely,a 1.00%increase in renewable energy consumption reduces GHG emissions by 0.13%.Effective policies promoting renewable energy investment and the adoption of renewable energy could significantly reduce electricity costs and GHG emissions,contributing to achieving climate goals,such as net-zero emissions and environmental sustainability.Additionally,the increase of renewable energy consumption and technology development would improve energy efficiency,create jobs,and stimulate economic growth in the MENA region.This study recommends tailored policy instruments to support the transition to low-emission technologies and strategies.展开更多
Based on the waterflooding development in carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East,in order to solve the problem of the poor development effects caused by commingled injection and production,taking the thick bioclastic...Based on the waterflooding development in carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East,in order to solve the problem of the poor development effects caused by commingled injection and production,taking the thick bioclastic limestone reservoirs of Cretaceous in Iran-Iraq as an example,this paper proposes a balanced waterflooding development technology for thick and complex carbonate reservoirs.This technology includes the fine division of development units by concealed baffles and barriers,the combination of multi well type and multi well pattern,and the construction of balanced water injection and recovery system.Thick carbonate reservoirs in Iran-Iraq are characterized by extremely vertical heterogeneity,development of multi-genesis ultra-high permeability zones,and highly concealed baffles and barriers.Based on the technologies of identification,characterization,and sealing evaluation for concealed baffles and barriers,the balanced waterflooding development technology is proposed,and three types of balanced waterflooding development modes/techniques are formed,namely,conventional stratigraphic framework,fine stratigraphic framework,and deepened stratigraphic framework.Numerical simulations show that this technology is able to realize a fine and efficient waterflooding development to recover,in a balanced manner,the reserves of thick and complex carbonate reservoirs in Iran and Iraq.The proposed technology provides a reference for the development optimization of similar reservoirs.展开更多
The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the effects of male age and ejaculatory abstinence on semen parameters and reproductive hormones among men residing in Africa and the Middle East. A total of 70,14...The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the effects of male age and ejaculatory abstinence on semen parameters and reproductive hormones among men residing in Africa and the Middle East. A total of 70,142 semen analysis results were analysed and grouped according to the age intervals (16 - 20, 21 - 30, 31 - 40, 41 - 50, 51 - 60, >60) and ejaculatory abstinence (<2 days, 2 - 5 days and >5 days). Semen parameters i.e. volume, concentration, progressive motility, total progressively motile count, morphology, total normal sperm count, DNA fragmentation, viability, sORP, normed sORP were specifically evaluated. Additionally, for each age interval, reproductive hormones i.e. estradiol, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone and prolactin were evaluated. Semen volume, total progressively motile count, sperm morphology and total normal sperm count constantly decrease significantly after the age of 30 years. Sperm concentration started declining significantly after the age of 50 years. There was a constant age- related increase in number of spermatozoa with damaged DNA. sORP constantly increased up to 60 years. Furthermore, constantage-related decreases in FSH, serum testosterone and prolact in were observed from patients aged between 16 years and 60 years. Semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology were significantly higher in patients having > 5 days of abstinence. Patients having > 5 days of abstinence had the lowest normed sORP. Male age significantly affects sperm parameters and reproductive hormones in fertile and infertile men residing in Africa and the Middle East. Prolonged abstinence days provides better semen quality.展开更多
The current Middle East situation is characterized by accelerating multi-polarity, the intertwining sectarian politics and geopolitics, the impending crisis of US alliance system, the escalation of arms race, and the ...The current Middle East situation is characterized by accelerating multi-polarity, the intertwining sectarian politics and geopolitics, the impending crisis of US alliance system, the escalation of arms race, and the deterioration of terrorism and separatism. Syria, Iran, Yemen and Palestine-Israel peace process will remain the flashpoints. Within such a changed situation, China＇s Middle East policy is evolving from passiveness to aggressiveness. First, participation in the Middle East governance and protection of its practical interests are the two major pillars of China＇s diplomacy in the Middle East; second, bilateral and multilateral mechanisms are the major platforms; third, partnership instead of alliance is the unique China-styled coalition policy, and finally the ＂Belt and Road Initiative＂ is an important tool of Chinese Middle East diplomacy.展开更多
The Middle East is the home of ethnic groups from three main backgrounds: Semitic (Arabs and Jews), Indo-European (Persians and Kurdish) and Turkic (Turkish and Turkmens). Its geographic location, which has been under...The Middle East is the home of ethnic groups from three main backgrounds: Semitic (Arabs and Jews), Indo-European (Persians and Kurdish) and Turkic (Turkish and Turkmens). Its geographic location, which has been under continuous influences from Asia, Europe and Africa, has made it an ideal site for epidemiological studies on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and genotyping. The gastric cancer rate differs in this region from very high in Iran (26.1/105) to low in Israel (12.5/105) and very low in Egypt (3.4/105). Epidemiological studies showed that the prevalence of H. pylori is almost similar in those countries with a high level of infection in childhood. Importantly, the frequency of vacA s1 and m1 regions and cagA+ genotypes were higher in non Semitic populations who inhabit the North than Semitic populations, the inhabitants of Southern parts of the Middle East. H. pylori infection prevalence, distribution pattern of virulence factors, diet and smoking could not have explained the difference in cancer rate. This reflects the multifactorial aetiology of gastric cancer and suggests that H. pylori infection does not always directly correlate with the risk for gastrointestinal disease, such as gastric cancer. Further detailed investigations and international comparative studies of each risk factor needto be performed to investigate whether this represents a true enigma.展开更多
By using the NCEP/NCAR pentad reanalysis data from 1968 to 2009, the variation characteristics of Middle East jet stream(MEJS) and its thermal mechanism during seasonal transition are studied. Results show that the in...By using the NCEP/NCAR pentad reanalysis data from 1968 to 2009, the variation characteristics of Middle East jet stream(MEJS) and its thermal mechanism during seasonal transition are studied. Results show that the intensity and south-north location of MEJS center exhibit obvious seasonal variation characteristics. When MEJS is strong, it is at 27.5°N from the 67 th pentad to the 24 th pentad the following year; when MEJS is weak, it is at 45°N from the 38 th pentad to the 44 th pentad. The first Empirical Orthogonal Function(EOF) mode of 200-hPa zonal wind field shows that MEJS is mainly over Egypt and Saudi Arabia in winter and over the eastern Black Sea and the eastern Aral Sea in summer. MEJS intensity markedly weakens in summer in comparison with that in winter. The 26th-31 st pentad is the spring-summer transition of MEJS, and the 54th-61 st pentad the autumn-winter transition. During the two seasonal transitions, the temporal variations of the 500-200 hPa south-north temperature difference(SNTD) well match with 200-hPa zonal wind velocity, indicating that the former leads to the latter following the principle of thermal wind. A case analysis shows that there is a close relation between the onset date of Indian summer monsoon and the transition date of MEJS seasonal transition. When the outbreak date of Indian summer monsoon is earlier than normal, MEJS moves northward earlier because the larger SNTD between 500-200 hPa moves northward earlier, with the westerly jet in the lower troposphere over 40°-90°E appearing earlier than normal, and vice versa.展开更多
Celiac disease(CD) is now recognized as a common disorder among Middle Eastern(ME) and North African(NA) populations.The aim of this review is to assess the available data regarding CD in the ME and NA and to compare ...Celiac disease(CD) is now recognized as a common disorder among Middle Eastern(ME) and North African(NA) populations.The aim of this review is to assess the available data regarding CD in the ME and NA and to compare this information with that of Western countries.A literature review was performed using the electronic databases PubMed and Medline(1950-2008) as search engines,and "celiac disease" was used as a Mesh term.The search was limited to ME and NA countries.The prevalence of CD in ME and NA countries among low risk populations is similar to that of Western countries,but is higher in high risk populations such as those with type 1 diabetes.It is underestimated because of lack of clinical suspicion and lack of patient awareness.Clinical presentations in term of gastrointestinal,hematologic,skeletal,and liver manifestations are similar between both populations except for a high prevalence of short stature in some ME and NA countries.Few studies have addressed atypical or silent CD.As in the West,diagnosis is initially made by serological tests and is confirmed by small intestinal biopsies.Gluten-free diet is the main mode of treatment with a higher apparent adherence rate than in the West.Most disease complications result from malabsorption.The disease is strongly associated with HLA DQ2 and to a lesser extent with HLA DQ8 alleles.In conclusion,CD prevalence is underestimated,with little data available about its malignant complications.Disease parameters in the ME and NA are otherwise similar to those in Western countries.展开更多
BACKGROUND Over the last few decades,3 pathogenic pandemics have impacted the global population;severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus(SARS-CoV),Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus(MERS-CoV)and SARS-Co...BACKGROUND Over the last few decades,3 pathogenic pandemics have impacted the global population;severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus(SARS-CoV),Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus(MERS-CoV)and SARS-CoV-2.The global disease burden has attributed to millions of deaths and morbidities,with the majority being attributed to SARS-CoV-2.As such,the evaluation of the mental health(MH)impact across healthcare professionals(HCPs),patients and the general public would be an important facet to evaluate to better understand short,medium and long-term exposures.AIM To identify and report:(1)MH conditions commonly observed across all 3 pandemics;(2)Impact of MH outcomes across HCPs,patients and the general public associated with all 3 pandemics;and(3)The prevalence of the MH impact and clinical epidemiological significance.METHODS A systematic methodology was developed and published on PROSPERO(CRD42021228697).The databases PubMed,EMBASE,ScienceDirect and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were used as part of the data extraction process,and publications from January 1,1990 to August 1,2021 were searched.MeSH terms and keywords used included Mood disorders,PTSD,Anxiety,Depression,Psychological stress,Psychosis,Bipolar,Mental Health,Unipolar,Self-harm,BAME,Psychiatry disorders and Psychological distress.The terms were expanded with a‘snowballing’method.Cox-regression and the Monte-Carlo simulation method was used in addition to I2 and Egger’s tests to determine heterogeneity and publication bias.RESULTS In comparison to MERS and SARS-CoV,it is evident SAR-CoV-2 has an ongoing MH impact,with emphasis on depression,anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.CONCLUSION It was evident MH studies during MERS and SARS-CoV was limited in comparison to SARS-CoV-2,with much emphasis on reporting symptoms of depression,anxiety,stress and sleep disturbances.The lack of comprehensive studies conducted during previous pandemics have introduced limitations to the“know-how”for clinicians and researchers to better support patients and deliver care with limited healthcare resources.展开更多
Using National Centers for Environmental Prediction/Department of Energy(NCEP/DOE) monthly reanalysis data and an extended reconstruction of the sea surface temperature data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheri...Using National Centers for Environmental Prediction/Department of Energy(NCEP/DOE) monthly reanalysis data and an extended reconstruction of the sea surface temperature data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the basic characteristics of the interannual variation in the wintertime Middle East subtropical westerly jet stream(MEJ) and its possible physical factors are studied. The results show that the climatological mean MEJ axis extends southwestward-northeastward and that its center lies in the northwest part of the Arabian Peninsula. The south-north shift of the MEJ axis and its intensity show obvious interannual variations that are closely related to the ElNio-Southern Oscillation(ENSO) and the mid-high latitude atmospheric circulation. The zonal symmetric response of the Asian jet to the ENSO-related tropical convective forcing causes the MEJ axis shift, and the Arctic Oscillation(AO)causes the middle-western MEJ axis shift. Due to the influences of both the zonal symmetric response of the Asian jet to the ENSO-related tropical convective forcing and the dynamical role of the AO, an east-west out-of-phase MEJ axis shift is observed. Furthermore, the zonal asymmetric response to the ENSO-related tropical convective forcing can lead to an anomalous Mediterranean convergence(MC) in the high troposphere. The MC anomaly excites a zonal wave train along the Afro-Asian jet, which causes the middle-western MEJ axis shift. Under the effects of both the zonal symmetric response to the ENSO-related tropical convective forcing and the wave train along the Afro-Asian jet excited by the MC anomaly, an east-west in-phase MEJ axis shift pattern is expressed. Finally, the AO affects the MEJ intensity, whereas the East Atlantic(EA) teleconnection influences the middle-western MEJ intensity. Under the dynamical roles of the AO and EA, the change in the MEJ intensity is demonstrated.展开更多
The first imported Middle East respiratory syndrome （MERS） case in China was identified in May 2015. We determined the kinetics of antibody （IgG and IgM） and neutralizing antibodies against MERS-coronavirus （MERS...The first imported Middle East respiratory syndrome （MERS） case in China was identified in May 2015. We determined the kinetics of antibody （IgG and IgM） and neutralizing antibodies against MERS-coronavirus （MERS-CoV） in this case before discharge. Moreover, no seroconversion was found among 53 close contacts by anti-MERS IgG antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） of paired serum samples. These findings suggest that neither community nor nosocomial transmission of MERS-CoV occurred in China.展开更多
Considering the characteristics of carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East,a low-viscosity microemulsion acid that can be prepared on site and has an appropriate retardation ability was developed.It was compared with ...Considering the characteristics of carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East,a low-viscosity microemulsion acid that can be prepared on site and has an appropriate retardation ability was developed.It was compared with four conventional acid systems(hydrochloric acid,gelled acid,emulsified acid and surfactant acid)through experiments of rotating disk,multistage acid fracturing and core flooding with CT scanning.The micro-etching characteristics and conductivity of fracture surfaces were clarified,and the variation of saturation field during water invasion and flowback of spent acid and the recovery of oil phase relative permeability were quantitatively evaluated.The study shows that the addition of negatively charged agent to the oil core of microemulsion acid can enhance its adsorption capacity on the limestone surface and significantly reduce the H+mass transfer rate.Moreover,the negatively charged oil core is immiscible with the Ca^(2+)salt,so that the microemulsion acid can keep an overall structure not be damaged by Ca^(2+)salt generated during reaction,with adjustable adsorption capacity and stable microemulsion structure.With high vertical permeability along the fracture walls,the microemulsion acid can penetrate into deep fracture wall to form network etching,which helps greatly improve the permeability of reservoirs around the fractures and keep a high conductivity under a high closure pressure.The spent microemulsion acid is miscible with crude oil to form microemulsion.The microemulsion,oil and water are in a nearly miscible state,with basically no water block and low flowback resistance,the flowback of spent acid and the relative permeability of oil are recovered to a high degree.展开更多
Type 2 diabetes continues to be a serious and highly prevalent public health problem worldwide.In 2019,the highest prevalence of diabetes in the world at 12.2%,with its associated morbidity and mortality,was found in ...Type 2 diabetes continues to be a serious and highly prevalent public health problem worldwide.In 2019,the highest prevalence of diabetes in the world at 12.2%,with its associated morbidity and mortality,was found in the Middle East and North Africa region.In addition to a genetic predisposition in its population,evidence suggests that obesity,physical inactivity,urbanization,and poor nutritional habits have contributed to the high prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes in the region.These risk factors have also led to an earlier onset of type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents,negatively affecting the productive years of the youth and their quality of life.Furthermore,efforts to control the rising prevalence of diabetes and its complications have been challenged and complicated by the political instability and armed conflict in some countries of the region and the recent coronavirus disease 2019.Broad strategies,coupled with targeted interventions at the regional,national,and community levels are needed to address and curb the spread of this public health crisis.展开更多
文摘The Middle East has long been in turmoil,and the new round of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has further highlighted the urgency of security governance in the region.The Global Security Initiative(GSI)proposed by China provides theoretical guidance and practical paths for China’s participation in Middle East security governance.China’s engagement in Middle East security governance not only meets the expectations of Middle East countries but also fully demonstrates its responsibility as a major country,which is of great significance for China to explore participation in global security governance and address the global security deficit.
文摘BACKGROUND Picky eating is a commonly observed behavior among children globally,negatively impacting their physical and mental growth.Although common characteristics distinguish peaky eaters,including food selectivity,food neophobia,and food avoidance,there is no clear definition to assess this behavior.Due to the unavailability of data regarding picky eating,it wasn’t easy to estimate its prevalence.AIM To develop a regional protocol to help healthcare professionals identify and manage mild and moderate picky eating cases.METHODS A virtual roundtable discussion was held in April 2021 to gather the opinions of seven pediatricians and two pediatric dietitians from eight Middle Eastern countries who had great experience in the management of picky eating.The discussion covered different topics,including clearly defining mild and moderate picky eating,identifying the role of diet fortification in these cases,and the possibility of developing a systematic approach to diet fortification.RESULTS The panel identified picky eating as consuming an inadequate amount and variety of foods by rejecting familiar and unfamiliar food.Most of the time,moderate picky eating cases had micronutrient deficiencies with over-or undernutrition;the mild cases only showed inadequate food consumption and/or poor diet quality.Paying attention to the organic red flags like growth faltering and development delay and behavioral red flags,including food fixation and anticipatory gagging,will help healthcare professionals evaluate the picky eaters and the caregivers to care for their children.Although dietary supplementation and commercial food fortification play an important role in picky eating,they were no benefit in the Middle East.CONCLUSION The panel agreed that food fortification through a food-first approach and oral nutritional supplements would be the best for Middle Eastern children.These recommendations would facilitate identifying and managing picky-eating children in the Middle East.
基金Supported by the China National Petroleum Corporation Major Science and Technology Project(2023ZZ19-01,2023ZZ19-07).
文摘Based on the waterflooding development in carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East,this study analyzes the geological characteristics and waterflooding behaviors/patterns of different types of high permeability zones(HPZs),and proposes rational waterflooding strategies and modes.Four types of HPZs,i.e.sedimentation-dominated,sedimentation-diagenesis coupling,biogenic and composite,are identified in the carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East.Based on their distribution patterns,flow mechanisms,and waterflooding behaviors/patterns,five waterflooding modes are established:(1)the mode with stepwise-infilled areal vertical well pattern,for composite HFZs in patchy distribution;(2)the mode with regular row vertical well pattern for TypeⅠchannel“network”HFZs(with dominant water flow pathways at the base),and the mode with irregular differentiated vertical well pattern for TypeⅡchannel“network”HFZs(where multi-stage superimposition leads to“layered flooding”),for sedimentation-diagenesis coupling HFZs;(3)the mode with row horizontal wells through bottom injection and top production,for biogenic HFZs characterized by thin,contiguous distribution and rapid advancing of injected water along a工-shaped path;and(4)the mode with progressive waterflooding through edge water injection via vertical well and oil production via horizontal well,for sedimentation-dominated HFZs characterized by thick,contiguous distribution and flood first in upper anti-rhythmic reservoirs.Development practices demonstrate that the proposed waterflooding modes are efficient in the highly heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East,with balanced employment of reserves in the adjacent reservoirs and enhanced oil recovery.
基金funded by the Department of Biotechnology,Ministry of Science and Technology,Government of India(DBT)under grant number ADMaC DBT-NER/LIVS/11/2012.
文摘We report the development of a triplex nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay(NALFIA)for the detection of the genomes of Nipah virus(NiV),Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus(MERS-CoV)and Reston ebolavirus(REBOV),which are intended for screening bats as well as other hosts and reservoirs of these three viruses.Our triplex NALFIA is a two-step assay format:the target nucleic acid in the sample is first amplified using tagged primers,and the tagged dsDNA amplicons are captured by antibodies immobilized on the NALFIA device,resulting in signal development from the binding of a streptavidin-colloidal gold conjugate to a biotin tag on the captured amplicons.Triplex amplification of the N gene of NiV,the UpE gene of MERS-CoV,and the Vp40 gene of REBOV was optimized,and three compatible combinations of hapten labels and antibodies were identified for end point detection.The lowest RNA copy numbers detected by the triplex NALFIA were 8.21e4 for the NiV N target,7.09e1 for the MERS-CoV UpE target,and 1.83e4 for the REBOV Vp40 target.Using simulated samples,the sensitivity and specificity for MERS-CoV and REBOV targets were estimated to be 100%,while the sensitivity and specificity for the NiV target were 91%and 93.3%,respectively.The compliance rate between triplex NALFIA and real-time RT‒PCR was 92%for the NiV N target and 100%for the MERS-CoV UpE and REBOV Vp40 targets.
基金the support provided by the King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) for facilitating this research
文摘Greenhouse gas(GHG)emssions from fossil fuel consumption are driving global climate change.This study applied the fully modified ordinary least squares(FMOLS)model and pairwise panel Granger causality test to explore the relationships of GHG emissions with gross domestic product(GDP),population,urbanization,natural resource rents,foreign direct investment(FDI),and renewable energy consumption in 12 Middle East and North Africa(MENA)countries(Algeria,Bahrain,Comoros,Djibouti,Egypt,Qatar,Somalia,Saudi Arabia,Syria,the United Arab Emirates,Tunisia,and Yemen)from 1990 to 2023.Due to the limited data on renewable energy after 2020,the coverage of renewable energy consumption is from 1990 to 2021.Findings showed that Saudi Arabia,Egypt,Algeria,the United Arab Emirates,and Qatar are the top 5 GHG emitters in the MENA region,with the GHG emissions of the energy sector rising fastest among all sectors.Results also indicated that a 1.00%increase in GDP,population,urbanization,natural resource rents,and FDI raises GHG emissions by 0.48%,0.61%,0.86%,0.29%,and 0.11%,respectively.Conversely,a 1.00%increase in renewable energy consumption reduces GHG emissions by 0.13%.Effective policies promoting renewable energy investment and the adoption of renewable energy could significantly reduce electricity costs and GHG emissions,contributing to achieving climate goals,such as net-zero emissions and environmental sustainability.Additionally,the increase of renewable energy consumption and technology development would improve energy efficiency,create jobs,and stimulate economic growth in the MENA region.This study recommends tailored policy instruments to support the transition to low-emission technologies and strategies.
基金Supported by the Major Science and Technology Project of CNPC(2023ZZ19-01).
文摘Based on the waterflooding development in carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East,in order to solve the problem of the poor development effects caused by commingled injection and production,taking the thick bioclastic limestone reservoirs of Cretaceous in Iran-Iraq as an example,this paper proposes a balanced waterflooding development technology for thick and complex carbonate reservoirs.This technology includes the fine division of development units by concealed baffles and barriers,the combination of multi well type and multi well pattern,and the construction of balanced water injection and recovery system.Thick carbonate reservoirs in Iran-Iraq are characterized by extremely vertical heterogeneity,development of multi-genesis ultra-high permeability zones,and highly concealed baffles and barriers.Based on the technologies of identification,characterization,and sealing evaluation for concealed baffles and barriers,the balanced waterflooding development technology is proposed,and three types of balanced waterflooding development modes/techniques are formed,namely,conventional stratigraphic framework,fine stratigraphic framework,and deepened stratigraphic framework.Numerical simulations show that this technology is able to realize a fine and efficient waterflooding development to recover,in a balanced manner,the reserves of thick and complex carbonate reservoirs in Iran and Iraq.The proposed technology provides a reference for the development optimization of similar reservoirs.
文摘The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the effects of male age and ejaculatory abstinence on semen parameters and reproductive hormones among men residing in Africa and the Middle East. A total of 70,142 semen analysis results were analysed and grouped according to the age intervals (16 - 20, 21 - 30, 31 - 40, 41 - 50, 51 - 60, >60) and ejaculatory abstinence (<2 days, 2 - 5 days and >5 days). Semen parameters i.e. volume, concentration, progressive motility, total progressively motile count, morphology, total normal sperm count, DNA fragmentation, viability, sORP, normed sORP were specifically evaluated. Additionally, for each age interval, reproductive hormones i.e. estradiol, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone and prolactin were evaluated. Semen volume, total progressively motile count, sperm morphology and total normal sperm count constantly decrease significantly after the age of 30 years. Sperm concentration started declining significantly after the age of 50 years. There was a constant age- related increase in number of spermatozoa with damaged DNA. sORP constantly increased up to 60 years. Furthermore, constantage-related decreases in FSH, serum testosterone and prolact in were observed from patients aged between 16 years and 60 years. Semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology were significantly higher in patients having > 5 days of abstinence. Patients having > 5 days of abstinence had the lowest normed sORP. Male age significantly affects sperm parameters and reproductive hormones in fertile and infertile men residing in Africa and the Middle East. Prolonged abstinence days provides better semen quality.
文摘The current Middle East situation is characterized by accelerating multi-polarity, the intertwining sectarian politics and geopolitics, the impending crisis of US alliance system, the escalation of arms race, and the deterioration of terrorism and separatism. Syria, Iran, Yemen and Palestine-Israel peace process will remain the flashpoints. Within such a changed situation, China＇s Middle East policy is evolving from passiveness to aggressiveness. First, participation in the Middle East governance and protection of its practical interests are the two major pillars of China＇s diplomacy in the Middle East; second, bilateral and multilateral mechanisms are the major platforms; third, partnership instead of alliance is the unique China-styled coalition policy, and finally the ＂Belt and Road Initiative＂ is an important tool of Chinese Middle East diplomacy.
文摘The Middle East is the home of ethnic groups from three main backgrounds: Semitic (Arabs and Jews), Indo-European (Persians and Kurdish) and Turkic (Turkish and Turkmens). Its geographic location, which has been under continuous influences from Asia, Europe and Africa, has made it an ideal site for epidemiological studies on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and genotyping. The gastric cancer rate differs in this region from very high in Iran (26.1/105) to low in Israel (12.5/105) and very low in Egypt (3.4/105). Epidemiological studies showed that the prevalence of H. pylori is almost similar in those countries with a high level of infection in childhood. Importantly, the frequency of vacA s1 and m1 regions and cagA+ genotypes were higher in non Semitic populations who inhabit the North than Semitic populations, the inhabitants of Southern parts of the Middle East. H. pylori infection prevalence, distribution pattern of virulence factors, diet and smoking could not have explained the difference in cancer rate. This reflects the multifactorial aetiology of gastric cancer and suggests that H. pylori infection does not always directly correlate with the risk for gastrointestinal disease, such as gastric cancer. Further detailed investigations and international comparative studies of each risk factor needto be performed to investigate whether this represents a true enigma.
基金Project of Natural Science Foundation of China(41205035,40905045,40775059)National Basic Research and Development Program of China(2013CB430202)+3 种基金NSF of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(13KJB170013)Special Scientific Research Fund of Public Welfare Industries of China(GYHY201306028)Qing Lan ProjectProject Funded by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD)
文摘By using the NCEP/NCAR pentad reanalysis data from 1968 to 2009, the variation characteristics of Middle East jet stream(MEJS) and its thermal mechanism during seasonal transition are studied. Results show that the intensity and south-north location of MEJS center exhibit obvious seasonal variation characteristics. When MEJS is strong, it is at 27.5°N from the 67 th pentad to the 24 th pentad the following year; when MEJS is weak, it is at 45°N from the 38 th pentad to the 44 th pentad. The first Empirical Orthogonal Function(EOF) mode of 200-hPa zonal wind field shows that MEJS is mainly over Egypt and Saudi Arabia in winter and over the eastern Black Sea and the eastern Aral Sea in summer. MEJS intensity markedly weakens in summer in comparison with that in winter. The 26th-31 st pentad is the spring-summer transition of MEJS, and the 54th-61 st pentad the autumn-winter transition. During the two seasonal transitions, the temporal variations of the 500-200 hPa south-north temperature difference(SNTD) well match with 200-hPa zonal wind velocity, indicating that the former leads to the latter following the principle of thermal wind. A case analysis shows that there is a close relation between the onset date of Indian summer monsoon and the transition date of MEJS seasonal transition. When the outbreak date of Indian summer monsoon is earlier than normal, MEJS moves northward earlier because the larger SNTD between 500-200 hPa moves northward earlier, with the westerly jet in the lower troposphere over 40°-90°E appearing earlier than normal, and vice versa.
文摘Celiac disease(CD) is now recognized as a common disorder among Middle Eastern(ME) and North African(NA) populations.The aim of this review is to assess the available data regarding CD in the ME and NA and to compare this information with that of Western countries.A literature review was performed using the electronic databases PubMed and Medline(1950-2008) as search engines,and "celiac disease" was used as a Mesh term.The search was limited to ME and NA countries.The prevalence of CD in ME and NA countries among low risk populations is similar to that of Western countries,but is higher in high risk populations such as those with type 1 diabetes.It is underestimated because of lack of clinical suspicion and lack of patient awareness.Clinical presentations in term of gastrointestinal,hematologic,skeletal,and liver manifestations are similar between both populations except for a high prevalence of short stature in some ME and NA countries.Few studies have addressed atypical or silent CD.As in the West,diagnosis is initially made by serological tests and is confirmed by small intestinal biopsies.Gluten-free diet is the main mode of treatment with a higher apparent adherence rate than in the West.Most disease complications result from malabsorption.The disease is strongly associated with HLA DQ2 and to a lesser extent with HLA DQ8 alleles.In conclusion,CD prevalence is underestimated,with little data available about its malignant complications.Disease parameters in the ME and NA are otherwise similar to those in Western countries.
基金Supported by Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust.
文摘BACKGROUND Over the last few decades,3 pathogenic pandemics have impacted the global population;severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus(SARS-CoV),Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus(MERS-CoV)and SARS-CoV-2.The global disease burden has attributed to millions of deaths and morbidities,with the majority being attributed to SARS-CoV-2.As such,the evaluation of the mental health(MH)impact across healthcare professionals(HCPs),patients and the general public would be an important facet to evaluate to better understand short,medium and long-term exposures.AIM To identify and report:(1)MH conditions commonly observed across all 3 pandemics;(2)Impact of MH outcomes across HCPs,patients and the general public associated with all 3 pandemics;and(3)The prevalence of the MH impact and clinical epidemiological significance.METHODS A systematic methodology was developed and published on PROSPERO(CRD42021228697).The databases PubMed,EMBASE,ScienceDirect and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were used as part of the data extraction process,and publications from January 1,1990 to August 1,2021 were searched.MeSH terms and keywords used included Mood disorders,PTSD,Anxiety,Depression,Psychological stress,Psychosis,Bipolar,Mental Health,Unipolar,Self-harm,BAME,Psychiatry disorders and Psychological distress.The terms were expanded with a‘snowballing’method.Cox-regression and the Monte-Carlo simulation method was used in addition to I2 and Egger’s tests to determine heterogeneity and publication bias.RESULTS In comparison to MERS and SARS-CoV,it is evident SAR-CoV-2 has an ongoing MH impact,with emphasis on depression,anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.CONCLUSION It was evident MH studies during MERS and SARS-CoV was limited in comparison to SARS-CoV-2,with much emphasis on reporting symptoms of depression,anxiety,stress and sleep disturbances.The lack of comprehensive studies conducted during previous pandemics have introduced limitations to the“know-how”for clinicians and researchers to better support patients and deliver care with limited healthcare resources.
基金Project of National Science Foundation of China(41205035,41575085,41575102)Research Innovation Program for College Graduates of Jiangsu Province(CXZZ11_0627)Project Funded by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD)
文摘Using National Centers for Environmental Prediction/Department of Energy(NCEP/DOE) monthly reanalysis data and an extended reconstruction of the sea surface temperature data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the basic characteristics of the interannual variation in the wintertime Middle East subtropical westerly jet stream(MEJ) and its possible physical factors are studied. The results show that the climatological mean MEJ axis extends southwestward-northeastward and that its center lies in the northwest part of the Arabian Peninsula. The south-north shift of the MEJ axis and its intensity show obvious interannual variations that are closely related to the ElNio-Southern Oscillation(ENSO) and the mid-high latitude atmospheric circulation. The zonal symmetric response of the Asian jet to the ENSO-related tropical convective forcing causes the MEJ axis shift, and the Arctic Oscillation(AO)causes the middle-western MEJ axis shift. Due to the influences of both the zonal symmetric response of the Asian jet to the ENSO-related tropical convective forcing and the dynamical role of the AO, an east-west out-of-phase MEJ axis shift is observed. Furthermore, the zonal asymmetric response to the ENSO-related tropical convective forcing can lead to an anomalous Mediterranean convergence(MC) in the high troposphere. The MC anomaly excites a zonal wave train along the Afro-Asian jet, which causes the middle-western MEJ axis shift. Under the effects of both the zonal symmetric response to the ENSO-related tropical convective forcing and the wave train along the Afro-Asian jet excited by the MC anomaly, an east-west in-phase MEJ axis shift pattern is expressed. Finally, the AO affects the MEJ intensity, whereas the East Atlantic(EA) teleconnection influences the middle-western MEJ intensity. Under the dynamical roles of the AO and EA, the change in the MEJ intensity is demonstrated.
基金Funds from the Nationl Health and Family Planning Commission of China:grants 2014ZX10004-001 and 2013ZX10004601
文摘The first imported Middle East respiratory syndrome （MERS） case in China was identified in May 2015. We determined the kinetics of antibody （IgG and IgM） and neutralizing antibodies against MERS-coronavirus （MERS-CoV） in this case before discharge. Moreover, no seroconversion was found among 53 close contacts by anti-MERS IgG antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） of paired serum samples. These findings suggest that neither community nor nosocomial transmission of MERS-CoV occurred in China.
基金Supported by the National Science and Technology Major Project(2017ZX05009-005-003)National Natural Science Foundation of China Funded General Project(52174045)+1 种基金Chinese Academy of Engineering Strategic Consulting Project(2018-XZ-09)China National Petroleum Corporation-China University of Petroleum(Beijing)Strategic Cooperation Science and Technology Project(ZLZX2020-01).
文摘Considering the characteristics of carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East,a low-viscosity microemulsion acid that can be prepared on site and has an appropriate retardation ability was developed.It was compared with four conventional acid systems(hydrochloric acid,gelled acid,emulsified acid and surfactant acid)through experiments of rotating disk,multistage acid fracturing and core flooding with CT scanning.The micro-etching characteristics and conductivity of fracture surfaces were clarified,and the variation of saturation field during water invasion and flowback of spent acid and the recovery of oil phase relative permeability were quantitatively evaluated.The study shows that the addition of negatively charged agent to the oil core of microemulsion acid can enhance its adsorption capacity on the limestone surface and significantly reduce the H+mass transfer rate.Moreover,the negatively charged oil core is immiscible with the Ca^(2+)salt,so that the microemulsion acid can keep an overall structure not be damaged by Ca^(2+)salt generated during reaction,with adjustable adsorption capacity and stable microemulsion structure.With high vertical permeability along the fracture walls,the microemulsion acid can penetrate into deep fracture wall to form network etching,which helps greatly improve the permeability of reservoirs around the fractures and keep a high conductivity under a high closure pressure.The spent microemulsion acid is miscible with crude oil to form microemulsion.The microemulsion,oil and water are in a nearly miscible state,with basically no water block and low flowback resistance,the flowback of spent acid and the relative permeability of oil are recovered to a high degree.
文摘Type 2 diabetes continues to be a serious and highly prevalent public health problem worldwide.In 2019,the highest prevalence of diabetes in the world at 12.2%,with its associated morbidity and mortality,was found in the Middle East and North Africa region.In addition to a genetic predisposition in its population,evidence suggests that obesity,physical inactivity,urbanization,and poor nutritional habits have contributed to the high prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes in the region.These risk factors have also led to an earlier onset of type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents,negatively affecting the productive years of the youth and their quality of life.Furthermore,efforts to control the rising prevalence of diabetes and its complications have been challenged and complicated by the political instability and armed conflict in some countries of the region and the recent coronavirus disease 2019.Broad strategies,coupled with targeted interventions at the regional,national,and community levels are needed to address and curb the spread of this public health crisis.
