bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drilling Problems Detection in Basrah Oil Fields Using Smartphones
Authors: Saleh Ibrahim Abdul-Salam , Mahdi Bashar Saadoon , Al-Jawad Mohammed Saleh
Published: November 2017

Basrah oil fields contain many unresolved drilling problems, some of which are treated with difficulty, inefficiency, and sometimes leading to a more complex problem. These inefficient problems handling procedures lead to a longer Non-Productive Time (NPT). This lack in efficiency often comes from inadequate preparation, or the slow decision making in the detection of the drilling problems. The main objective of this study is to provide the optimum solutions for the drilling problems in Basrah oil fields on smartphones to achieve credible and quick treatments anywhere on the field.

Tracing of the problems, the gathering process of the field data, and the analysis of the field procedures to treat a problem, all of which were difficulties and challenges faced. Field data deficiency was confronted in many stages.

Throughout this paper, strategies of treatment procedures for the problems that could be encountered while drilling in Basra oil fields are discussed such as Dammam formation's losses, Tanuma's shale instability, Mishrif's special treatments so as not to damage the reservoir, and many others. Discussion of every formation that is drilled from the surface to Mishrif formation will be carried out with the explanation of the problems that was faced in offset wells, in addition to the problems that have a possibility to happen in each formation. The treatments for each problem were based on past field experience and standardized procedures. All of the formations, the problems, and the treatments are constructed in an application called Problems Detector 1.0 (PD) that functions on smartphones that obtains a familiar user interface and can be used anywhere on the field. Two advanced programming techniques are used to construct PD using an Object Oriented Programming language (OOP) that is java, they are the classify algorithm and a well secured database used to enhance the application's capabilities to detect problems and secure the wellbeing of the data that are mounted in PD, respectively.

As a result, a full database of the drilling problems in Basrah oil fields has been constructed. All the problems that could be tackled while drilling with the possibility of their occurrence, the causes of these problems, the indications of the problems on the rig, and the treatment of each problem were all parts of the database set in PD.

Smart phones showed very high efficiency and speed in determining the problems and presenting the solution which can be used on field by the drilling engineer and/or the driller, therefore; the presentation of smartphones to the petroleum industry has proven its importance and value.
Big Completions to Recover More Hydrocarbons from Oil Producing Wells with High Water Cut in Prolific Reservoirs - A Paradigm Shift
Authors: Channa Zohaib , Ahmad Fazeel , Khan Muhammad Navaid , Nofal Salman. F. , Al-Hosani Ibrahim. A. , Al-Shehi Omar Y. , Al-Neaimi Ahmed K.
Published: November 2017

The selection of optimum tubing size is one of the most critical steps in achieving the desired well productivity and prolonging the well life to maximize the hydrocarbon recovery; and it becomes more important for the naturally flowing well. It is a common industrial practice to reduce tubing size for extending the well life when a naturally flowing oil or gas well ceased to flow post experiencing the water breakthrough. Contrary to this general belief, an extensive piece of work has been carried to assess the well performance in high productivity (prolific) oil reservoir. In this paper, an actual case study is presented which demonstrates the overall better performance of a well completed with the bigger tubing size in a high productivity (prolific) oil reservoir. The study also compares the performance of the well completed in low productivity reservoir in the same field, which shows that the use of the bigger tubing size is a better option for sustaining the well life, hence negating the traditional industry belief of reducing the tubing size post water breakthrough into a well, regardless of the prevailing reservoir characteristics.
Accurately Locating Casing Collars in Real Time with Drill Pipe Deployed Gamma Ray Density Measurement
Authors: Dorsett Ashton , Lopes Priscila , Fang Lei
Published: November 2017

Ability to identify casing collars in real-time is critically important for whipstock casing exit operations, because milling through casing collars could cause significant loss in rig time, excessive damage and even failure of downhole equipment, and potential blockage of the exit window by casing collar spinning. Running wireline to identify casing collars is the typical solution to address the challenge, but incurs additional rig time and cost. This paper present a new technology to locate casing collars in real time with Gamma Ray density measurement, deployed on drill pipe, eliminating the need for a dedicated wireline run. Multiple case histories of field testing the technology in North Sea, covering a wide range of casing sizes from 7-in and 18 5/8-in, are presented as well.

The Gamma Ray density measurement is used for identifying casing collars by detecting the differences in density readings between collar and casing. Gamma rays are continuously emitted from a nuclear source as the density tool moves in the wellbore, and the readings of the near and far detectors, after signal travels through and interacts with casing and formation, are interpreted to calculate density. Density readings are transmitted to surface in real-time through mud-pulse telemetry and are processed to visualize casing collar locations in a log.

The new technology was successfully field tested in North Sea in multiple wells covering a wide range of casing sizes, from 7-in up to 18 5/8-in, with different depths and inclinations. The operational processes and results from the field tests are discussed in this paper. The casing collars were successfully located in each field test, proving the robustness of the technology over a broad range of application parameters. It was discovered from the field tests that the bottomhole assembly (BHA) configuration, tool orientation, tool string rotational speed, sensor standoff and logging speed are critical to clearly identifying casing collars.

This paper presents a new method of using the drill pipe deployed Gamma Ray density measurement to detect casing collars in real-time to optimize whipstock placement for improved reliability and efficiency of casing exit operations. It also provides the best practices of applying the technology in a wide range of well and casing configurations.
Abu Dhabi Structural Evolution and Its Implications for Exploration
Authors: Richard Pascal , Zampetti Valentina , Volery Chadia , Gesbert Stephane , Krayenbuehl Thomas , Spaak Michael , Murzin Shamil , Neves Fernando , Hosani Sabah Al
Published: November 2017

ADNOC and Shell are currently joining efforts to rejuvenate the exploration portfolio of Abu Dhabi. A country-wide integrated petroleum system study is being carried out to identify new play concepts and opportunities. One of the foundations of this study is the understanding of the structural evolution and its impact on prospectivity.

A structural evolution model has been developed using 2D and 3D seismic data and the country has been divided into structural domains. The extent and quality of the seismic dataset provided a unique opportunity to investigate the country wide structural evolution. Special care has been taken to generate seismic attribute volumes that enhance sedimentary features and fault visualization. This allowed the detailed assessment of fault displacement. In addition, mapping of the edge of carbonate platforms through time at the country scale allowed the identification of long wavelength tilts of the Arabian plate in Abu Dhabi. These observations have been linked to the regional phases of deformations. The most important phases of deformation that affected the trap formation are the Jurassic rifting, the Late Cretaceous transtension, and mid Tertiary compression.

The country has been divided into specific structural domains using existing structural features. These structural elements comprise NS and NW-SE striking basement features, forced folds associated with basement features, drape folds associated with salt domes, and NW-SE and NNW-SSE conjugate sets of transtensional faults zones associated with pop-up structures.

With the help of sandbox experiment analogue models as well as field analogues from Oman, we propose that the Late Cretaceous transtensional faults are decoupled from basement and do not root into any deep basement faults. We also propose a series of conceptual 3D fracture diagrams per structural domain.
Seismic Stratigraphy and Depositional Evolution of the Mishrif Formation in Western Onshore Abu Dhabi
Authors: Perrotta S. , Zampetti V. , Chaari G. , Krayenbuehl T. , Braun M. , Franco B. J. , Neves F. , Kobaisi A. Saad
Published: November 2017

A sequence stratigraphic study of the Cenomanian-early Turonian Mishrif Formation has been carried out in the SW of the United Arabian Emirates (UAE) in order to understand the evolution of the reservoir distribution and occurrence of potential stratigraphic and diagenetic traps in the UAE.

The study has used an integrated reservoir approach that includes regional geology, seismic stratigraphy together with well data. The use of the core data and logs has allowed identification of facies changes, key stratigraphic surfaces and a number of a few feet thick dense intervals that show a relatively high lateral correlatibility, which appear to be below the seismic resolution. The use of seismic attributes together with the well calibration has been crucial to define seismic facies and their lateral and vertical distribution.

Results from this study allowed recognition of several smaller scale 3rd order cycles, which are comprised in a larger 2nd order genetic sequence. Each small-scale cycle is bounded by a sequence boundary overlain by a flooding event made up of a thin dense interval which shows an increase in argillaceous content and locally chert. These sequences are characterised by an eastward progradation from muddy inner ramp facies passing upwards to rudist-rich patch reef/mixed skeletal shoal complexes developed in an inner to mid-ramp depositional setting. This latter setting appears to be best developed in the uppermost large-scale sequence, below the regional unconformity that separates the Mishrif from Ruwaydha and Tuwayil formations. Highly porous facies appear to decrease seismic velocity.

The integrated approach presented here captures the variety in depositional environments, architecture, geometry and reservoir heterogeneity, which results in higher likehood to identify stratigraphic and diagenetic traps.

Furthermore, the recognition of seismic characteristics of the Mishrif reservoir may be used as a tool to predict the distribution and evolution of units that create velocity variations in the Mishrif Formation and which affect the structural definition of deeper reservoirs as the Shuaiba Formation.
Well Abandonment of Offshore Aging Gas Fields Using New Section Milling Technology Reduces Time and Costs to Set a Permanent Barrier- A Case Study of Section Milling 100 ft of 13-3/8" Casing to Set Cement Plug
Authors: McTiffen Dean , Iversen Glenn Tore , Smalley Michael , Haq Mohammed Aleemul
Published: November 2017

In recent years plug and abandonment (P&A) technologies are receiving greater attention around the world as more and more fields reach the end of their productive life. Permanent P&A is done with the objective of the well being sealed and isolated forever. Over the years the market for permanent P&A has grown into estimates of several billions of dollars. There are thousands of wells world wide, both onshore and offshore, that require P&A operations to safely abandon the erstwhile producing asset while maintaining environmental regulations and standards. Since the P&A operations do not result in increase in revenue or any asset value, the attitude of almost all operators is that the least amount be allocated towards this operation in the well life cycle plan. This means that newer technologies must be developed in order to increase efficiencies and reduce the overall costs and foot prints for P&A operations. Many times existing conventional technologies do not fill in these requirements, and thus there is a need to develop and deploy newer downhole technologies.

This paper will discuss well abandonment P&A introduction, methods for preparing a well before setting cement plugs, a brief comparison between different methods, development of section milling technology to dual string, field application on an offshore gas field abandonment campaign, and finally conclusions regarding this new and emerging dual string milling technology.
Maximizing Gas Production Using In-House Software-GIPS
Authors: Ahmad Mubashir , Al Soufi Basel , Akoum Mohamed , Izmeqna Ashraf
Published: November 2017

The expansion in recent years of domestic oil and natural gas production has profound implications for the supply of energy in the twenty-first century. It has reignited calls for the nation to achieve "energy independence. There is no doubt a surge in the domestic natural gas production with tremendous opportunities. Driven by innovations in drilling and completion techniques, development of oil and natural gas reserves is one of the most rapidly growing trends in the world. Gas is used extensively for electricity generation and with the increasing demand, it is always a challenge to bridge the supply and demand gap.

Maximizing the daily gas production rates and ensuring continuous supply of gas to the downstream industry is critical for the economy.

Unlike crude oil, the biggest challenge in the gas production it that it cannot be stored in storage tanks. Also a huge infrastructure is required to transport this gas from the source to the required destination where it has to be processed for utilization.

Meanwhile carrying out the periodic preventive maintenance activities on the gas wells, production facilities, flow lines and various instrumentations is essential too. Furthermore, some downhole reservoir data is needed periodically for reservoir management purposes to estimate wells potentials. During all these routine maintenance or reservoir monitoring activities, wells and plants are shut-in which results in production or injection loss hence translating in an extensive loss of cash and revenue due to the wells or facilities unavailability.

This paper highlights the work progress and then the lessons learned during each step of the development of the software in order to meet and maximize the gas production demand considering all the hidden factors which are adversely affecting the overall production performance.
Una explicación del autoconocimiento psicológico
Authors: Vidal Javier
Published: November 2017

Siguiendo la aproximación de C. Peacocke, desarrollaré una explicación del autoconocimiento psicológico en términos de los estados y contenidos involucrados en la transición desde un estado mental consciente a un juicio de orden superior. Ahora bien, parece que la mera conciencia de un estado mental no representa explícitamente o hace manifiesto de algún modo al sujeto de ese estado, en cuyo caso esto plantea una objeción à la Lichtenberg a la explicación de Peacocke. Tras adoptar una teoría auto-representacional del carácter subjetivo de la experiencia, argumentaré que la representación mediante la cual una experiencia consciente se representa a sí misma como sí misma tiene un contenido de se implícito. Es así una explicación que excluye una objeción à la Lichtenberg porque el uso de la primera persona en un juicio de orden superior resulta ser dependiente de contenido.
Kant y Hegel sobre la naturaleza de la acción intencional. ¿Continuidad o ruptura?
Authors: Placencia García Luis
Published: November 2017

En este texto me propongo mostrar que algunos aspectos de continuidad entre las concepciones de la acción intencional de Kant y Hegel. Esos aspectos, y este es un segundo punto, están a la base de otros elementos de ruptura que hay entre ellos. Como en las últimas décadas el problema de la concepción de ambos autores en torno a este punto ha sido investigado por múltiples autores, me concentraré fundamentalmente en un punto: el modo en que ambos autores conciben la naturaleza de la acción frente a lo que se podría considerar el enfoque dominante al día de hoy: la concepción que llamaré causal-reductiva. Luego de ello mostraré que en el marco de esta oposición a la concepción causal reductiva surge una divergencia profunda entre Kant y Hegel. Para ello comenzaré tratando con detalle la concepción kantiana de la acción que es, a mi juicio, aquella que con ha sido trata de peor forma en la literatura, para luego sobre la base de algunas interpretaciones ya hechas por otros de Hegel mostrar la continuidad y ruptura con Kant.
Da gênese do sensível a partir do inteligível
Authors: Gaspar Francisco Prata
Published: November 2017

Resumo: É conhecida a crítica de Schelling à doutrina da ciência de Fichte, de que ela teria aniquilado todo e qualquer conceito de uma natureza viva, reduzindo esta a um mero obstáculo a ser superado para que se realizem os fins morais da razão. Será mesmo, contudo, que Schelling tem razão? Este artigo pretende refutar essa crítica schellinguiana, mostrando como a doutrina da ciência não só não padece dessa carência, como antes ela deduz a partir da própria estrutura da razão os domínios do saber, incluindo aí, evidentemente, o domínio da natureza. Essa dedução dos domínios do saber, natureza e espírito, se dará a partir da análise da estrutura de passagem do Absoluto para o saber fático, isto é, da reflexão sobre si do eu, sobretudo a partir da consideração de seus elementos kantianos: a espontaneidade prática e seu caráter eminentemente reflexionante, algo que não foi percebido por Schelling e seus seguidores.Abstract: It is well known Schelling’s critique of Fichte's doctrine of science, to wit, that it would have annihilated every concept of a living nature, reducing it to a mere obstacle to be overcome for the realization of moral ends of reason. However, is Schelling right? This paper aims to refute Schelling’s critique, showing not only how the doctrine of science does not suffer from this deficiency, but also that instead it deducts from the structure of the reason the domains of knowledge, including, of course, the domain of nature. This deduction of the domains of knowledge, nature and spirit, will be made through the analysis of the passage-structure from Absolut to the factual knowledge, that is, the I’s reflection on himself, especially through the consideration of its Kantian elements: the practical spontaneity and its eminently reflective character, something that was not realized by Schelling and his followers.
Sublime e pintura no primeiro esboço de sistema de Fichte em comparação com Kant.
Authors: Cecchinato Giorgia
Published: November 2017

Este artigo tem duplo objetivo: apresenta-se em primeiro lugar a primeira doutrina fichtiana das formas e cores na pintura, formulada no escrito póstumo Filosofia prática.1 Em segundo lugar, traça-se um paralelo entre essa doutrina e a exposta por Kant na Crítica da faculdade de julgar. Ao mesmo tempo em que é diagnosticada uma proximidade com a doutrina de Fichte, procura-se mostrar a peculiaridade da doutrina fichtiana.
Pensar las excepciones. Violencia, igualdad y dignidad desde Kant
Authors: Lazos Efraín
Published: November 2017

Este ensayo se interroga críticamente por la noción de excepción moral desde una cierta manera de entender la moral categórica de Kant, y en contraste con explicaciones consecuencialistas. No tiene propósitos exegéticos sino sistemáticos. El objetivo general es pensar conjuntamente las nociones de excepcionalidad y violencia morales, así como el papel que en ello juegan los conceptos de igualdad y de dignidad. El trabajo contiene una serie de propuestas entrelazadas: que la violencia moral conlleva una ruptura de la igualdad moral, la cual forma parte de las condiciones de asentimiento de una acción, y que, en ausencia de condiciones de asentimiento, se desvanece, localmente, la vinculatoriedad de los deberes morales. Así, las excepciones pueden entenderse como producto de la ruptura local de las condiciones de asentimiento, sin por ello desacreditar la moralidad como un todo. Por el contrario, las excepciones, adecuadamente entendidas, se hacen con la moralidad y por la moralidad. El trabajo sugiere, asimismo, una noción de dignidad kantiana –como concepto límite, y no como el concepto de una propiedad intrínseca de los agentes—, la cual no sólo es compatible con la idea de igualdad moral propuesta, sino que la complementa; además, contribuye a entender la compleja noción de excepción moral dentro del marco de una moral categórica kantiana.
Aristóteles y el ciudadano
Authors: Bueno Maria
Published: November 2017

Resumen: El presente artículo realiza un estudio del concepto aristotélico de ciudadano y qué es lo que le caracteriza para que pueda ser considerado tal. A la vez, y para esta consideración del ciudadano, se hace hincapié en la importancia de la distinción aristotélica entre gobernante y gobernado, y de la pertenencia del ciudadano a distintos regímenes. La atención proporcionada por Aristóteles a las virtudes que hacen de un hombre un buen hombre, y que hacen a un ciudadano un buen ciudadano, y la relación entre ambas figuras es también un aspecto central del artículo. Una de las conclusiones será la importancia de la virtud de la prudencia para la vida en la polis y en concreto para el gobernante.Abstract: The present article studies the Aristotelian concept of citizen and what characterizes him so that it can be considered as such. At the same time, and for this consideration of the citizen, emphasis is placed on the importance of the Aristotelian distinction between the ruler and the ruled, and of the citizen's participation in different regimes. The attention given by Aristotle to the virtues that make a man a good man, and that make a citizen a good citizen, and the relationship between both figures is also a central aspect of the article. One of the conclusiones will be the importance of the virtue of prudence for the life in the polis and for the ruler in particular.
Una gran victoria es un gran peligro: Max Weber, Friedrich Nietzsche y el problema del epigonismo.
Authors: Majul Conte Grand Octavio
Published: November 2017

La hipótesis del artículo –cuyo basamento es a la vez teórico, terminológico y biográfico– sostiene que en la crítica al epigonismo que realiza Max Weber entre 1893 y 1895 se manifiesta una influencia directa del proyecto político-cultural del joven Nietzsche, en particular, el condensado en las Consideraciones intempestivas. El epigonismo es el efecto no deseado de lo grande. El dilema al que se enfrentan tanto Nietzsche como Weber puede ser resumido de la siguiente manera: los grandes hombres dificultan el surgimiento de grandes hombres. Con vistas a demostrar la hipótesis, se desarrollará una lectura apegada de “El Estado nacional y la política económica” develando su condición nietzscheana. La parte central del artículo se dedicará a dicho seguimiento, atento a la estructura propia de la Antrittsrede. Seguido al cuerpo del texto se dedicará unas breves páginas dedicadas a la fundamentación biográfica de la plausibilidad de la hipótesis del artículo.
Aspectos del debate sobre la causalidad del motor inmóvil entre los siglos XV y XVI
Authors: De Bellis Ennio
Published: November 2017

Resumen. Hay tres asuntos principales que están bajo discusión pública dentro del Aristotelismo de los siglos XV y XVI.  El primero es de carácter metodológico y se refiere al rol de la evidencia científica. El segundo se trata de la inmortalidad del alma. Ambos son bastamente estudiados en los siglos XX y XXI. La tercera cuestión se relaciona con las características y el rol del primer motor, que es Dios mismo. Este argumento, que involucra a casi todos los académicos más importantes del humanismo renacentista, es poco profundo en comparación con los otros, incluso cuando juega un papel importante tanto desde el punto de vista filosófico, como desde el teológico. Puede ser útil examinar cómo algunos pensadores de los siglos XV y XVI, tales como Elia del Medigo, Tommaso De Vio y Marco Antonio Zimara, han tratado de reconciliar la causalidad del primer motor aristotélico, que no aporta a la creación, con el concepto bíblico de Dios. En particular, la discusión se enfoca en la manera en que el primer motor, que provee el único movimiento diario de los cielos, también pueda en alguna manera ser productor del ser.
Effect of rock fragment cover on nutrient loss under varied rainfall intensities: a laboratory study
Authors: Li Hanzhi , Fan Dengxing , Niu Jianzhi , Jia Guodong , Sun Jiamei , Yu Xinxiao , Zhang Linus
Published: November 2017

Surface rock fragments retard overland flow discharge, reduce the runoff generation rate and soil erosion as well as nutrients loss. In Northwest China, a common method for minimizing water, soil, and nutrient losses is the use of rock fragment cover. We used lab stimulation testing to evaluate rock fragment cover efficacy for nutrient conservation. Nutrient losses were determined in both the runoff and sediments under three rain intensities (30, 60 and 90 mm·h−1), four rock fragment covers (0, 10, 20 and 30%) and a slope of 10°. The results showed that rock fragment cover significantly reduced the nutrient losses. Compared with the bare soil control, the rock fragment cover reduced the runoff volume and sediments by 18–38 and 11–69%, respectively, and reduced N and P losses by 9–43 and 16–70%, respectively. These results indicate that rock fragment cover is an effective method for reducing land degradation and improving local environmental conditions.
ASSESSMENT OF BUBBLES IN THE MALAYSIAN HOUSING MARKET
Authors: Ab. Majid Rohayu , Said Rosli , J.T.S Chong
Published: November 2017

Property cycle and housing bubble have been a noteworthy subject of discussion since decades ago. The economic and business cycles have been closely associated with the property cycle as the economic and business factors have certain definite effects on the property market. At some point of the property cycle, the housing bubble will occur. The housing bubble is a trend of unreasonable increase of house prices where the increase is supported by factors that are not economics related. It causes the house prices to be intolerable in terms of housing affordability and the bursting of this housing bubble would lead to the crash of the property market. This paper focuses on using the economic indicators to identify the phases of the residential property cycle in Malaysia from the year 2000 to 2012. Having done so, housing bubbles were analysed using ratio analysis for the year 2012. The results show that housing bubble is yet to become a significant threat to our national property market as it only affects certain areas and housing types.
SIX YEARS (1999-2015) OF ESCALATING HOUSE PRICE: CAN FDI BE BLAMED?
Authors: Zull Ema Izati , Masron Tajul Ariffin
Published: November 2017

In Malaysia, house price has increased drastically. Problem arises in areas that received relatively lower number of FDI. The house price in these areas accelerated at growth which are somewhat equivalent to areas which benefit from FDI spillover. As the relationship between FDI and locals’ well-being is becoming crucial due to the escalating high price, this paper intends to examine the long-term impact of FDI on house price in Malaysia. Our long-run estimation results showed that FDI inflows have affected house price in Malaysia negatively between the period of 1999 and 2015. The effect however reversed when liberalization policy is included. With the presence of liberalization policy, FDI inflows have actually caused house price in KL and Penang (highly dynamic states) to increase in the long-run. The positive effect of FDI inflows on house price are also found in relatively slow-progressive states like Pahang and Kedah confirming the nationwide effect of liberalization policy regardless of economy level of a state. Other than FDI inflows, this study also examined house supply, gross domestic per capita and interest rate as independent variables.
A CURRICULUM DESIGN FOR EDUCATING CONSERVATORS OF ISLAMIC MANUSCRIPTS
Authors: Hepworth Paul , Scheper Karin , Barkeshli Mandana
Published: November 2017

To meet the pressing need for more training for conservators in developing countries dealing with Islamic manuscripts, a curriculum design was prepared. This details the skills and information needed and organizes instruction into modules that can be taught as a total program or semiindependently with adaptation to many different circumstances in different settings. The modules are augmented by specified objectives, possible instructional activities and assessment strategies.
A DISCOURSE ON THE PERSIAN CHAHAR-BAGH AS AN ISLAMIC GARDEN
Authors: Abdul Latif Zainab , Mohd Yunos Mohd Yazid , Mohd Yaman Maheran
Published: November 2017

The ancient garden plan, the Chahar-Bagh, was originally put onto ground for the purpose of organizing garden in an arid landscape of Persia besides a symbol of political territory. This quadripartite plan of garden was found as early as 600 BC during Achaemenid era. Therefore, claims made in various scholarships that referred Chahar-Bagh as an Islamic garden basic pattern is apparently deceiving the true meaning of Islam, which came into the world in seventh century. The method of content analysis and library search that emphasized on the theories and principles of Persian garden have been adopted in this study. To conclude, Chahar-Bagh pattern preceded Islam therefore, assigning it as the basic pattern of Islamic garden planning and design is irrelevant.
A REVIEW ON OCCUPANTS’ SATISFACTION AND WELLNESS LEVEL IN LOW-COST HOUSING IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Ismail Alice Sabrina , Haja Bava Mohidin Hazrina , Daud Muhammad Muhaimi
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study is to ascertain how architecture could impede stress level among low-cost housing occupants in Malaysia based on design implementations. The home environment is one of the main contributing factors for the occurrence of stress among occupants as much of individuals’ lives are spent indoor. Based on this, architecture plays a major role in minimizing the stress level among occupants of a building. This research analyses the wellness of low-cost housing owners and occupants through observation and questionnaires that were distributed to low-cost housing residents. This study found that there are four key factors that contributed to stress among occupants. It is, therefore, hoped that the findings of this paper help designers to design better low-cost houses in order to provide a better living environment to the occupants.
PREFERENCE F OR PURPOSE BUILT RETIREMENT NEIGHBOURHOOD AMONG THE CHINESE ELDERLY IN SMALL TOWNS IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Hassan Norhaslina , Jiaqi Tan
Published: November 2017

The popularity of retirement villages in many developed countries provides a potential market in Malaysia, which is rapidly facing an ageing society. However, little is known about the purpose-built retirement neighbourhood especially its desirability among the local elderly and niche in smaller towns which are poised to reap economic benefits from their locational advantage trending the retirement industry in the region. This study aims to firstly, explore the desirability of retirement neighbourhood among the Chinese elderly in Segamat using semistructured interviews and secondly, identify the niche market of such neighbourhood and its potential contribution to support development strategy of the town. The preference for retirement neighbourhood as an alternative living arrangement among the Chinese elderly in Segamat indicates its good potential as a new source of economic growth but requires that public planning facilitates efficient land development process and increase amenity and services for all especially the elderly.
AN ANALYSIS OF RE GIONAL IMBALANCES IN IRAN: A CASE STUDY OF NORTH COASTAL AREAS
Authors: Taghvaei Masoud , Shafaghi Sirous , Ghaderi Mohammadreza
Published: November 2017

In countries such as Iran, which cover a large geographical area, the issue of inequality and regional differences provide a substantial challenge in the effort to achieve balanced development. In this study, data were collected using documentary and survey methods as well as Delphi techniques, and analysis was carried out by combining qualitative and quantitative models. In the second step of the Delphi technique, a study of the impact of the factors on each other, and on the regional inequalities of the North coastal area, was made using the crossimpact method. In the final step, the effective factors contributing to the inequalities of the North coastal region were studied using analytical techniques and MicMac software. After analyzing the impact rate of the effective factors on regional imbalances, the key factors were identified and, finally, solutions to reduce the regional imbalances of the North coastal area were proposed.
Breeding and Lactation Efficiencies, Production Profile, Productive Herd Life and Lifetime Productivity of Gir Cows in their Home Tract
Authors: Gadariya M. R. , Vataliya P. H. , Murthy K. S. , Gajbhiye P. U.
Published: November 2017

Breeding and lactation efficiencies (BE and LE), parity-wise production profile, productive herd life
and lifetime milk production (LTMP) of Gir cows (N=309), based on 1363 calvings during 1991 to
2010 at Cattle Breeding Farm, JAU, Junagadh were studied. Age at first calving (AFC) and calving
interval (CI) of Gir cows were 1527.76±14.17 and 481.22±4.86 days, respectively. CI ranged from
386 to 505 days among different lactations. When AFC and CI were taken into account together,
BE of the cows as per Tomar (BE-T) was estimated to be 86.91±0.49 %. About 17 % of Gir cows
in the herd calved for the first time at >42 months of age (Av. 37.04 month) and 38 % of the cows
had less than 14 months of CI. Lactation period (LP) of Gir cows varied significantly (P>0.05) from
230 days to 335 days showing an increasing trend with increase in no. of parity. Overall LP of Gir
cows was 281.02±4.56 days, LE being 61.07±1.10%. Total lactation milk yield (TLMY) and standard
lactation milk yield (SLMY) of Gir cows averaged 2006.29±48.77 and 1819.73±45.44 lit, respectively.
Milk yield increased significantly (P>0.05), with increase in no. of parity, reaching peak TLMY (2425
lit) and SLMY (2303 lit) in 5th lactation. TLMY was 2134 to 2362 lit, and SLMY 1950 to 2110 lit in
6th to 8th lactation. Productive herd life averaged 3107.87±81.40 days (8.51 years). Mean number
of calvings during lifetime was 4.25±0.15. A total of 19- 25 % of the total cows performed in the
herd for more than 12 years, (average being 14.6 years) and for > 6 lactations. Gir cows produced
9988.71±649.08 lit LTMP. LTMP of Gir cows was significantly associated with both, the BE and LE
(r =0.23 to 0.25). MSLMY showed significant (P>0.05) correlation (r=0.31 to 0.37) with BE-W and
LE. Association of AFC was significant with BE-T (r=0.26). The 1st and 2nd CI showed a correlation
(r= 0.57 to 0.59, P>0.01) of high magnitude with BE-W. The findings revealed that Gir cows in
the herd are worth- retaining in the herd till 8th lactation with satisfactory breeding efficiency of about
87 % for economically viable sustainable dairy farming.
Economic Traits and Production Performance of Nandanam Quail Reared at Different Cage Stocking Densities
Authors: Pandian C. , Sundaresan A. , Valavan S. Ezhil , Omprakash A. V.
Published: November 2017

This study was carried out to assess the effect of different cage stocking densities on the production
performance of Nandanam quail III reared up to 42 days. Three hundred day old Nandanam quail
III were randomly assigned to 2.5 x 1.5 ft cages and distributed with 3 treatments (20, 25 and 30
quails per cage or 0.17, 0.14 and 0.11 sq. ft per quail, respectively) and 4 replicates. There were
significant differences among treatments for bi-weekly body weight, feed consumption, feed
conversion ratio and net profit per bird. There was a reduction (P>0.05) in body weight with the
increase in stocking density and the 4th and 6th week body weight were 144.17±3.84, 128.55±3.63
and 108.03±2.69 g; and 216.86±5.95, 207.76±4.01 and 197.27±3.81 g, respectively. The feed
consumption per bird (g) up to 42 days were 665.69±0.01, 532.19±0.01 and 443.23±0.01
respectively. Better feed conversion ratio (2.57 and 2.25) and net profit per bird (Rs. 4.48 and 7.15)
were observed where the birds reared at the cage stocking density of 0.14 sq.ft and 0.11 sq.ft per
bird, respectively. This study concluded that the cage stocking density between 0.11 and 0.14 sq.ft
per bird will be more economical for rearing Nandanam quail III in cage system of rearing up to
42 days of age.
Morphology and Morphometry of Rhinencephalon of Brain of Surti Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Suman Alka , Pandya Sweta , Shukla Vanila
Published: November 2017

The morphological and morphometrical study of brain of Surti buffaloes was conducted on all the
structures of the rhinencephalon which were located on the ventral surface of the cerebral
hemispheres. The structures included paired olfactory bulb,olfactory tract,lateral and medial olfactory
striae and pyriform lobe. The olfactory bulbs were oval, hollow structures which continued caudally
with the olfactory tract. The overall mean length and width of right bulb were 3.45±0.06 and
1.46±0.03 cm, while those of left bulb were 3.42±0.06 and 1.43±0.03 cm, respectively. The olfactory
tracts were short,wide and flat bands which divided caudally into two lateral and medial striae. The
pyriform lobes were two pear shaped structures.
Improvement of Fertility in Postpartum Anooestrus Buffaloes by using Different Hormonal Protocols during Non Breeding Season
Authors: Patil A. D. , Sahatpure S. K. , Jadhao P. T. , Korde J. P. , Patil M. S. , Patil D. V.
Published: November 2017

The study was conducted on 40 postpartum anooestrus buffaloes randomly divided into four equal
groups during non-breeding season. The buffaloes were selected based on ovarian inactivity, good
body condition score and overall good health. Group I was administered Ovsynch protocol +
Progesterone impregnated intravaginal device (PRID). Group II was administered PRID which was
removed on 7th day and GnRH 10 μg i/m was given on day of AI. Group III was administered Ovsynch
protocol and Group IV was kept as untreated control. 100, 80, 80 and 00 % animals responded
in groups I, II, III and IV respectively. Fix timed AI was performed in all responded buffaloes. Calcium,
phosphorous, cholesterol and protein level increased (p>0.05) in respect of pregnant animal than
the non-pregnant animals, the rise was more in Group I than the other Groups.The conception
rate was found to be 70.00, 50.00, 62.50 and 00.00 % in Group I, II, III and IVrespectively. The
overall conception rate was observed to be significantly higher in Group I, i.e., Ovsynch + PRID
followed by Group III, i.e. Ovsynch protocol alone in postpartum anooestrus buffaloes during nonbreeding
season. It can be concluded that ovsynch with progesterone based protocol is very
effective for oestrus induction and improved conception rate in postpartum anooestrus buffaloes
during non breeding season.
Genetic Screening of Deficiency of Uridine Monophosphate Synthase in Holstein Freisian Crossbred Cattle
Authors: Ignetious Sherly , Joshi Shrikant , Aich Ranjit , Macwan Shefali
Published: November 2017

Fifty Holstein Friesian (H.F) crossbredcattle were screened for Deficiency of Uridine Monophosphate
Synthase (DUMPS) using PCR-RFLP. Blood samples were collected from jugular veins in 2 ml
capacity vaccutainers containing 2 mg/ml (K2 EDTA). DNA was isolated from the blood samples by
using whole blood extraction kit. PCR was performed for amplification of polymorphic region of
Uridine Monophosphate Synthase (UMPS) gene (108 bp) on bovine chromosome 1. The PCR
products of 108 bp were digested with AvaI endonuclease enzyme. The normal allele in unaffected
cattle produced three fragments of 53 bp, 36 bp and 19 bp. No animal was found carrier for UMPS
gene. The genotype frequency of normal individuals and the gene frequency of normal allele were
found to be one.
Comparative Histomorphochemical Studies on Uropygial Gland of Kadaknath and White Leghorn Breeds of Poultry
Authors: Kanasiya S. , Karmore S. K. , Deshmukh S. K. , Barhaiya R. K. , Gupta S. K.
Published: November 2017

The present study was conducted on ten each uropygial glands of 6 to 8 months old healthy
Kadaknath and White Leghorn breeds of poultry. The tissue samples were stained by H and E for
normal histological structures, Verhoeff’s stain for collagen and elastic fibers, PAS (Periodic Acid
Schiff’s) for glycogen and Alcian Blue PAS method for acid mucopolysaccharides. The uropygial
gland in Kadaknath and White Leghorn was composed of two lobes. Each lobe had a single duct
and these ducts were joined together by isthmus. The thickness of capsule was more in White
Leghorn than Kadaknath breed. The lumen of tubules showed higher concentration of secretary
product in Kadaknath breed. Numbers of tubules were higher in Kadaknath. No aggregation of
lymphocytes was found in the preen gland of White Leghorn, whereas in Kadaknath, there was
large number of lymphocytes aggregation alongwith lymphatic nodules. Melanin pigmentation was
the characteristic feature of Kadaknath which was found towards the central cavity and in between
ductules. The capsule of White Leghorn showed intense PAS activity, while moderate activity was
found in Kadaknath breed of poultry. Intense ACPase reaction was noticed in capsule of uropygial
gland of Kadaknath and White Leghorn breeds of poultry.
Development and Evaluation of a Mobile Personalized Blood Glucose Prediction System for Patients With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (Preprint)
Authors: Pustozerov Evgenii , Popova Polina , Tkachuk Aleksandra , Bolotko Yana , Yuldashev Zafar , Grineva Elena
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Personalized blood glucose (BG) prediction for diabetes patients is an important goal that is pursued by many researchers worldwide. Despite many proposals, only a few projects are dedicated to the development of complete recommender system infrastructures that incorporate BG prediction algorithms for diabetes patients. The development and implementation of such a system aided by mobile technology is of particular interest to patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), especially considering the significant importance of quickly achieving adequate BG control for these patients in a short period (ie, during pregnancy) and a typically higher acceptance rate for mobile health (mHealth) solutions for short- to midterm usage.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted with the objective of developing infrastructure comprising data processing algorithms, BG prediction models, and an appropriate mobile app for patients’ electronic record management to guide BG prediction-based personalized recommendations for patients with GDM.

METHODS

A mobile app for electronic diary management was developed along with data exchange and continuous BG signal processing software. Both components were coupled to obtain the necessary data for use in the personalized BG prediction system. Necessary data on meals, BG measurements, and other events were collected via the implemented mobile app and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system processing software. These data were used to tune and evaluate the BG prediction model, which included an algorithm for dynamic coefficients tuning. In the clinical study, 62 participants (GDM: n=49; control: n=13) took part in a 1-week monitoring trial during which they used the mobile app to track their meals and self-measurements of BG and CGM system for continuous BG monitoring. The data on 909 food intakes and corresponding postprandial BG curves as well as the set of patients’ characteristics (eg, glycated hemoglobin, body mass index [BMI], age, and lifestyle parameters) were selected as inputs for the BG prediction models.

RESULTS

The prediction results by the models for BG levels 1 hour after food intake were root mean square error=0.87 mmol/L, mean absolute error=0.69 mmol/L, and mean absolute percentage error=12.8%, which correspond to an adequate prediction accuracy for BG control decisions.

CONCLUSIONS

The mobile app for the collection and processing of relevant data, appropriate software for CGM system signals processing, and BG prediction models were developed for a recommender system. The developed system may help improve BG control in patients with GDM; this will be the subject of evaluation in a subsequent study.
Effect of a Titanium Tetrafluoride Varnish in the Prevention and Treatment of Carious Lesions in the Permanent Teeth of Children Living in a Fluoridated Region: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Souza Beatriz Martines , Santos Daiana Moreli Soares , Braga Aline Silva , Santos Natália Mello Dos , Rios Daniela , Buzalaf Marilia Afonso Rabelo , Magalhães Ana Carolina
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) has regained interest due to new formulations that have been shown to be more effective against tooth demineralization than sodium fluoride (NaF) formulations in vitro and in situ.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of two types of varnishes (4% TiF4 and a commercial 5% NaF) on the prevention of carious lesions and the treatment of noncavitated enamel carious lesions in the permanent teeth of children living in a fluoridated area.

METHODS

This randomized, controlled, parallel and single-blind clinical trial involves 63 children, 6-7 years old, living in Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil. Children were selected according to their caries activity (ie, presence of at least 1 tooth with a Nyvad score of 1) and randomly divided into the following treatment categories: 4% TiF4 varnish (2.45 % F-, pH 1, FGM); 5% NaF varnish (2.26% F-, pH 5, Duraphat, Colgate) and control (placebo varnish, pH 5, FGM). The varnishes will be applied on all permanent teeth, once a week for 4 weeks and they will be reapplied only once 6 and 12 months after the study begins. Two calibrated examiners will carry out the clinical examination (International Caries Detection and Assessment System [ICDAS] and Nyvad indexes, kappa>.8) at baseline, before the first application, after the 1st, 6th, 12th, and 18th month of the study begins. Furthermore, quantitative fluorescence changes will be measured using Quantitative Light-Induced Fluorescence (QLF). The degree of patient satisfaction with the treatment will also be computed. The data will undergo statistical analysis (P<.05).

RESULTS

This ongoing study is funded by funding agencies from Brazil (São Paulo Research Foundation, FAPESP-015/14149-1, and National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, CNPq-401313/2016-6). We expect to confirm the efficacy of TiF4 on the prevention and treatment of carious lesions by comparing it to NaF varnish. The subjects are under 1 month evaluation and the dropout was about 8%. No differences between the treatments have been detected at the first month so far (P>.05).

CONCLUSIONS

If our hypothesis is confirmed, TiF4 varnish can be marketed and applied at the individual level and used in community programs to control dental caries.

CLINICALTRIAL

Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry: RBR-5VWJ4Y; http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/?q=RBR-5VWJ4Y (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6wUurEnm7)