bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E is for Environment: Stories to Help Children Care for Their World by I. J. Corlett
Authors: Chatterley Trish
Published: April 2016

Corlett, Ian James. E is for Environment: Stories to Help Children Care for Their World- At Home, At School, and At Play. New York: Atria Books, 2011. Print. This collection of 26 short stories was inspired by the author’s friends Matt and Stephanie, who ran around the perimeter of North America bringing environmental messages to schools. Their adventure sets the stage for the book when main characters Elliot and Lucy attend one of their sessions. Corlett brings their message of environmental awareness and conservation to elementary school-aged children in an accessible way. Each chapter is preceded by a full-page image by Canadian illustrator R.A. Holt. Each two-page story focuses on an everyday activity such as playtime or preparing school lunches. A question is posed to get kids thinking about changes Elliott and Lucy can make to help keep the planet a little healthier. Unfortunately, many of the explanations of why change is necessary are either lacking or non-existent. For instance, why is it important to reduce carbon dioxide emissions? This concept might be a difficult one for young children to comprehend without an explanation. Once the answer is given, other questions are presented for discussion and to encourage action. Each chapter ends with a couple of factual statements and a quotation. Families are meant to read the book together and then discuss. A child reading alone would not benefit as much from the prompting questions, as there would be no opportunity for discussion. The messages are short and simple and the language used is generally natural and informal. Though many of the environment-specific words are defined, others like ‘global warming’ would benefit from explanation. There are a few witty word choices with chapter titles that parents will appreciate (one is a reference to a Joni Mitchell song!) The quotations are eclectic from a variety of individuals, but some seem too mature for inclusion in a children’s book. Many are also unrelated to the environment. Though both the author and the illustrator are Canadian, all measurements referred to are American (miles, gallons, degrees Fahrenheit). Conversions should have been included in brackets. In the story about doggy dirt, the author recommends composting dog waste to put in the garden. Another story encourages vegetable gardening. It was not made clear that pet wastes should not be used on plants intended for human consumption because of the risk of spreading disease. Despite this safety concern, the book presents a wide variety of small changes that all families can make to reduce, reuse, recycle, and help keep the planet green. Recommended: 3 out of 4 starsReview: Trish ChatterleyTrish is a Public Services Librarian for the John W. Scott Health Sciences Library at the University of Alberta. In her free time she enjoys dancing, gardening, and reading books of all types.
Dead Time by C. Conlin / Shelter by J. S. Lee
Authors: Mead-Willis Sarah
Published: April 2016

Conlin, Christy A. Dead Time. / Lee, Jen S. Shelter. Single Voice Series. Toronto: Annick Press, 2011. Print. It is difficult to say which of these brief cold showers will leave you feeling happier to leap back into the warmth of the everyday. Presented back-to-back in a single volume, both novellas share an unhappy preoccupation: picking apart the threads of the past in order to untangle – or at least understand – the enmeshments the present. The narrator of Dead Time is Isabella, a teen awaiting trial for a crime which, she repeatedly insists, she did not commit. It was her boyfriend who murdered the interloping Lulu; as soon as he confesses his guilt, Isabella will be released from the grim “youth center” where she awaits trial. Author Christy Ann Conlin deploys the first-person voice masterfully— Isabella’s rage beats palpably from the page, and we are righteously indignant on her behalf. Yet the further she beckons us into her memory, recounting the events antecedent to Lulu’s murder, the uglier and less justifiable her anger becomes. So gradually is the reader’s sympathy eroded that the story’s final twist – though dimly visible all along – still manages to come as a surprise. Though more straightforward than its companion novel, Jen Sookfong Lee’s Shelter is no less dispiriting in its outcome. We begin at the unhappy end: our narrator, Abby, weeps alone on a park bench. Even before her latest catastrophe, it would seem she has plenty to cry about: maimed by debt, her parents abide in private misery, leaving Abby to run a singularly thankless household. Her only solace is a volunteer job at the local animal shelter, where she meets a beguiling young man named Sean. We know Abby’s infatuation with Sean will end badly, but the form and flavour of this badness is not revealed until Abby fully unspools her dismal yarn. Though hampered by some awkward turns of phrase- “… it feels like he’s always been part of me, like an elbow” - the story succeeds as a meditation on the blurred line between the security of a shelter – be it a house, a family, or a lover — and the confinement of a trap. Pitched at mature but not necessarily avid readers, Annick Press’s Single Voice Series entices with the promise of gritty, fast-moving narratives packaged in a clever two-for-one reversible format. Both Dead Time and Shelter are certainly gritty and, at less than 100 pages a pop, fast enough to read in one go. It is unclear, however, what the effect on their intended audience might be. Comfortless in their brevity, joyless in their details, these novels do little to stir the imagination or assuage the loneliness of the young reader. At best, they offer a frisson of discomfort, a chilling affirmation of vague adolescent unease: the world is indeed out to get you.Recommended: 3 out of 4 stars Reviewer: Sarah Mead-Willis Sarah is the Rare Book Cataloguer at the University of Alberta's Bruce Peel Special Collections Library. She holds a BA and an MLIS from the University of Alberta and an MA in English Literature from the University of Victoria.
Before We Go by A. Bright
Authors: Oliphant Tami
Published: April 2016

Bright, Amy. Before We Go. Red Deer: Red Deer Press, 2012. Print. Before We Go is the bright debut of young adult novelist, Amy Bright. There is much to admire about this novel such as the quality of writing, the well-developed characters, and a carefully orchestrated plot. Bright’s story is set in Victoria, British Columbia and begins on New Year's Eve with 17-year-old Emily visiting her dying grandmother in hospital. Her grandmother’s imminent death is particularly poignant for Emily as she was raised by her grandparents when years before, Emily’s mother opted to pursue a career as a journalist in Vancouver leaving Emily in Victoria. With the death of her grandfather occurring a year ago, Emily’s routine of school, hospital, and home has left her lonely, isolated, and distant. However, this changes when Alex, a cancer patient at the hospital, asks Emily to join him and his sister, Lucy, for New Year’s Eve. Emily doesn’t know that Alex is dying from cancer and that his planned escape from the hospital is his last chance to be a normal teenaged boy. There is excellent chemistry and a genuine connection among the three main characters. It is apparent that Lucy loves Alex dearly and is torn between taking him back to the hospital and honoring his wish for one last adventure. Their night on the town takes them to several places and eventually to a New Year's Eve party. Through a series of flashbacks, the reader learns that the meeting between Emily and Alex is not coincidental and that family secrets have brought them together and will shape their lives and change them in ways none of them could have expected. The entire novel takes place over the course of one day and the use of flashbacks keep the reader engaged and provides further context for the character’s current situation. The ending of the story is abrupt, heart-breaking, and surprising. While the title of the book is layered with meaning, unfortunately, the cover art in this edition does not adequately convey the story. The novel would also benefit from additional editing. Overall, Before We Go is a recommended read for those who enjoy good, contemporary stories. Recommended: 3 out of 4 stars Reviewer: Tami OliphantTami Oliphant works as a research librarian at the University of Alberta Libraries and for the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alberta. She earned her Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of Alberta and her doctorate from the University of Western Ontario. She has worked in academic libraries, public libraries, communications and planning, and as a sessional lecturer and researcher at the University of Alberta and the University of Western Ontario.
In the Tree House by A. Larsen, D. Petričić, & Y. Ghione
Authors: Tan Maria
Published: April 2016

Larsen, Andrew, Dušan Petričić, and Yvette Ghione. In the Tree House. Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press, 2013. Print. Inspired in part by the author’s childhood dreams of building a treehouse, Andrew Larsen relates the story of a young boy who designs and builds a treehouse with his older brother and father. He and his brother spend an idyllic summer playing games, reading comics, and hanging out. But the next summer is different. The boy discovers that it’s not much fun to have the treehouse to himself when his brother is busy spending time with friends. As he sits disconsolately in the treehouse, an unexpected blackout provides a different perspective on the neighbourhood and the boy’s older sibling joins him in the treehouse, where they recapture some of the previous summer, sipping lemonade, reading comics by flashlight, and playing card games. This connection persists even after the power comes back on. Larsen’s spare writing skillfully conveys the heaviness of the summer heat and evokes the feelings of excitement, of dreaming and fulfilling a dream, of exclusion and loneliness as siblings grow apart, the disappointment of having something but no one to share it with, and a longing for the past. Dušan Petričić’s pen and ink illustrations complement the text beautifully. This book is aimed at children 3-6 years of age, but the content will strike a chord for older readers and reminiscing adults alike. The story reminded me of John Rocco’s Blackout, in which a power outage is an event that brings busy family members and their neighbourhood closer together. Recommended: 3 out of 4 stars Reviewer: Maria Tan Maria is a Public Services Librarian at the University of Alberta’s H. T. Coutts Education Library. She enjoys travelling and visiting unique and far-flung libraries. An avid foodie, Maria’s motto is, “There’s really no good reason to stop the flow of snacks”.
Clinical Pharmaceutical Care: A New Management Health Care Discipline in 2016
Authors: Mauro Luisetto  , Ram Kumar Sahu
Published: April 2016

The development of clinical pharmacy in 1960-70s and pharmaceutical care in 1990 has represented an interesting innovation in pharmacy field. However clinical pharmacy and Pharmaceutical care showed some practice critical limits: (a) clinical pharmacy approach is more oriented to clinical population needs or pathology but is not strictly request to manage at the level of every single clinical case. (b) In hospital setting Pharmaceutical care can not to be applied to the entire patient for economic reason (limited number of pharmacist applied). In order to give more rationale priority of actions and to select the patient to be seen in priority way we think a good solution to apply the principle of pharmaceutical care with the instrument of clinical pharmacy into a new management systems.
A la luz del Mediterráneo. Culturas, civilizaciones y sociedades
Authors: Oltra y Martín de los Santos Benjamín
Published: April 2016

Estas páginas están engarzadas en forma de un argumento narrativo de Sociología literaria. En honor a lo deslumbrante del mundo que narramos (ex Oriente lux), he decidido presentar dicho argumento siguiendo los tiempos de un cuarteto de cámara.
La noción Elluliana de la técnica
Authors: Damián Sanchís Arturo
Published: April 2016

La confusión entre "técnica" y "máquina" es muy frecuente. Habitualmente, se entiende que la historia de la técnica se reduce a la historia de las máquinas. Sin perjuicio de que el origen de la técnica haya que buscarlo en la mecánica, lo cierto es que ha devenido de todo autónoma respecto de aquélla. Todavía mas: "la máquina es la que hoy depende, en todo, de la técnica y apenas si la representa en una pequeña parte". La mecánica no es más que una faceta de la técnica, y ni siquiera la más importante. La máquina es un síntoma y un indicador de la técnica. Y ésta, la expresión consciente del poder de la mecánica, el más visible elemento del fenómeno técnico.
La democracia en la sociedad organizada
Authors: Ávila Francés Mercedes
Published: April 2016

Con el término democracia nos podemos referir a un conjunto particular de instituciones y prácticas políticas, un cierto cuerpo de doctrinas jurídicas, un orden económico y social, un sistema que asegura el logro de ciertos resultados deseables, una serie de valores que deben garantizarse a través de instituciones, un proceso singular para la toma de decisiones, etc. Las organizaciones se definen como "formaciones sociales orientadas hacia fines concretos". En la sociedad actual, las organizaciones se conciben como un medio de ordenación y como un elemento de la dinámica social necesario. Para analizar y comprender la estructura y el funcionamiento de la sociedad actual debemos tener en cuenta las organizaciones. Cada etapa vital del individuo suele estar fuertemente condicionada por alguna organización, piénsese, por ejemplo, en la escuela, la universidad, la empresa, etc.
Un modelo de análisis del flujo de la comunicación en diversas etapas y en forma de cadena
Authors: Roiz Célix Miguel
Published: April 2016

En este artículo se intentan presentar las dificultades que suelen surgir en la aplicación empírica, es decir, en casos prácticos, del modelo funcionalista elaborado por E. Katz y P. Lazarsfeld acerca de la influencia y efectos de los medios de comunicación de masas cuando el mensaje choca, colisiona o se intercepta con mensajes interpersonales. Este modelo suele llamarse "del flujo de la comunicación en dos etapas" y se asocia con el concepto de "líder o liderazgo de opinión".
PHYTOCHEMISTRY, CYTOTOXICITY AND APOPTOSIS STUDIES OF Β-SITOSTEROL-3-O-GLUCOSIDE AND Β -AMYRIN FROM PRUNUS AFRICANA
Authors: Maiyo F. , Moodley R. , Singh M.
Published: April 2016

Background: Prunus africana is used traditionally in many countries for the treatment of cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia.

Materials and methods: In this study, compounds from the leaves and bark of this plant were isolated and tested for their

cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction in two human cancer cell lines (hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and colorectal carcinoma

(Caco-2)) and a non-cancer cell line (embryonic kidney (HEK293)). GC-MS profiling of the extract was also conducted.

Results: Three compounds (β-sitosterol, β-amyrin and β-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside) were isolated and the cytotoxic activity of β-

amyrin and β-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside on the HepG2, Caco-2 and HEK293 was determined using the MTT cell viability assay. Both

compounds had significant cytotoxic activity towards the Caco-2 cell line with IC50 values of 81 μg mL-1 and 54 μg mL-1 for β-

amyrin and β-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside, respectively while low cytotoxicity was observed on HepG2 cell lines with IC50 values of 206

μg mL-1 and 251 μg mL-1 for β-amyrin and β-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside, respectively. Apoptosis induction in cells was studied using

acridine orange/ethidium bromide dual staining. In both cases, the compounds tested demonstrated selective cytotoxicity towards

cancer cells with high apoptosis indices in cells exposed to β-amyrin. Low IC50 values of 156 μg mL-1 and 937 μg mL-1 for β-amyrin

and β-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside, respectively, were observed in the HEK293 cell line.

Conclusion: This study reveals that the plant is rich biologically active compounds thereby validating its ethno-medicinal use.
HEXANE EXTRACT OF DACRYODES EDULIS FRUITS POSSESSES ANTI-DIABETIC AND HYPOLIPIDAEMIC POTENTIALS IN ALLOXAN DIABETES OF RATS.
Authors: OKOLO Chidinma A. , Ejere Vincent C. , Chukwuka Christian O. , Ezeigbo Ihechiluru I. , Nwibo Daniel D. , Okorie Augustine N
Published: April 2016

Background: The fruit extract of Dacryodes edulis (D. edulis), the African pear or plum, a tree indigenous to the humid tropics has been used for managing wounds, skin diseases, sickle cell anaemia, dysentery and fever in some African nations. In South Eastern Nigeria, 'herbal doctors' include its marshed fruit in decoctions administered to diabetic patients. However no scientific substantiation of their claim and use exist in literature. Hence, the need to evaluate the antidiabetic and hypolipidaemic activity of hexane extracts of D. edulis fruit in alloxanised animal model.

Materials and Methods: Sub-toxic doses between 400 and 1600mg/kg were orally administered sub-chronically to alloxan-induced

diabetic rats for 15 days and compared to glibenclamide (2.5mg/kg). The glycaemia levels, body weights, lipid profile, blood urea, creatinine and liver enzyme levels were measured. Basic histology of the pancreatic tissue was also performed to examine the effects on the pancreas as possible mechanistic lead.

Results: Oral acute dosing of D. edulis hexane extract decreased blood glucose levels, while sub-chronic treatment of the extract

down-regulated significantly hyperglycaemia, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, ALT and ALP levels. However, the HDL-C

levels increased significantly. Histopathological examination of the pancreatic tissues after sub-chronic treatment showed that

glibenclamide and the highest dose of the extract 1600mg/kg restored the afore-damaged pancreatic β-cell architecture.

Conclusion: Our findings portend that D. edulis hexane fruit extract possesses hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic activities as well as restoration of the pancreatic architecture without any obvious untoward hepatic damages, suggesting that its use in the

management of the diabetes may be valid.
ANTIPROTOZOAL ACTIVITY OF EXTRACTS OF ELAEODENDRON TRICHOTOMUM (CELASTRACEAE)
Authors: Roca-MÃ©zquita Carolina , Graniel-Sabido Manlio , Moo-Puc Rosa E. , Leon-DÃ©niz Lorena V. , Gamboa-LeÃ³n RubÃ­ , Arjona-Ruiz Carely , Tun-Garrido Juan , MirÃ³n-LÃ³pez Gumersindo , Mena-Rejon Gonzalo J.
Published: April 2016

Background: Chagas disease, amebiasis, giardiasis and trichomoniasis represent a serious health problem in Latin America. The drugs

employed to treat these illnesses produce important side effects and resistant strains have appeared. The present study was aimed to

evaluate the antiprotozoal activity of leaves, stem bark and root bark of Elaeodendron trichotomum, a celastraceus, that is used in Mexico

as an anti-infective in febrile-type diseases.

Materials and methods: Dichloromethane and methanol extracts of leaves, bark and roots of Elaeodendron trichotomum were tested

against Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Trypanosoma cruzi. A quantitative HPLC analysis of

pristimerin and tingenone was performed.

Results: The dichloromethane extract of roots was active against E. histolytica, G. lamblia, T. vaginalis, and T. cruzi, at IC50’s of 0.80,

0.44, 0.46, and 2.68 μg/mL, respectively. The HPLC analysis revealed the presence of tingenone (3.84%) and pristimerin (0.14%).

Conclusions: The dichloromethane extract of the roots bark showed significant activity against all screened protozoa.
INVASIVE ALIEN PLANT SPECIES USED FOR THE TREATMENT OF VARIOUS DISEASES IN LIMPOPO PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Maema Lesibana Peter , Potgieter Martin , Mahlo Salome Mamokone
Published: April 2016

Background: Invasive alien plant species (IAPs) are plants that have migrated from one geographical region to non-native region either intentional or unintentional.The general view of IAPs in environment is regarded as destructive to the ecosystem and they pose threat to native vegetation and species. However, some of these IAPs are utilized by local inhabitants as a substitute for scarce indigenous plants. The aim of the study is to conduct ethnobotanical survey on medicinal usage of invasive plant species in Waterberg District, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Materials and methods: An ethnobotanical survey on invasive plant species was conducted to distinguish species used for the treatment of various ailments in the Waterberg, District in the area dominated by Bapedi traditional healers. About thirty Bapedi traditional healers (30) were randomly selected via the snowball method. A guided field work by traditional healers and a semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather information. The questionnaire was designed to gather information based on the local name of plants, plant parts used and methods of preparation which is administered by the traditional healers.

Results: The study revealed that Schinus molle L., Catharanthus roseus (L.), Datura stramonium L., Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw., Opuntia ficus- indica, Sambucus canadensis L., Ricinus communis L., Melia azedarch L., Argemone ochroleuca and Eriobotrya japonica are used for treatment of various diseases such as chest complaint, blood purification, asthma, hypertension and infertility. The most plant parts that were used are 57.6% leaves, followed by 33.3% roots, and whole plant, seeds and bark at 3% each. Noticeably, most of these plants are cultivated (38%), followed by 28% that are common to the study area, 20% abundant, 12% wild, and 3% occasionally. Schinus molle is the most frequently used plant species for the treatment of various ailments in the study area.

National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) (10/2004) and Conservation of Agricultural Resource Act (CARA) were consulted to confirm the invaders status. Only eight plants (60%) are regulated by CARA (10/2004). Of 10 IAPs, 80% (8 species) are listed in both NEMBA and CARA legislation. Only 20% (2 species) are listed in NEMBA alone.

Conclusion: Invasive alien plants are utilized by communities to combat various ailments in humans and these plants can help to reduce pressure on heavily harvested indigenous plant.
DRY CUPPING IN CHILDREN WITH FUNCTIONAL CONSTIPATION: A RANDOMIZED OPEN LABEL CLINICAL TRIAL
Authors: Shahamat Mahmoud , Daneshfard Babak , Najib Khadijeh-Sadat , Dehghani Seyed Mohsen , Tafazoli Vahid , Kasalaei Afshineh
Published: April 2016

Background: As a common disease in pediatrics, constipation has poses a high burden to the community. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of dry cupping therapy (an Eastern traditional manipulative therapy) in children with functional constipation.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty children (4-18 years old) diagnosed as functional constipation according to ROME III criteria were assigned to receive a traditional dry cupping protocol on the abdominal wall for 8 minutes every other day or standard laxative therapy (Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 40% solution without electrolyte), 0.4 g/kg once daily) for 4 weeks, in an open label randomized controlled clinical trial using a parallel design with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Patients were evaluated prior to and following 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of the intervention commencement in terms of the ROME III criteria for functional constipation.

Results: There were no significant differences between the two arms regarding demographic and clinical basic characteristics. After two weeks of the intervention, there was a significant better result in most of the items of ROME III criteria of patients in PEG group. In contrast, after four weeks of the intervention the result was significantly better in the cupping group. There was no significant difference in the number of patients with constipation after 4 and 8 weeks of the follow-up period.

Conclusion: This study showed that dry cupping of the abdominal wall, as a traditional manipulative therapy, can be as effective as standard laxative therapy in children with functional constipation.
Performance of CO2-EOR and Storage Processes Under Uncertainty
Authors: Ampomah W. , Balch R. S. , Cathar M. , Will R. , Lee S. Y. , Dai Z.
Published: April 2016

This paper presents an optimization approach using a reservoir field scale compositional flow model to co-optimize oil production and CO2 storage performance in the Farnsworth field unit (FWU), Ochiltree County, Texas. A geocellular model constructed from geophysical geological and engineering data acquired from the unit was used for the study.

An initial history match of primary and secondary recovery constructed was used as basis for CO2 flood study. A scenario based prediction model constructed for FWU (Ampomah et al. 2016a) was used as the baseline case for comparison to study the effect of recycling produced gas, infill drilling and water alternating gas (WAG) cycles on oil recovery and CO2 storage. A multi objective function that considers both oil recovery and CO2 storage was defined. Initial sensitivity analysis using a Latin-hypercube sampling technique was used to study the effects of operational uncertain variables on a defined objective function. A number of these operational variables were selected as control variables to be included in the optimization process. A neural network optimization algorithm was utilized to optimize the objective function both with and without uncertainty. Vertical permeability anisotropy ratio (Kv/Kh) was selected as the uncertain parameter in optimization, with uncertainty based on experience from the history match. A risk aversion factor was used to represent results at various confidence levels.

The simulation results were compared to a baseline case that predicted a CO2 storage of 75% purchased CO2 and oil recovery of 72% original oil in place. The results showed an improved approach for optimizing oil recovery and CO2 storage within FWU. At the end of 21 years of prediction out of the optimal case, more than 94% of purchased CO2 has been stored and nearly 80% of the oil recovered. The sensitivity analysis reduced the number of control variables to lessen computational time. The defined objective function proved to be a robust approach to co-optimize oil recovery and CO2 storage.

The Farnsworth CO2 project will serve as a benchmark for future CO2–EOR or CCUS projects in the Anadarko basin or geologically similar basins throughout the world.
Understanding the Chemical Mechanisms for Low Salinity Waterflooding
Authors: Qiao Changhe , Johns Russell , Li Li
Published: April 2016

Low salinity water (LSW) is reported to improve oil recovery (IOR) significantly in sandstone and carbonate core experiments. Ranges of IOR vary significantly depending on the chemical composition of brine, oil and cores. We previously developed a process-based and predictive model that explicitly includes the chemical interactions between crude oil, brine, and the carbonate surface that alter rock wettability. In this research, we improve the developed model to include explicitly the acid/base interaction and ion-binding interaction of crude oil adsorption.

The wettability alteration is quantified by the surface concentrations of adsorbed carboxylic acids, which is a result of aqueous and surface reactions. The total concentrations of aqueous and surface species are varied individually and together over a large range while precipitation constraints are also included. The wettability is for a variety of brine compositions used in experiments.

The wettability depends strongly on the concentration of Ca2+, Mg2+ and SO42−, as well as the total salinity. Including the acid/base interaction can explain the wettability alteration trend when Ca2+, Mg2+ and SO42− concentrations are significant. Including the ion-binding through Ca2+ can better explain the wettability alteration trend when diluted formation water or seawater is injected. We can reproduce the wettability alteration trend reported in experiments from different sources by combining the acid/base and ion-binding mechanisms and considering the irreversibility of the carboxylic adsorption reactions.
Pilot-scale Study of Buoyant Settling of Immiscible Heavy Fluid in Mud – A Promising Technique to Stop Annular Gas Migration above Leaking Cement
Authors: Demirci Efecan , Wojtanowicz Andrew K.
Published: April 2016

Irreducable casing pressure, also known as Sustained Casing Pressure (SCP), cannot be bled off permanently as it is caused by annular gas migration from the leaking cement. SCP poses environmental risk, and regulations demand its removal - particularly prior to well's plugging and abandonment operation. Bleed-and-Lube method, which is cheaper than the conventional mechanical removal methods, involves injecting heavy fluid into the affected annulus that would displace the annular fluid, balance the pressure at the top of cement and stop the gas leakage. Previous studies stated that the use of immiscible combinations of two fluids is more effective for the purpose; however, inattentive applications may result in excessive use of heavy fluid. In this study, a 20-foot carbon-steel pilot well annulus was manufactured and used for displacement experiments with various drilling muds and heavy fluids with different characters. Pressure change data was collected from four different levels of the annulus and volumes of fluids going in and out of the annulus were measured. Experiments indicated the formation of a mixture zone that would build bottoms up and expand during ongoing displacement. Proposed pressure build-up model suggests an exponential distribution of density of this zone, and shows its high depencency on fluids' properties and injection rate. The models were also converted into dimensionless process measures and proposed for the use in real well applications. The study clearly demonstrates the viability and recommends the correct application of the method.
Innovative Approach of Coiled Tubing Pipe Integrity Control in Chrome Completion and Harsh Environment
Authors: Zhaxybekov Anuar , Kusherbayev Gabit , Burov Anton , Jumagaliyev Yerlan , Gaidanov Robert
Published: April 2016

In recent years, well intervention operations have become more challenging due to the complex well completions and harsh formation conditions. This is particularly true for coiled tubing (CT) operations for one of the most complex development projects in the northern Caspian basin. Excessive abrasion acting on CT pipe has been encountered during CT operations in chrome completions in an H2S environment and this has resulted in a shortened CT service life.

The inability to predict the end of CT pipe service life could result in unexpected failures, which can cause the operator and service company down time, loss of well control, overall potential injury for personnel, and environmental harm.

This paper describes the shortfalls of the conventional CT pipe management techniques, which are largely based on assumed mathematical models and local practices, and how to reverse this trend by implementing the use of the non-contact technology of a magnetic flux leakage (MFL) measurement device with real-time inspection and monitoring of the CT pipe integrity.
In- Situ Heavy Oil Upgrading through Ultra-Dispersed Nano-Catalyst Injection in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs: Experimental Section
Authors: Orozco-Castillo Carlos R. , Pereira-Almao Pedro
Published: April 2016

Conventional reserves in Mexico are nowadays in depletion, unconventional or not straight forward reservoirs are the next challenge for maintaining the oil production plateau of the Mexican industry. Several EOR processes are under study in order to deal with this situation, one promising process for naturally fracture reservoirs is the "In Situ Upgrading" which produces EOR and Upgrading by injection of a hot fluid, proposedly vacuum residue from the heavy oil produced, with suspended nano-catalytic particles flowing down-hole along with dissolved hydrogen as precursor of partial Hydroprocessing of the residue. The combination of thermal and chemical reactions with a catalyst leads to In-Situ Upgrading (ISU) of the residue injected and the in situ oil at the conditions created in the reservoir near the surroundings of the injection well bore, while the heat carried to the reservoir, the diluents produced by upgrading processes, the steam and hot water generated warm up progressively the rock and the heavy oil in the porous media, enhancing oil extraction. Testing the reactivity of the oil from a particular field has to be assessed at temperatures, pressures and residence time characteristics for the targeted reservoir in order to determine the suitability of this EOR process in that environment.
Resilient Field Developments That Can Accommodate Uncertainty Are the Best Solution for a Sustained Low Oil Price Environment
Authors: Hopper C. T.
Published: April 2016

The upstream industry has been unable to deliver projects successfully over the last ten years, with up to 70% of projects failing to meet schedule or cost targets. This failure rate did not matter when the oil price was high as the projects remained profitable. However, after the oil price dropped in 2015, this level of project failure has become untenable.

The linear gated project management systems adopted by the industry over the last fifteen years are suitable for straightforward projects that can be well defined. However, they are not suitable for many of today's projects that are more complex and have significant uncertainty, which require a different approach.

This paper describes a project management process developed in the UKCS in the 1990's that was used to bring three projects stuck for 15 years to project sanction. In addition, a recent project is described where the development was designed to accommodate a range of outcomes and by doing so allowed the project to be sanctioned with significant uncertainty still remaining.

In the current environment of a sustained low oil price, across the board cuts are often implemented in an attempt to make projects economic. Arbitrary cuts on their own are unlikely to make projects viable and instead the industry needs to take a step back and question the processes that have been used and why they have failed. A different approach is suggested; one that embraces uncertainty to produce resilient projects that can accommodate change. Implementing this will require a change in mindset as much as a change in process.
Applied Methodology to Optimize the Intervention Sequence in a Mature Water-Flood Oil Field in the North Sea
Authors: Aponte Jesus , Trujillo Maria , Primera Alejandro
Published: April 2016

In mature water-flood oil field, interventions are key for reservoir management, by controlling water cut through water shut-off or maximizing oil production through additional perforations; however, intervention success is tied to the understanding the reservoir dynamic and hence the associated uncertainties; therefore an uncertainty analysis approach has been developed to select an optimal interventions sequence and work-overs. The corner stone of this methodology is the integration of multiple geological reservoir realizations, well timing, operational risk and different scenarios for capital and operating costs.

This methodology is applied through the following steps: Identification of remaining opportunities of bypassed oil and thief zones through well reviews and surveillance data. Twelve wells were identifiedIncorporate multiple reservoir models where history match per well, and field is achieved. Interventions were tested and NPV’s were calculated.A multivariate linear regression was performed to generate proxy models for each intervention.Using Proxy models, Monte Carlo simulation was set up, according to each variable range and distributions.A set of Monte Carlo loops were simulated across hundreds randomly generated sequences. A group of sequences with a greater NPV were selected.

The top twenty sequences based on NPV from a pool of five hundred potential sequences were identify as a results of this methodology. A common well order was generally observed across the best twenty sequences, for example: the top three wells and the bottom three wells were consistent across the cases; these results were cross-checked against the bottom worst NPV sequences with similar conclusions. The workflow showed that optimizing the intervention sequence of twelve wells could represent a gain of $17.3MM in NPV (estimations were done considering a low oil price environment).

As a secondary result the subsurface uncertainty and well timing were the primary factors affecting the KPI’s; costs and operational risk were ranked as variables with reduced impact in the case study.

This is a value added workflow that can be applied in any asset where intervention and work-overs are key to sustain production, because it is repeatable process, it is flexible enough to incorporate new wells, and new subsurface realization and operation views that may arise through continuous surveillance and production.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Improve Reservoir Management of a Tidal-Fluvial Channel Reservoir in Tasbulat Field, Kazakhstan
Authors: Lechner Michael , Iltukov Renat , Mukushev Meirzhan
Published: April 2016

Tasbulat field was one of the fields discovered during Soviet times in the 1960’s by the regional exploration drilling campaign in the South Mangyshlak basin. It consists of multiple stacked oil and gas reservoirs of lower to mid Jurassic and mid Triassic age. The main reservoir in terms of oil production, initial oil in place, reserves and development progress is the Jurassic 10b which is an anticline shaped tidal-fluvial channel which is filled with under saturated oil. The lateral extension of the productive Jurassic 10b reservoir has been defined by a number of wells. Moreover, towards both flanks of the field the oil-water contact has been penetrated. Production from the Jurassic 10b reservoir commenced in the 1970’s under natural depletion. Water injection was started in 2003 and gradually increased in terms of volume and number of injection wells.

Breakthrough of injection and/or aquifer water has been observed in parts of the field. At present, the Jurassic 10b is being developed with 13 oil producers and 7 water injectors. A large portion of the producers have been hydraulically fractured which adds another layer of complexity. A recent multidisciplinary approach has significantly improved understanding of the Jurassic 10b by integrating static and dynamic data sets. The approach entailed a systematic review and interpretation of production, injection and well history based on which the lateral extension of the water flood front was estimated and drawn. The position of the flood front was subsequently confirmed and refined using dynamic reservoir simulation.

At the same time, sedimentological core description identified a number of lithofacies which identified the Jurassic 10b as a fluvial-tidal dominated system. Based on this knowledge a conceptual sedimentological model for the Jurassic 10b was obtained. In addition, seismic attribute analysis was performed and several channel features were identified and picked. The features were then projected on maps of different reservoir properties (e.g. net sand thickness, pressure, productivity index, water flood front etc.) and it was checked whether correlations existed between features and properties. Using the integrated approach it was shown that the Jurassic 10b channels exhibit hydraulic communication over a significant area, possibly in both, vertical and horizontal direction. And furthermore, that seismic attributes such as similarity and spectrum decomposition could potentially be used for predicting channel extensions.

This paper describes a real example how different methods and techniques such as seismic attribute modelling, lithofacies modelling, production surveillance/engineering, reservoir simulation can be practically used to define a field development strategy.
Effects of Nitrogen Application on Root Length and Grain Yield of Rain‐Fed Maize under Different Soil Types
Authors: Feng Guozhong , Zhang Yongjie , Chen Yanling , Li Qian , Chen Fanjun , Gao Qiang , Mi Guohua
Published: April 2016

The effect of fertilizer N on maize (Zea mays L.) root size has been reported with inconsistency. It remains unclear whether a quantitative relationship exists between soil NO3–N and root growth under field conditions. A 3‐yr field experiment was conducted in three soils (loamy clay, clay loam, and sandy loam) with five N treatments (from 0–312 kg N ha−1). Soil NO3–N concentration and total root length were determined to a depth of 60 cm at the silking stage. It was found that plants grown in clay loam soil had larger root size compared with the other two soil. A weak parabolic relationship between N supply and root length was found in loamy clay and clay loam soil, but not in sandy loam soil. There was a parabolic relationship between soil NO3–N concentration in the 0‐ to 60‐cm depth and total root length per plant. This relationship was mostly found in clay loam soil. Across soils and years, there was a parabolic relationship between root length density (RLD) and shoot dry matter (DM) at silking and between RLD at silking and grain yield with fertilizer N rate £240 kg N ha−1. It is suggested that it may be not practical to regulate total root length by simply adjusting N fertilizer amount. Total root length is not relevant to maize yield under excess N input conditions.

Core Ideas

Plants grown in clay loam soil had larger root than in loamy clay and sandy loam soils.

A parabolic relationship between soil nitrate‐N concentration and total root length.

A weak parabola relationship between N supply and root length was found in loamy clay soil and clay loam soil, but not in sandy loam soil. Root length and the maximum yield reached synchronously at optimum N rates (168–240 kg N ha−1 in the present study).
Assessing the Influence of Calcium Fluoride on Pyrite Electrochemical Dissolution and Mine Drainage pH
Authors: Wang Luying , Liu Qingyou , Zheng Kai , Li Heping
Published: April 2016

We investigated the influence of dissolved calcium fluoride, CaF2(aq), on the electrochemical dissolution of pyrite and the corresponding environmental effects on acid mine drainage (AMD). The experimental results showed that CaF2(aq) promotes pyrite electrochemical dissolution. When the CaF2(aq) concentration increased from 0 to 10 mg L–1 up to saturation, the promoting efficiency was 15.80 and 57.25%, respectively. The reason for this phenomenon is that F‐ and Fe2+ form FeF2, and at a higher scan potential, F− and Fe3+ form the ion complex FeF63−. The mechanisms include: (i) the decreasing charge transfer resistance at the double layer due to the iron fluorine complex formation; and (ii) the decreasing passivation resistance at the cover layer due to the strong penetration of F− ions through it into the double layer. Although the hydrolysis reaction of F− in solution could increase the pH value of mine drainage, the AMD was significantly aggravated because CaF2(aq) promoted the pyrite electrochemical dissolution.

Core Ideas

Results showed CaF2 could effectively promote pyrite electrochemical dissolution.

F– and Fe2+ form FeF2, and at a higher scan potential, F– and Fe3+ form the complex FeF63–.

Iron fluorine complex formation decreases charge transfer resistance at the double layer.

Strong penetration of F–into the double layer decreases the resistance at the cover layer.

AMD was significantly aggravated because CaF2 promoted the pyrite dissolution.
RNAi‐Mediated, Stable Resistance to Triticum mosaic virus in Wheat
Authors: Shoup Rupp Jessica L. , Cruz Luisa F. , Trick Harold N. , Fellers John P.
Published: April 2016

Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV) was discovered in 2006 and affects wheat (Triticum spp.) production systems in the Great Plains of the United States. Genetic resistance is available in a few commercial varieties; however, it is not effective above 20°C. RNA interference (RNAi) was evaluated as an alternative strategy to generate resistance to TriMV. An RNAi pANDA‐mini‐based hairpin expression vector was created from 272 bp of the TriMV coat protein (CP) sequence. Immature embryos of the wheat cultivar ‘Bobwhite’ were co‐transformed by biolistic particle delivery system with the pANDA::TriMVCP vector and pAHC20, containing the bar gene for glufosinate selection. T0 plants were analyzed by PCR for the presence of the RNAi TriMV CP fragment. Transgenic T1 lines were tested for transgene expression via reverse transcription PCR Virus resistance was evaluated by mechanical inoculation with TriMV and indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Several lines were identified that were resistant, having little or no viral RNA. Resistant lines underwent single plant selection to the T6 generation. Real‐time PCR and ELISA showed that T6 lines had a high level of resistance when challenged with the virus. To test if the transgene would behave similarly in an adapted variety, homozygous transgenic T3 lines were crossed with the virus‐susceptible winter wheat, ‘Overley.’ Real‐time PCR results indicate decreased viral titer by as much as 20‐fold in the T6 transgenic lines, the F1 crosses, and the BC1F1 lines when compared with control plants, providing evidence that this RNAi‐silencing construct can provide stable resistance to TriMV and has great potential benefits to both breeders and producers.
To Grieve
Authors: Daddario Will
Published: April 2016

“Your Face”, RumiYou may be planning departure, as a human soulleaves the world taking almost all its sweetnesswith it. You saddle your horse.You must be going. Remember you have friendshere as faithful as grass and sky.Have I failed you? Possibly you'reangry. But remember our nights of conversation,the well work, yellow roses by ocean,the longing, the archangel Gabrielsaying So be it. [Finlay], your face,is what every religion tries to remember.I've broken through to longing now,filled with a grief I have felt before,but never like this.The center leads to love.Soul opens the creation core.Hold on to your particular painThat too can take you to God.My work is to carry this loveas comfort for those who long for you,to go everywhere you've walkedand gaze at the pressed-down dirt.Pale sunlight,pale the wall.Love moves away.The light changes.I need more gracethan I thought.
Effect of increasing bromide concentration on toxicity in treated drinking water
Authors: Sawade Emma , Fabris Rolando , Humpage Andrew , Drikas Mary
Published: April 2016

Research is increasingly indicating the potential chronic health effects of brominated disinfection by-products (DBPs). This is likely to increase with elevated bromide concentrations resulting from the impacts of climate change, projected to include extended periods of drought and the sudden onset of water quality changes. This will demand more rigorous monitoring throughout distribution systems and improved water quality management at water treatment plants (WTPs). In this work the impact of increased bromide concentration on formation of DBPs following conventional treatment and chlorination was assessed for two water sources. Bioanalytical tests were utilised to determine cytotoxicity of the water post disinfection. Coagulation was shown to significantly reduce the cytotoxicity of the water, indicating that removal of natural organic matter DBP precursors continues to be an important factor in drinking water treatment. Most toxic species appear to form within the first half hour following disinfectant addition. Increasing bromide concentration across the two waters was shown to increase the formation of trihalomethanes and shifted the haloacetic acid species distribution from chlorinated to those with greater bromine substitution. This correlated with increasing cytotoxicity. This work demonstrates the challenges faced by WTPs and the possible effects increasing levels of bromide in source waters could have on public health.