bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Additional Method for Gas Fields Development Control
Authors: Chepkasova E. , Silov V.
Published: October 2017

The article presents a new additional method for massive gas fields development control. The method allows to control one of the main parameters influencing on gas production. It’s a position of gas-water contact (hereinafter GWC) nearby production wells, which don’t penetrate into phase boundary. The method’s signature feature is its availability for gas producing companies, since it doesn’t require additional costs to purchase new equipment, increase staff. The method is based on analysis of parameters changing determined at different times during gas well test (hereinafter WT). This type of research is an obligatory element in gas fields’ development control. Graphical display of the method makes it user friendly.

The proposed method is positioned by the authors as a diagnostic, because in comparison with traditional gas saturation methods control, based on direct contact well walls with GWC surface, the new method provides GWC position as a calculated value. The quantitative estimation of method is based on the assumption of reservoir homogeneous structure near investigated well. The method was tested in Gazprom dobycha Noyabrsk LLC (hereinafter the Company) on Cenomanian gas fields characterized homogeneous structure of the reservoir, and presented good convergence with standard geophysical methods (hereinafter logging).
Comprehensive Selection of Reagents and Technologies for Shut Off in Gas Producers
Authors: Dubinsky G. , Andreev V. , Fedorov K.
Published: October 2017

Main part of the offered procedure and approach lays in selection of reagents and technology for limiting of water influx to gas wells taking into account composition of the rock, water source and BHZ condition. We pointed out the typical mechanisms of water influx and performed grouping of wells based on this attribute, developed and chose reagents and targeted technologies of water shut-off taking into account properties of reservoir rocks.

We developed the procedure of identification of the water-flooded well stock and its classification based on the peculiarities of the water flooding development using data mining, which takes into account volume and quality of the geological-physical and physical-chemical data; on the basis of this procedure we pointed out a group of wells with similar nature of water flooding and offered the methods of water influx limitation for each type of water flooding.

We made complexation of the methodological approaches and technologies, which made it possible to set the order of measures on water influx limitation and increasing the depletion of the hydrocarbon reserves on separate productive formations and wells.

We developed the technology of the productive formation temporary blocking without sacrificing the reservoir properties, and the technology of water influx limitation with simultaneous stimulation of productive interval operation.

We performed works on water influx limitation and water shut-off in gas and gas-condensate wells, which represent the various groups based on the geological-technological conditions. The offered procedure is approved on the wells of Astrakhan, Urengoy and Yamburg Gas-Condensate Fields. The present paper analyzes the success and efficiency of the offered approach and the performed works.
Features of Water and Process Fluids Effect on Filtration Properties of Terrigenous Reservoirs of the Nepa Suite of Eastern Siberia
Authors: Gaydukov L. A. , Nikolaev V. A. , Vorobev V. S.
Published: October 2017

Based on the results of the filtration experiments conducted on core samples of terrigenous strata V13 of the Nepa suite of the Ignyalinsky field, the main mechanisms of the effect of water of different degrees of mineralization and process fluids (fracturing fluid, drilling fluid) on the filtration properties of the reservoir (relative permeability to oil), were revealed. It has been shown that the key factors determining the magnitude and direction (improvement/deterioration) of technogenic changes in the reservoir are: the degree of its salinization, mineralization of the stimulating agent and heterogeneity of the pore volume structure. The results of special filtration experiments on dynamic desalinization of V13 stratum during injection of low-mineralized water, study of fracturing fluids and drilling fluids are presented.
New Features of the Experiment to Determine Lateral Anisotropy Filtration and Capacity Properties
Authors: Kadet Valeriy Vladimirovich , Kravchenko Marina Nikolaevna , Pavlovich Tsybulskiy Sergey , Bogdanov Andrey Vladimirovich
Published: October 2017

The development of methods of the reservoir properties laboratory determination is the current task in the complex anisotropic formations development. Current condition of the computational and experimental base allows us to develop new research algorithms that could significantly update the field standards for the study of core material with the inclusion of refined data in reservoir simulators. This paper provides generalization of core research methods developed by the authors in previous works, and improvements that clarify the characteristics and structure of the anisotropic formation have been proposed.

The obtained results of experiments with Achimov core samples permitted to specify the type of the reservoir symmetry, to modify the obtained model which provides with more qualified adaptation to history of field development and then to specify fluid filtration different directions patterns as well as stagnant zones. This method can be used for any other formations.

The essence of the experimental method is based on the analogy of the filtration and elastic properties of the porous matrix of the reservoir. The study of the motion of elastic waves along the axis of a full-size core makes it possible to establish the presence of anisotropy and to refine the type of symmetry of the properties. According to the method modified by the authors, five standard size samples (30x30 mm) were taken for the study.

Three of the five previously produced samples are used to determine the filtration-capacitive properties along the principal directions of the absolute permeability tensor, the fourth sample allows to control properties along any direction, which could experimentally show the tensor nature of permeability. This new method requires additional fifth sample, which is necessary to use in the filtration properties symmetry type experimental determination. Similar experiments were not conducted earlier. To determine the type of symmetry on five samples, high-speed gas filtration studies were performed with an output to the nonlinear filtration law and permeability was determined under the given conditions. It was necessary to carry out measurements in the forward and backward directions. Obtained data analysis made it possible to determine the filtration properties symmetry type.

The developed complex method includes creation of an algorithm for experiments carrying out and core samples filtration-capacitance properties determination and this method is generalization of previous researches. It allows determining the anisotropy type and taking this condition into account when formation modeling is in progress which was impossible previously. If this methodology is included in the modeling standards, it will let to obtain a higher degree of future development periods accurate forecasting.
Impact of Pore Structure on Reservoir Quality of Carbonates
Authors: Yalalova V. , Zhukov A. , Volnov I. , Khakimov A. , Ermilov A. , Djumaev V. , Abdullaev G.
Published: October 2017

Nowadays most of the world's hydrocarbons are extracted from carbonate reservoirs and this trend will continue in the next century. However, despite a significant number of publications and scientific papers, reserves estimation and planning of carbonate reservoir development still involve a significant level of uncertainty.

Complexity of the study of carbonate reservoirs is due to the heterogeneity of pore structure media, which reduces the reliability of porosity determination and also explains the ambiguity in predicting permeability.

The problem of evaluating the pore structure of carbonate reservoirs is solved by attracting actual measurements on the core. According to the accepted techniques for preparing and examining core samples, only absolute permeability values are estimated and not effective values in reservoir conditions. For gas wells, the only reliable method for estimating the effective permeability is based on analysis of well test data and production logging data (PLT).

This article highlights the experience of applying the proposed approach to assessing the permeability and porosity of carbonate reservoirs while gas field development.

The purpose of this work is to determine the effective reservoir properties of the investigated deposits and to estimate the amount of gas initially in place.

To assess the reservoir quality heterogeneity, the analysis of well test data and production logging data were performed and intervals with effective permeability were identified. For each perforated interval the effective permeability value is determined on the basis of the actual gas production and inflow rate. To calculate the porosity of net pay intervals, the relationship between the core plug permeability and porosity was applied. Thus, to evaluate effective reservoir parameters, well test data and production logging data are used the entire life of the well, and the calculation results represent the range of porosity and permeability variation for each production interval.

The practical importance of the work is that this approach to the assessment of effective porosity and permeability allows us to identify and assess the gas reserves that will be effectively involved into the development.
The Prediction and Application of Sandstone Reservoirs with Coal-Bearing Zone in South Turgay Basin, Kazakhstan
Authors: Xiaofeng Sheng , Yaping Lin , Mingjun Zhang , Linghong Kong
Published: October 2017

The exploration in oil and gas of the South Turgay Basin has been carried out for more than 50 years. During the years of exploration and development, the exploration degree of the basin has reached a very high level. Almost all the shallow targets for drilling oil and gas in Cretaceous and Middle-Upper Jurassic formations have been completed. According to the resource evaluation result, the recoverable oil and gas resource can be found in the J1, J2 formations. And the resources of J1, J2 formations accounts for 55% of the underexploited, which is the main direction of exploration in the future. In recent years, some oil and gas have been found in one of layers in J1, called J1ab.However, the J1ab is facing several problems that need to be solved. The most important one is the prediction of sandstone reservoirs containing coal seams, which is difficult to predict because of the inundation reaction of coal seams.

In this paper, the wavelet decomposition technique was adopted to eliminate the influence of strong interface caused by coal seams and to recover the seismic response characteristics of thin sandstone layers. The thin sand layers were identified by renewed geo-statistical method. The results of reservoir prediction coincide with the actual well drilling, and the ratio is up to 79%, which solves the problem of predicting sandstone reservoir in coal bearing strata. This technique was applied in the South Turgay Basin, for the 21 drilled exploration wells, 14 of them were succeed in gaining oil and gas, and the rate was 67%. At the same time four oil and gas structural belts were found. According to the application of this technology in this study basin, an additional geological reserve of 22.6 million tons oil was discovered by now. And it provides a way for sustainable development in this basin.
New Approach to Offshore Field Development in Russia: Ultra Deep LWD Measurements for Accurate 3D Reservoir Model Update
Authors: Shtun S. Yu. , Golenkin M. Yu. , Shtun A. S. , Shabalinskaya D. D. , Cheprasov A. V. , Kuzakov V. R. , Brichikova M. P. , Zolotoi N. V.
Published: October 2017

In this paper we describe a new approach to the development of oil and gas fields in Russia and CIS countries, which consists of integrated use of well log data while drilling and deep directional electromagnetic measurements (EM) for geosteering applications with subsequent update of the geological static model.

This approach was implemented in 2016 on the offshore Filanovsky field to reduce drilling risks in the first production wells, and to refine and update the 3D static model. At the initial stage of drilling estimated structural uncertainty in the field was ± 15 m (vertical depth). The use of deep directional resistivity technology (DDR) while drilling allowed to determine bed boundaries remotely based on resistivities at vertical distance of up to 24 m (vertical depth). Based on inversion of deep electromagnetic measurements (inversion), the first wells were successfully drilled with all the geological and technical tasks completed. The obtained well log data together with inversion allowed refining of the correlation of the target beds with seismic data, and updating the velocity-depth model as well as structural surfaces of the deposit. New surfaces, together with the petrophysical interpretation of the data from the horizontal and production intervals obtained during drilling, were used to update the stochastic 3D model for subsequent reserves estimation and planning of future wells.
Formation Evaluation for Thin Bed Shaly Sand Reservoirs
Authors: Kolomytsev Alexander , Kalistratov Alexey
Published: October 2017

When developing oil and gas fields, there are often the reservoirs consisting of alternating thin sedimentary thin layers of various rocks, clays, siltstone and sandstone (Fig. 1). Current low oil prices driving reexploration of mature fields and, therefore, the interest in interpretation of such non-standard, thin and/or low resistivity and low resistivity contrast formations is increasing. Over time, they ceased to be simply a phenomenon and turned into objects of careful attention. The vertical thickness of these layers varies from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Such deposits are widespread on the territory of Russia (Volga-Urals, Timan-Pechora, West Siberian and East Siberian oil and gas provinces, Pre-Caucasian region, Sakhalin, etc). Thin-bedded Reservoirs are a promising oil and gas objects, but quantification of individual petrophysical properties of thin layers, such as porosity and saturation, with standard set of logging and standard methods of interpretation involve considerable complexity. In case of thin-laminated reservoirs logging data are the averaged characteristics of interlayers of sandstones and clays, with a thickness less than the vertical resolution of standard logs. In this regard, traditional approaches to data interpretation in thinly bedded reservoirs do not allow to reliably estimate their reservoir properties to determine the volumetric parameters for the subsequent estimation of hydrocarbon reserves or even just for involvement in the development of hydrocarbons.

Figure 1 Silty sand mudstone
Improving the Reliability of Quantitative Interpretation of the Nuclear Magnetic Logging Data to Evaluate the Secondary Porosity in Reservoirs Associated with the Ovinparmian and Grebenian Horizons in the Trebs field
Authors: Shumatbaev K. D. , Privalova O. R. , Gainullina E. K. , Korost D. V. , Belokhin V. S. , Kuchurina O. E.
Published: October 2017

The study deals with improving the reliability of interpreting the data of the nuclear magnetic logs (NML) to analyze the secondary porosity in fractured vuggy porous carbonate reservoir rocks.

According to routine practice the interpretation of the laboratory NMR data is accompanied by calibration/matching against results obtained using other techniques (capillary measurements, centrifugation, mercury injection) to justify the validity of relaxation time cut-off values T2 (T2 cutt-offs) corresponding to the volume of bound (residual) water saturation. At the same time, association of the pore volume with the dominant large size elements (vugs) involves an empirically introduced T2_Cav=750 ms cut-off [1, 2, 3]. There is no operation involved to validate adjusting above value that is partially dealing with the methodological hurdle to assess the share of the pore volume occupied by vugs during core studies.

This study proposes an approach to assess the fraction of the vuggy porosity using X-ray computer microtomography (micro CT) technique with subsequent matching against the NMR data resulting in estimating correct T2_cav cut-off values for the vuggy component.

We used a standard set (having diameter of 30 mm) of core samples to carry out a series of petrophysics laboratory studies involving NMR and micro CT.

We calculated the void space associated with the vuggy porosity on the basis of micro CT data. We adjusted the value of T2_Cav in each of the samples studied to proceed with determining two main values of T2_Cav based on morphology (size and shape) characteristics of the vug types. The results obtained were used to analyze and correct NML data.

During these studies we tested the method of matching T2_cav cut-offs in carbonate sediments of the Lower Devonian and Upper Silurian deposits in the Trebs field. The results obtained clearly demonstrate that T2_cav cut-off values can vary in different manner depending on the specificity (size and morphology of vugs) in the studied cross section.
A Technical Solution for Increasing the Efficiency of Associated Petroleum Gas using Examples from the Fields of OAO Udmurtneft
Authors: Blyablyas Alexander
Published: October 2017

This article is dedicated to increase in the efficiency of use of ballasted associated petroleum gas (APG) in the areas with no developed infrastructure for treatment, transportation and collection of APG. The existing technologies that allow using APG efficiently have been analyzed. This article contains the statistics that prove the relevance of the issue in question.

Specific features of physical and chemical, and thermotechnical properties of APG are described with reference to the oil fields of the Udmurt Republic. Solutions of the problems associated with transportation and use of associated petroleum gas are proposed in this article.

The author developed and patented the technology of separation of associated petroleum gas into three constituent fractions.

The technical scheme of the device operation allows preparing the APG for transportation or use directly on the oil production site. The developed technical scheme of APG separation at oil production sites will allow using up to 90% of now flared associated petroleum gas.

A laboratory unit for APG separation into fractions was designed and built to test the efficiency of the proposed technology, and laboratory tests were carried out on the model and natural associated gas of oil fields of the Udmurt Republic.

The article is devoted to development and research of methods of efficient use of ballasted associated petroleum gas. The unique technology combining the absorptive separation of gas mixture in alignment with the existing compressor technologies of extraction hydrocarbons from APG has been proposed. The optimal modes for small-scale APG separation unit for separating APG into fractions have been selected to ensure maximum yield of target hydrocarbons. By using the proposed technical scheme we can increase the yield of target hydrocarbons by 2.1-3% without changing the operation modes and extra costs.

The proposed solution will allow increasing the efficiency of APG use in total, thereby solving one of the most burning problems in the oil and gas industry.
Probabilistic Approach as a Tool for Identifying Areas of Residual Oil Reserves
Authors: Kondratiev M. , Azarov E.
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we consider the development of a technique for constructing probability maps to predict areas of residual oil reserves using the example of the Lovinskoye deposit.

Summary of the technique: Determination of factors that are theoretically interrelated with the probability of the presence of areas of residual oil reserves.Identifying the most significant factors from the selected set.Considering the factor of oil reserve recovery.Construction of probability maps for the presence of areas of residual oil reserves based on the research results.Practical application of the obtained probability maps.

The method allowed us to estimate in a short time the reserve recovery in the field and determine the areas of residual oil reserves and showed high convergence with maps of current mobile reserves based on the results of geological and hydrodynamic simulation.

Testing of the obtained technique is planned at other deposits of TPE «Urayneftegaz».
Verifying Reserves Opportunities with Multi-Well Pressure Pulse-Code Testing
Authors: Taipova V. , Rafikov R. , Aslanyan A. , Aslanyan I. , Minakhmetova R. , Trusov A. , Krichevsky V. , Farakhova R.
Published: October 2017

This paper demonstrates the practical application of multi-well Pulse Code Testing (PCT) technique for verification of reserves in the vicinity of a horizontal infill well. It also contains an introduction to PCT, where the advantages of this technique over conventional PTA (both single-well and standard multi-well pressure interference testing) are described.

The case study given in this paper deals with the actual implementation of so-called ‘hopper scan’ PCT where a pressure pulse propagates across a row of artificially lifted wells and is then recorded in remote injectors in the next row, thus providing information about a large part of the reservoir without interfering with the production process. The forecast made on the basis of the PCT results was fully confirmed during subsequent hydraulic fracturing operations carried out in the surveyed well, which proved that the PCT information about the reserves was correct.

Three comparatively new technologies have been addressed in this paper: Pulse code decomposition aimed at minimising production losses;Automated multi-well matching aimed at improving the accuracy of inter-well parameters evaluation;‘Hopper scan’ as a means of minimising the need in workovers and tripping operations in artificially lifted wells.
New Opportunities for Brownfields: Channel Fracturing Offers a Significant Increase of Well Productivity in Complex Geological Conditions in the Samara Region
Authors: Letichevskiy Alexander , Nikitin Alexey , Parfenov Alexey , Makarenko Vitaliy , Lavrov Ilya , Rukan Gleb , Yudin Alexey , Ovsyannikov Dmitry , Nuriakhmetov Ruslan , Gromovenko Alexander
Published: October 2017

A characteristic feature of oil fields in the Samara region which main oil reserves are concentrated in terrigenous formations is considered to be a high level of exploration and depletion. One of the main challenges the solution of which will allow to maintain the current level of production is the systematic application of modern technologies for the oil inflow stimulation of small and hard-to-reach reservoirs with unfavorable geological and physical conditions. Under these circumstances the classical fracturing method with regular proppant injection has no the proper effect, what forces the oil producing companies to recourse to more efficient technologies. Gradually deteriorating geological conditions limit both the size of the proppant pumped and the tonnage of the whole hydraulic fracturing operation, not allowing to achieve the optimal "formation-well" connection. To optimize the fields development process in 2015-2016 four pilot operations were performed with a new technology for the region - the cluster fracturing. When it is performed, the proppant is being pumped with "pulses" alternating with self-dissolving fibers, thus achieving a highly conductive fracture structure that removes the restrictions for hydrocarbons inflow occurring during conventional fracturing.

The development objects, treated with channel hydraulic fracturing, were sandstones of the Devonian system (D1, D3, Dk) of the Kuleshovskoye oil field, which was discovered as far back as 1959 and being the second largest in the Samara region. These formations are characterized by low reservoir properties and located at a much greater depth in comparison with the main oil reservoirs. The obtained results showed that the wells after the cluster fracturing demonstrated a productivity coefficient higher by 47%, the oil production rate increased by 1.56 times as compared to the wells with the conventional fracturing. Good production results were obtained due to the pad stage percent decreasing, a reduction of the fluid volume (when converted to the equivalent mass of standard fracturing), and the use of higher proppant concentrations.
Emerging Horticultural Research and Education Opportunities in Myanmar
Authors: Davis Tim D. , Bost Eric M. , Byce Carmen N.
Published: October 2017

The Republic of the Union of Myanmar (also known as Burma) has been undergoing political transformation in recent years that has opened up new opportunities for agricultural development. Agriculture is an important component of the country’s economy, and horticultural production has good potential for fostering development. Compared with many other developing countries, Myanmar is relatively rich in natural resources (e.g., water) that could support diverse horticultural crop production. Precipitation is relatively abundant but seasonable, and much of the country is frost free. Nonetheless, for the vast majority of fruit and vegetable crops, yields are well below world averages. The agriculture sector contributes 38% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employs more than 60% of the workforce. However, Myanmar has only one agricultural university, and the supply of well-qualified graduates is far below that which is needed for a robust horticultural sector. Horticulture is one of the major departments at the agricultural university. Many faculty and students are enthusiastic, motivated, and open to professional development. Hence, there is a significant opportunity to increase academic and technical capacity in horticulture. Specific areas of need include seed science technology, improved fertilizer use, pest management practices, postharvest technology, improved genetic resources, application of biotechnology, and increased extension advisory services. Although there are many obstacles to overcome, improved and sustainable horticultural crop production provides a significant opportunity for addressing human nutrition and economic development issues in the country.
Alternative Fertility Management for Establishing New Apple Orchards in the Mid-Atlantic
Authors: Thompson Ashley A. , Peck Gregory M.
Published: October 2017

In the Mid-Atlantic, mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizers are applied in high-density apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) orchards to increase tree vegetative growth and achieve earlier fruiting. However, when applied in excess of plant needs, N fertilizer applications are an unnecessary expense and may lead to N leaching and groundwater pollution. Therefore, it is necessary to develop orchard fertilization programs that simultaneously provide adequate crop nutrition and minimize N loss into the environment. Nitrogen was applied in each of 3 years to newly planted ‘Red Delicious cv Schlect’/‘M.26’ trees at 67 kg N/ha/year in six fertilizer treatments: 1) two equal applications of granular calcium nitrate [Ca(NO3)2]; 2) chicken litter compost; 3) yardwaste compost; 4) a combination of chicken litter compost and granular Ca(NO3)2 with equal amounts of N from each fertilizer; 5) a combination of yardwaste compost and granular Ca(NO3)2 with equal amounts of N from each fertilizer; and 6) fertigation which consisted of eight weekly applications of solubilized Ca(NO3)2. Nonfertilized trees served as the control. In the third year of this experiment, the two chicken litter compost treatments had the greatest soil extractable P, the yardwaste compost treatment had the greatest soil extractable K, both full-rate compost treatments had greater soil extractable Mg than the other treatments, and all four compost treatments had greater soil extractable Mn than the treatments without compost. The four compost treatments also had greater soil extractable Ca and B than treatments without compost. By the third year of the experiment, the four compost treatments also had greater soil organic matter (OM) and soil C (with the integrated chicken litter compost treatment having similar soil C to the other treatments). Potentially mineralizable nitrogen and soil microbial biomass were similar among the treatments over the course of this experiment. The full rate chicken litter compost treatment and both yardwaste compost treatments had greater soil microbial respiration in 2015. The fertigation treatment performed similarly to the treatment where Ca(NO3)2 was applied as a granular product to the soil. Treatment differences found for the soil properties did not translate to increased tree size or leaf N content, suggesting that the trees were able to acquire sufficient N from the soil under all of the treatments. Our results suggest that applying fertilizers to fine textured soil with relatively high OM may not increase apple tree growth or productivity within the first 3 years after planting. In addition, compost applications can improve many soil properties, but these differences may not result in improved orchard productivity within 3 years.
Training of Growers and Extension Agents in the Dominican Republic on Managing Heat Stress of Bell Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) Grown in High Tunnels
Authors: Díaz-Pérez Juan Carlos , Smith Erick
Published: October 2017

The Dominican Republic is located in the Hispaniola Island in the Caribbean region. Its climate differs substantially over short distances and is the most diverse of the Caribbean. Annual average temperature is 25 °C, ranging from 18 °C (at higher elevations) to 28 °C (at sea level). Average annual rainfall is 1500 mm. Although sugar, coffee, cocoa, and tobacco are the principal cash crops of the country, peppers are increasing in popularity on the country’s exportation market. Bell peppers grown in high tunnels and greenhouses may be impacted by high temperatures that result in reduced fruit yield and quality. In this article, we make a short review of cooling techniques for high tunnels and share the experience of training bell pepper growers and extension personnel from the Dominican Republic regions of San José de Ocoa and Constanza on how to manage heat stress of bell peppers grown inside high tunnels. Bell pepper plants inside high tunnels showed symptoms of heat stress, including reduced plant and fruit size, small fruit number, and a mild leaf chlorosis. In both regions, but particularly in the warmer region, San José Ocoa, because of occurrences of high temperatures inside the high tunnels, growers were advised to use well-ventilated high tunnels, such as structures with plastic film on the top and screen net on the sides. Other strategies such as shade nets (30% to 40% shade) placed on top of the high tunnel or whitewash paint applied on the high tunnel cover may also help reduce air and soil temperatures inside the tunnel. Use of white or silver reflective mulch, instead of the commonly used black mulch, may provide additional reduction of soil temperature. In conclusion, high tunnel structures developed for temperate regions, with limited to poor ventilation, may result in excessively high temperatures inside the high tunnels and thus were not recommended for the Dominican Republic regions of this study. More research is necessary on adequate high tunnel design and cooling techniques for high tunnel production, particularly in tropical regions.
How to Succeed as an International Horticultural Consultant
Authors: Ebel Roland , Shock Clinton C.
Published: October 2017

Although the term consultant is used extensively, the duty of an international horticultural consultant (IHC) lacks precision. We propose that the job of an IHC has many attributes similar to an extension agent in the United States. Accordingly, we highlight the responsibilities of an IHC and put them in a historic and organizational context. Subsequently, we give advice about how to act and behave adequately when going to a new country. We bring in experience from successful IHC and a synopsis of specialist literature. Because we stress the importance of the credibility of an IHC within the farming community he is working with, we emphasize interaction with her/his professional and social environment. An IHC must have a genuine interest in the people being served and their challenges and adequate competence to provide a genuine contribution.
Evaluation of Salt Tolerance at Germination Stage in Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp]
Authors: Ravelombola Waltram Second , Shi Ainong , Weng Yuejin , Clark John , Motes Dennis , Chen Pengyin , Srivastava Vibha
Published: October 2017

Cowpea is a leguminous and versatile crop which provides nutritional food for human consumption. However, salinity unfavorably reduces cowpea seed germination, thus significantly decreasing cowpea production. Little has been done for evaluating and developing salt-tolerant cowpea genotypes at germination stage. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the response of cowpea genotypes to salinity stress through seed germination rate and to select salt-tolerant cowpea genotypes. The seed germination rates under nonsalt condition and salinity stress (150 mm NaCl) were evaluated in 151 cowpea genotypes. Four parameters, absolute decrease (AD), the inhibition index (II), the relative salt tolerance (RST), and the salt tolerance index (STI) were used to measure salt tolerance in cowpea. The results showed that there were significant differences among the 151 cowpea genotypes for all parameters (P values <0.0001). The AD in germination rate was 5.8% to 94.2%; the II varied from 7.7% to 100%; the RST ranged from 0 to 0.92; and STI varied from 0 to 0.92. A high broad sense heritability (H2) was observed for all four parameters. High correlation coefficients (r) were estimated among the four parameters. PI582422, 09–529, PI293584, and PI582570 were highly salt tolerant at germination stage. In addition, genotypes from the Caribbean and Southern Asia exhibited better tolerance to salinity, whereas those from Europe and North America were the most salt-susceptible.
Foliar Applications of Protein Hydrolysate, Plant and Seaweed Extracts Increase Yield but Differentially Modulate Fruit Quality of Greenhouse Tomato
Authors: Colla Giuseppe , Cardarelli Mariateresa , Bonini Paolo , Rouphael Youssef
Published: October 2017

The current research aimed 1) at evaluating the effects of three biostimulants (legume-derived protein hydrolysate, PH; plant and seaweed extract, PE and SWE) on yield performance and nutritional quality, mineral profiling, antioxidant activities, lycopene, total phenols and ascorbic acid of greenhouse tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under soil culture and 2) to assess the economic profitability of biostimulant applications. Plants were sprayed four times during the growing cycle with a solution containing 1, 3, and 3 mL·L−1 of PE, SWE, and PH, respectively. Foliar applications of biostimulants improved the early and total marketable yield of fresh tomato. The increase of total yield by PE, SWE, and PH was 11.7%, 6.6% and 7.0%, respectively, in comparison with untreated plants. Legume-derived PH increased lycopene, total soluble solids, and K and Mg contents, thereby increasing the nutritional value of the fruits. The applications of SWE, and to a lesser degree PH, enhanced the Ca concentration in the fruit tissue. Our findings indicated that the three tested biostimulants, although they increased the total production cost, improved the nutrient status and yield performance of the crop to a level resulting in net economic benefits.
Ice Cube Irrigation of Potted Phalaenopsis Orchids in Bark Media Does Not Decrease Display Life
Authors: South Kaylee A. , Thomas Paul A. , van Iersel Marc W. , Young Cindy , Jones Michelle L.
Published: October 2017

Phalaenopsis orchids are an increasingly popular potted house plant in the United States. New cultivars have a long display life in home environments, but these epiphytes are often overirrigated by consumers. Irrigating potted Phalaenopsis orchids weekly with ice cubes has been recommended as a simple solution to help consumers, but concern has been raised about whether the ice cubes will cause low temperature damage in these tropical plants. The effect of ice cube irrigation on the display life and quality of four cultivars of potted Phalaenopsis orchids was, therefore, evaluated. Irrigation treatments included weekly application of three ice cubes or the equivalent volume of room-temperature tap water. The longevity of individual flowers and the overall display life of the orchid plants were determined. Monthly measurements determined the volume of leachate in the outer decorative pots after irrigation. The quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII) in roots and leaves was evaluated monthly to determine if photosynthetic efficiency was affected by the ice irrigation. The temperature in the orchid bark growing media during irrigation events was recorded, and a programmable antifreeze bath was used to determine the temperature at which damage to PSII was observed in orchid roots. The flower longevity and display life were unaffected by irrigation treatment. In general, the leachate volume over time was the same or lower in ice irrigated orchids compared with those irrigated with the same volume of water. The lowest temperature in the bark media irrigated with ice cubes was ≈11 °C, while controlled freezing experiments showed that damage to photosystem II in orchid roots did not occur until bath temperatures were below −7 °C. The internal temperature of roots in direct contact with ice cubes decreased to around 4 °C. Ice cube irrigation had no detrimental effects on the quality or display life of potted Phalaenopsis orchids growing in bark, demonstrating that ice cubes are a viable method of irrigating these tropical house plants.
Characteristics of rainfall and runoff in different extreme precipitation events in the Beijing mountain area
Authors: Zhang Zhenyao , Yu Xinxiao , Jia Guodong , Liu Ziqiang , Wang Dandan , Hou Guirong
Published: October 2017

This study was based on a rainstorm that happened in Beijing on 20 July 2016. We analyzed the characteristics of rainfall and runoff during this rainstorm, compared it to rainstorm 721, and investigated why no surface runoff was observed during this rainstorm. A runoff plot experiment showed that almost all runoff consisted of deep interflow (40–60 cm). For runoff plots with identical vegetation, the slope was smaller, and the lag time of the deep interflow relative to the process of rainfall was shorter. The runoff yield of the deep interflow was inversely proportional to the slope. Compared to plots with pure tree forest and shrub forest, the interflow process curve of plots with coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest was relatively gentle during the rainfall process. Thick litter layers, low antecedent moisture content of the soil, high gravel content of the soil, and the short duration of high intensity rainfall are the causes for the observed lack of surface runoff. To simultaneously prevent flooding and waterlogging, we propose to utilize vegetation to improve water storage at the reservoirs and to replenish the groundwater during cumulative rainstorms with a stable rain tendency.
Effect of precursor type on the reduction of concentrated nitrate using zero-valent copper and sodium borohydride
Authors: Belay Tihitinna Asmellash , Lin C. Y. , Hsiao H. M. , Chang M. F. , Liu J. C.
Published: October 2017

In this study, we demonstrated that the choice of precursor has a strong effect on the reduction of nitrate (NO3−) using zero-valent copper (Cu0) synthesized by sodium borohydride (NaBH4). Different precursors: CuSO4, CuO, Cu2O, Cu powder, and Cu mesh were used to reduce NO3− at 677 mg-N/L under the reducing conditions of NaBH4. Compared with the prehydrolyzed samples, those prepared without prehydrolysis exhibited lower reduction rates, longer times and higher concentrations of nitrite (NO2−) intermediate. It was found that one-time addition of NaBH4 resulted in higher reduction rate and less NO2− intermediate than two-step addition. Results showed that Cu0 from CuSO4 possessed the smallest particle size (890.9 nm), highest surface area (26.0 m2/g), and highest reaction rate (0.166 min−1). Values of pseudo-first-order constant (kobs) were in the order: CuSO4 > CuO > Cu2O > Cu powder >Cu mesh. However, values of surface area-normalized reaction rate (kSA) were approximately equal. It was proposed that NO3− was reduced to NO2− on Cu0, and then converted to NH4+ and N2, respectively; H2 generated from both NaBH4 hydration and Cu (II) reduction contributed to NO3− reduction as well.
Recent Synthetic Strategies for Monocyclic Azole Nucleus and Its Role in Drug Discovery and Development
Authors: Neha  , Dwivedi Ashish Ranjan , Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Vinod
Published: October 2017

Background:

In recent years, the development and diversification of heterocyclic compounds has
become central to the discovery of bioactive compounds with novel or improved pharmacological properties.
In particular, N-containing heterocycles are proved to be promising leads and drug candidates, and received
huge attention of the medicinal chemists.

Objective:

Many drugs especially antibiotics are becoming obsolete due to the development of multidrug resistance.
Moreover, toxicity and other side effects of some drugs necessitated the quest for safer and more potent
drug candidates. The current review article described biological potential of various monocyclic azoles. Recent
developments in the synthesis of azole derivatives have been also reviewed.

Conclusion:

The presence of N-heterocyclic rings can influence the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics,
pKa and bioavailability profile of the drug molecules. Compounds containing monocyclic azole rings showed
various biological activities and number of molecules are in clinical practice. A number of important leads and
potential drug candidates containing azole nucleus are in advance stages of drug developments. Thus, simple,
atom economic and more efficient synthetic strategies are desired for the synthesis of new libraries of the compounds.
Adverse Drug Event Discovery Using Biomedical Literature: A Big Data Neural Network Adventure (Preprint)
Authors: P Tafti Ahmad , Badger Jonathan , LaRose Eric , Shirzadi Ehsan , Mahnke Andrea , Mayer John , Ye Zhan , Page David , Peissig Peggy
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

The study of adverse drug events (ADEs) is a tenured topic in medical literature. In recent years, increasing numbers of scientific articles and health-related social media posts have been generated and shared daily, albeit with very limited use for ADE study and with little known about the content with respect to ADEs.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop a big data analytics strategy that mines the content of scientific articles and health-related Web-based social media to detect and identify ADEs.

METHODS

We analyzed the following two data sources: (1) biomedical articles and (2) health-related social media blog posts. We developed an intelligent and scalable text mining solution on big data infrastructures composed of Apache Spark, natural language processing, and machine learning. This was combined with an Elasticsearch No-SQL distributed database to explore and visualize ADEs.

RESULTS

The accuracy, precision, recall, and area under receiver operating characteristic of the system were 92.7%, 93.6%, 93.0%, and 0.905, respectively, and showed better results in comparison with traditional approaches in the literature. This work not only detected and classified ADE sentences from big data biomedical literature but also scientifically visualized ADE interactions.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first to investigate a big data machine learning strategy for ADE discovery on massive datasets downloaded from PubMed Central and social media. This contribution illustrates possible capacities in big data biomedical text analysis using advanced computational methods with real-time update from new data published on a daily basis.
Effect of an Inclined Magnetic Field on the Flow of Nanofluids in a Tapered Asymmetric Porous Channel with Heat Source/Sink and Chemical Reaction
Authors: Dar Ajaz Ahmad
Published: October 2017

This article deals with the effect of an inclined magnetic field with heat source/sink on the flow of nanofluids in a tapered asymmetric porous channel. Effect of chemical reaction has been taken into account. The blood is considered as an incompressible electrically conducting viscous fluid. The assumption of low Reynolds number and long wave length approximations has been adopted. Exact solutions for dimensionless axial velocity, concentration and temperature profile are obtained analytically. The obtained results are displayed and discussed in detail with the help of graphs for the variation of different emerging flow parameters.
SYNTHESIS AND PRELIMINARY PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF NEW NAPROXEN ANALOGUES HAVING 1, 2, 4-TRIAZOLE-3-THIOL
Authors: Mahdi Monther F. , Naser Noor H. , Hammud Nethal H.
Published: October 2017

Objective: The objective of this search was to synthesize a new naproxen analogues having a 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol heterocyclic ring, and preliminary pharmacological assessment of the anti-inflammatory activity of the synthesized compounds. Methods: The synthesis of naproxen analogues that having 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol heterocyclic ring occur through esterification of naproxen, and then its reaction with hydrazine hydrate, and carbon disulfide, finally different aromatic aldehydes reacted with triazole derivatives of naproxen containing amino group to produce schiff bases.Results: In vivo acute anti-inflammatory activity of the synthesize compounds (Va-Vd) was evaluated in rats using egg-white induced edema model of inflammation in a dose equivalent to (50 mg/kg) of naproxen. All tested compounds were produced a significant reduction in paw edema with respect to the effect of propylene glycol 50% v/v (control group). Compound Vd produced superior anti-inflammatory activity compared to naproxen.Conclusion: The results obtained in this work give evidence about the valid synthesis of 1,2,4 triazole-3-thiol derivatives of naproxen, which reacted with different aldehydes to yield several schiff bases. The incorporation of benzaldehyde possess para-electron donating group (para-hydroxyl benzaldehyde) will increase the anti-inflammatory activity of naproxen.