bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Neural Networks in Developing an Empirical Oil Recovery Factor Equation for Water Drive Niger Delta Reservoirs
Authors: Okpere Adrian , Njoku Chukwueke
Published: July 2014

The importance of estimation of reservoir recovery factors to a high level of accuracy cannot be overstated in field appraisal or development. Estimation of recovery factor depends on a combination of static and dynamic parameters which in themselves come with a lot of uncertainties and in most cases there is insufficient or poor quality data to enable effective and accurate estimation of a recovery factor. Empirically derived recovery factor equations have been developed for cases were there is limited data to be able to get an estimate of recovery factor.

Empirical Oil Recovery Regression Equations were initially developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API) on sandstone reservoirs in the United States and adapted by Arps, popularly called Arps equation. Since then numerous other equations have been developed but there has been lack of a robust equation developed specifically for the Niger Delta environment, although Arps equation has been tested on Niger Delta Reservoirs and work done shows it can be used in the environment although with some caution.

This paper shows a new approach to developing an Empirical Oil Recovery Factor Equation for water drive reservoirs in the Niger Delta using reservoir characterization and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The ANN is a mathematical model inspired by biological neural networks. In this approach reservoir recovery factors from mature water drive reservoirs in the Niger Delta Region were characterized based on facies type and properties into groups to draw inferences on similar reservoir types tied to different recovery factor ranges. The data from selected group set was randomly divided into three parts, of which 60% was used for training, 20% for validation, and 20% for testing. The final ANN model for particular groups was tested for robustness against the original empirical correlation developed by API.
Modelling Seismic Velocities & Pressure Cells for Pre-Drill Pore Pressure Prediction and Application in Development Wells in Nigerian Deepwater Turbidites
Authors: Wodu Ebimobowei K , Sarker Ritu , Itua Osazua J.
Published: July 2014

The use of quantitative techniques in the evaluation of pore and fracture pressures across entire well path plays an important role in successful well delivery. The ability to correctly predict geo-pressures before drilling and manage them during drilling is a critical success factor to safe drilling of wells and cost reduction especially in deepwater environments.

Compressional velocities have been used to provide indirect estimate of pressures prior to drilling; the method is well established Rodney Littleton et al, (74487). Vertical effective stress-Compressional velocity models in offset wells when fitted with empirical models can be applied to calibrated seismic velocities in prospect well locations to predict pore pressures. The accuracy of this method however depends on factors not limited to geology, compaction trend, seismic anisotropy, consistent velocity picking/gridding, input to gathers, over pressure prediction, etc. To raise the confidence level in the seismic based prediction, a simple yet pragmatic methodology has being used to demonstrate how combining velocity based pressures with pressure cell modeling can yield formation pressures across entire well paths with much higher degree of certainty.

This work therefore discusses a study done on a deep water Nigeria field; where Seismic velocities have been used to predict pore pressures. The outcome was combined with pressure cell based methodology (standard method for pore pressure prediction in sands) to reduce the inherent uncertainties in sand pore pressure predictions. The results shared in this paper have already been used in effective design of several deep water wells in offshore Nigeria.
Divergent and Convergent Thinking Approach: A More Integrated Method to Pressure Transient Analysis and Interpretation
Authors: Oguntoye Patrick , Okporiri Cyril , Akinyede Esther , Afoama Ebuka , Ikwan Ukauku
Published: July 2014

The significance of pressure transient analysis has grown over the years, as it has become a key source of subsurface information needed both for surveillance and effective reservoir management. However, it could be quite challenging especially in complex analysis and having an interpretation representative of the reservoir system could be daunting amidst widely varying uncertainties, data quality, limited geological and engineering data. It is therefore quite imperative that the analysis and interpretation approach be robust enough in order to give information that is representative of the reservoir in consideration.

While the objectives for acquiring well test data in the first place varies over the life of a field, the interpretation methodology remains practically the same and it is the focus of this paper to give a more practical approach to PTA interpretation for a field at its developmental stage and help resolve one of the problems associated with PTA interpretation which is having a well defined, logical and consistent interpretation approach across different interpreters.

This paper presents the application of a divergent thinking approach in well test analysis using multi scenario modeling and then following logical steps using all available geological and engineering data to converge to the most likely interpretation. The application of this approach is discussed using three different fields in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria as case studies which have been carefully selected from a field with little less than 2 years of consistent production (relatively new) to fields with an average production of about 25 years to reflect different level of understanding of the reservoir system based on available data. Analysis was carried out on well test data acquired from these fields using SAPHIR software by KAPPA. The results obtained show that regardless of what model were chosen, a relatively good model match can be obtained for the available data and except all available geological and engineering data are applied in an integrated manner, a non-representative model can be chosen for the said reservoir further leading to more uncertainties.
Globalization of Black Oil PVT Correlations
Authors: Kanu Austin Ukwu , Ikiensikimama Sunday Sunday
Published: July 2014

It is a general consensus that the very many varying black oil PVT correlations currently in use in the petroleum industry have failed to adequately predict the behavioural course of different black oil system from diverse regions. So, this study seeks to globalize existing black oil PVT correaltions by removing the local constraints imposed on them and as well improve their predictive capabilities for all oil compositions, reservoir temperature and pressure. The basic concept is to find a mutiplier and a shift parameters that would adjust a specifed PVT correlation to match measured PVT labortory data. It is concluded that the combined effect of the multiplier and shift parameters can compel all the existing correlations to trace a common path which represents the correct description of any oil system irrespective of location or region to accurately match measured PVT data.
Seasonal Trends in Nonstructural Carbohydrates in Cool‐ and Warm‐season Grasses
Authors: Jensen Kevin B. , Harrison Phil , Chatterton N. Jerry , Bushman B. Shaun , Creech J. Earl
Published: July 2014

While increases in nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) content of forages are generally considered advantageous, there are times during the growing season when grasses with increased NSC levels may not be the desired forage, particularly for horses (Equus caballus). Hence, there is a need to better understand carbohydrate trends across the growing season. This study evaluated 15 grass species from May to August (growth phase‐1) and from September to November (growth phase‐2) in northern Utah during 2004 and 2005 for sugars, fructans, water‐soluble carbohydrates (WSC), starch, and total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC). Sampling date and species had a significant effect on carbohydrate concentrations in cool‐season grasses, with a lesser effect on warm‐season grasses. Warm‐season grasses had uniformly lesser sugar, fructan, WSC, and TNC concentrations than cool‐season grasses; however, they had dry‐matter yields (DMY) greater than cool‐season grasses in August. If high TNC forage is desired, then, of the grasses examined, perennial ryegrass and timothy would be the species of choice for irrigated pastures. However, if forage lower in TNC is desired, then meadow bromegrass, which had the least overall sugar, fructan, WSC, starch, and TNC concentrations, would be best. On dryland pastures, Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda J. Presl.) and tall wheatgrass (Thinopyrum ponticum (Podp.) Z.‐W. Liu and R.‐C. Wang) had the least overall forage carbohydrates, while crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.) maintained its carbohydrate concentrations better on 3 August. Fructan concentrations contributed 54, 47, and 42% of the total WSC concentrations in perennial ryegrass, crested wheatgrass, and Kentucky bluegrass, respectively, compared to 26 and 29% in tall wheatgrass and creeping meadow foxtail, respectively. Water‐soluble carbohydrates accounted for between 86 and 91% of the total TNC concentration in the cool‐season grasses compared to 75 to 80% in the warm‐season grasses.
Population Structure and Linkage Disequilibrium in Six‐Rowed Barley Landraces from the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Lei , Xu Jinqing , Xia Tengfei , Zhang Huaigang , Liu Dengcai , Shen Yuhu
Published: July 2014

The genetic diversity, population structure, and extent of linkage disequilibrium (LD) were investigated at a genome‐wide level in 255 six‐rowed barley (Hordeum vulgare L. ssp. Vulgare) landraces from the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau using 1264 polymorphic diversity array technology (DArT) markers. The mean polymorphism information content (PIC) of the DArT markers ranged between 0.008 and 0.500 with an average of 0.213. Bayesian, principal coordinate analysis, and phylogenetic analysis supported that six‐rowed barley landraces from this region are divided into five distinct subpopulations centered on the regions of origin of the germplasm. The genetic distances calculated for all the individual pairs were geographically dependent, as revealed by Mantel tests (r = 0.35, P < 0.001) and spatial autocorrelation analysis. The LD values, expressed as r2, declined with increasing genetic distance, and the same tendency occurred on each chromosome. In general, LD values were low (9.1% of adjacent markers; P < 0.001), and mean LD values across the whole genome decayed to below the critical r2 of 0.22 after 3.32 cM. Approximately 19.0% of marker pairs (mean r2 = 0.586) located on the same chromosome and 4.9% of pairs (mean r2 = 0.318) located on different chromosomes were in LD (r2 ≥ 0.22). Our results discerned relevant patterns of genetic diversity, population structure, and LD among members of a Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau barley landraces panel proposed to be ‘typical’ of a target region or environment and have important implications for further studies on association mapping and practical breeding in high‐altitude naked barley.
Biotypic Variation among Soybean Aphid Isolates from Four Provinces in China
Authors: Zhong Yun P. , Xiao Liang , Wang Biao , Jiang Yi N. , Yan Jun H. , Cheng Lin J. , Wu Tian L.
Published: July 2014

The soybean aphid [Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae)] is an important pest insect of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in China and North America. Identification of soybean aphid biotypes would facilitate more effective pest management. Although four soybean aphid biotypes have been discovered in North America to date, biotype determination has not been conducted in China. In this study, we analyzed the biotypes of soybean aphids collected from four different soybean‐growing areas in China in 2011. The responses of four soybean aphid isolates from Changchun (Jilin province), Jinan (Shandong province), and Shanghai and Guiyang (Guizhou province) were assessed by infesting 11 soybean genotypes in noncaged tests during 2 yr and infesting 7 genotypes in a caged test in 1 yr. We distinguished among the four isolates on the basis of their abilities to infest a set of host plants with the known resistance genes Rag1 through Rag6. The results showed that the biotype profiles of the four soybean aphid isolates were different from each other and that there are at least four biotypes of soybean aphid in China.
Inverse calculation of biochemical oxygen demand models based on time domain for the tidal Foshan River
Authors: Er Li , Xiangying Zeng
Published: July 2014

To simulate the variation of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in the tidal Foshan River, inverse calculations based on time domain are applied to the longitudinal dispersion coefficient (E(x)) and BOD decay rate (K(x)) in the BOD model for the tidal Foshan River. The derivatives of the inverse calculation have been respectively established on the basis of different flow directions in the tidal river. The results of this paper indicate that the calculated values of BOD based on the inverse calculation developed for the tidal Foshan River match the measured ones well. According to the calibration and verification of the inversely calculated BOD models, K(x) is more sensitive to the models than E(x) and different data sets of E(x) and K(x) hardly affect the precision of the models.
Agar-encapsulated adsorbent based on leaf of platanus sp. to adsorb cadmium ion in water
Authors: Siswoyo Eko , Endo Nozomi , Mihara Yoshihiro , Tanaka Shunitz
Published: July 2014

A low cost and environmentally friendly adsorbent was developed based on leaf of platanus sp. to adsorb cadmium ion in water. The adsorbent was modified with citric acid and then also encapsulated in agar for easy separation after the adsorption process. Parameters such as adsorbent dose, stirring time, solution pH and modification of the adsorbent with citric acid were investigated in a batch experiment in order to determine the optimum condition for Cd (II) adsorption. Based on the Langmuir isotherm adsorption model, the adsorption capacity of cadmium ion for raw adsorbent, modified adsorbent with citric acid and encapsulated adsorbent were 3.69, 15.31 and 6.89 mg/g, respectively. The high adsorption capacity after treatment with citric acid may be due to the increase in carboxylic content of the adsorbent surface and also the increase of surface area and pore volume of the adsorbent. With this high adsorption capacity for cadmium ion and an abundance of raw materials, this bio-adsorbent could be considered as a low cost adsorbent in the near future.
Reduction of hexavalent chromium: photocatalysis and photochemistry and their application in wastewater remediation
Authors: Machado Tiele Caprioli , Lansarin Marla Azário , Matte Natália
Published: July 2014

Hexavalent chromium present in wastewater discharge of galvanic industries is toxic to most microorganisms and potentially harmful to human health. This work examines the photochemical reduction of Cr(VI) with ethanol under ultraviolet (UV) and visible radiation, and photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) with TiO2 in the presence of ethanol under UV radiation. By means of different experimental designs, this study investigates the influence of the initial pH, ethanol amount, catalyst concentration and initial Cr(VI) concentration on total Cr(VI) reduction. The results obtained showed that photochemistry with ethanol under UV radiation (96.10%) was more efficient than photochemistry with ethanol under visible light (48.07%). Furthermore, photocatalysis with TiO2 in the presence of ethanol under UV radiation showed high values of total Cr(VI) reduction: 94.15%, under the optimal conditions established by the experimental design. Finally, experiments were carried out with wastewater discharge from an electroplating plant in its original concentration, and higher values of total Cr(VI) reduction were observed.
A pilot scale comparison of advanced oxidation processes for estrogenic hormone removal from municipal wastewater effluent
Authors: Pešoutová Radka , Stříteský Luboš , Hlavínek Petr
Published: July 2014

This study investigates the oxidation of selected endocrine disrupting compounds (estrone, 17β-estradiol, estriol and 17α-ethinylestradiol) during ozonation and advanced oxidation of biologically treated municipal wastewater effluents in a pilot scale. Selected estrogenic substances were spiked in the treated wastewater at levels ranging from 1.65 to 3.59 μg · L−1. All estrogens were removed by ozonation by more than 99% at ozone doses ≥1.8 mg · L−1. At a dose of 4.4 · mg L−1 ozonation reduced concentrations of estrone, 17β-estradiol, estriol and 17α-ethinylestradiol by 99.8, 99.7, 99.9 and 99.7%, respectively. All tested advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) achieved high removal rates but they were slightly lower compared to ozonation. The lower removal rates for all tested advanced oxidation processes are caused by the presence of naturally occurring hydroxyl radical scavengers – carbonates and bicarbonates.
Biosorption of uranium(VI) from aqueous solution by biomass of brown algae Laminaria japonica
Authors: Lee K. Y. , Kim K. W. , Baek Y. J. , Chung D. Y. , Lee E. H. , Lee S. Y. , Moon J. K.
Published: July 2014

The uranium(VI) adsorption efficiency of non-living biomass of brown algae was evaluated in various adsorption experimental conditions. Several different sizes of biomass were prepared using pretreatment and surface-modification steps. The kinetics of uranium uptake were mainly dependent on the particle size of the prepared Laminaria japonica biosorbent. The optimal particle size, contact time, and injection amount for the stable operation of the wastewater treatment process were determined. Spectroscopic analyses showed that uranium was adsorbed in the porous inside structure of the biosorbent. The ionic diffusivity in the biomass was the dominant rate-limiting factor; therefore, the adsorption rate was significantly increased with decrease of particle size. From the results of comparative experiments using the biosorbents and other chemical adsorbents/precipitants, such as activated carbons, zeolites, and limes, it was demonstrated that the brown algae biosorbent could replace the conventional chemicals for uranium removal. As a post-treatment for the final solid waste reduction, the ignition treatment could significantly reduce the weight of waste biosorbents. In conclusion, the brown algae biosorbent is shown to be a favorable adsorbent for uranium(VI) removal from radioactive wastewater.
A comparative study on the degradation of gallic acid by Aspergillus oryzae and Phanerochaete chrysosporium
Authors: Guo Danzhao , Zhang Zhicai , Liu Dan , Zheng Huihua , Chen Hui , Chen Keping
Published: July 2014

Recently, as an emerging persistent dissolved organic pollutant (DOP), gallic acid (GA) and its efficient decomposition methods have received global attention. The present work aimed to compare the effect of Aspergillus oryzae 5992 and Phanerochaete chrysosporium 40719 on degradation of different concentrations of GA. The A. oryzae grew well and achieved a GA removal rate up to 99% in media containing 1–4% GA, much higher than P. chrysosporium. The activity of laccase and lignin peroxidase excreted by A. oryzae was higher than that by P. chrysosporium in the presence of GA. Based on the results of high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry, three relevant intermediate metabolites were determined as progallin A, methyl gallate, and pyrogallic acid, implying that A. oryzae could not degrade GA unless the carboxyl in the molecule was protected or removed. In view of the ability of A. oryzae to accommodate a high concentration of GA and achieve a high removal rate, as well as the significantly different enzyme activities involved in GA degradation and the underlying mechanisms between the two fungal strains, A. oryzae is proven to be a superior strain for the degradation of DOP.
Noises in randomly sampled sparse signals
Authors: Stankovic Ljubisa
Published: July 2014

Sparse signals can be recovered from a reduced set of randomly positioned
samples by using compressive sensing algorithms. Two main reconstruction
directions are in the sparse transformation domain analysis of signals and
the gradient based algorithms. In the transformation domain analysis, that
will be considered here, the estimation of nonzero signal coefficients is
based on the signal transform calculated using available samples only. The
missing samples manifest themselves as a noise. This kind of noise is
analyzed in the case of random sampling, when the sampling instants do not
coincide with the sampling theorem instants. Analysis of the external noise
influence to the results, with randomly sampled sparse signals, is done as
well. Theory is illustrated and checked on statistical examples.
Effective combining of color and texture descriptors for indoor-outdoor image classification
Authors: Cvetkovic Stevica , Nikolic Sasa , Ilic Slobodan
Published: July 2014

Although many indoor-outdoor image classification methods have been proposed
in the literature, most of them have omitted comparison with basic methods to
justify the need for complex feature extraction and classification
procedures. In this paper we propose a relatively simple but highly accurate
method for indoor-outdoor image classification, based on combination of
carefully engineered MPEG-7 color and texture descriptors. In order to
determine the optimal combination of descriptors in terms of fast extraction,
compact representation and high accuracy, we conducted comprehensive
empirical tests over several color and texture descriptors. The descriptors
combination was used for training and testing of a binary SVM classifier. We
have shown that the proper descriptors preprocessing before SVM
classification has significant impact on the final result. Comprehensive
experimental evaluation shows that the proposed method outperforms several
more complex indoor-outdoor image classification techniques on a couple of
public datasets.
Relevance of the types and the statistical properties of features in the recognition of basic emotions in speech
Authors: Bojanic Milana , Delic Vlado , Secujski Milan
Published: July 2014

Due to the advance of speech technologies and their increasing usage in
various applications, automatic recognition of emotions in speech represents
one of the emerging fields in human-computer interaction. This paper deals
with several topics related to automatic emotional speech recognition, most
notably with the improvement of recognition accuracy by lowering the
dimensionality of the feature space and evaluation of the relevance of
particular feature types. The research is focused on the classification of
emotional speech into five basic emotional classes (anger, joy, fear, sadness
and neutral speech) using a recorded corpus of emotional speech in Serbian.
The happy victimizer phenomenon: Not found here
Authors: Jevtic Ana , Miric Jovan
Published: July 2014

Children?s attribution of emotions to a moral transgressor is an important
research topic in the psychology of moral and emotional development. This is
especially because of the so-called Happy Victimizer Phenomenon (HVP) where
younger children attribute positive emotions to a moral transgressor
described in a story. In the two studies that we have conducted (children
aged 5, 7 and 9, 20 of each age; 10 of each age in the second study) we have
tested the possible influence of the fear of sanctions and the type of
transgression (stealing and inflicting body injuries) on the attribution of
emotions. Children were presented with stories that described transgressions
and they were asked to answer how the transgressor felt. The fear of
sanctions did not make a significant difference in attribution but the type
of transgression did - more negative emotions were attributed for inflicting
body injuries than for stealing. Positive emotions were explained with
situational-instrumental explanations in 84% of cases while negative emotions
were explained with moral explanations in 63,5%. Girls attributed more
positive emotions (61%) than boys (39%). However, our main finding was that,
for the aforementioned age groups, we did not find the HVP effect although it
has regularly been registered in foreign studies. This finding denies the
generalizability of the phenomenon and points to the significance of
disciplining styles and, even more so, culture for children?s attribution of
emotions to moral transgressors.
Survey of electronic veterinary medical record adoption and use by independent small animal veterinary medical practices in Massachusetts
Authors: Krone Lauren M. , Brown Catherine M. , Lindenmayer Joann M.
Published: July 2014

Objective—To estimate the proportion of independent small animal veterinary medical practices in Massachusetts that use electronic veterinary medical records (EVMRs), determine the purposes for which EVMRs are used, and identify perceived barriers to their use.

Design—Survey.

Sample—100 veterinarians.

Procedures—213 of 517 independent small animal veterinary practices operating in Massachusetts were randomly chosen for study recruitment. One veterinarian at each practice was invited by telephone to answer a hardcopy survey regarding practice demographics, medical records type (electronic, paper, or both), purposes of EVMR use, and perceived barriers to adoption. Surveys were mailed to the first 100 veterinarians who agreed to participate. Practices were categorized by record type and size (large [≥ 5 veterinarians], medium [3 to 4 veterinarians], or small [1 to 2 veterinarians]).

Results—84 surveys were returned; overall response was 84 of 213 (39.4%). The EVMRs were used alone or together with paper records in 66 of 82 (80.5%) practices. Large and medium-sized practices were significantly more likely to use EVMRs combined with paper records than were small practices. The EVMRs were most commonly used for ensuring billing, automating reminders, providing cost estimates, scheduling, recording medical and surgical information, and tracking patient health. Least common uses were identifying emerging infectious diseases, research, and insurance. Eleven veterinarians in paper record–only practices indicated reluctance to change, anticipated technological problems, time constraints, and cost were barriers to EVMR use.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated EVMRs were underutilized as a tool for tracking and improving population health and identifying emerging infectious diseases. Efforts to facilitate adoption of EVMRs for these purposes should be strengthened by the veterinary medical, human health, and public health professions.
Ruffe (Gymnocephalus Cernuus L.) Growth and Diet in Lake Dusia (Southern Lithuania)
Authors: Pilinkovskij Andrej , Kesminas Vytautas , Bukelskis Egidijus , Čivas Laurynas
Published: July 2014

The ruffe, Gymnocephalus cernuus (L.), is considered to be a food competitor with many commercially valuable fishes such as bream, Abramis brama (L.), roach, Rutilus rutilus (L.), pikeperch, Sander lucioperca (L.), and perch, Perca fluviatilis L. This paper presents the results of an investigation into the fish community structure of Lake Dusia and the population parameters (morphometry, age, growth, diet) of ruffe as one of the prevailing fish species in the lake. The fish community of Lake Dusia was dominated by ruffe, perch, and roach. The ruffe population constituted 64.1% of the fish community of the lake in relative abundance and 36.8% in biomass. An analysis of the ruffe diet revealed that Gammaridae and Chironomidae were the principal components in all age-classes. The ruffe population was comprised mainly of individuals 3+ and 4+ years of age. The mean total length (TL) of ruffe was 13.39 ± 1.79 cm (minimum-maximum: 6.12-19.93 cm). The growth in length calculated using the von Bertalanffy equation was Lt
= 21.3[1-e-a161(t-0,335)]. Ruffe growth rates were found to slow as the fish aged. Ruffe growth variations were linked to population density, fish community structure in the water body, abundance of invertebrates (zooplankton and zoobenthos), and type of water body.
Replication of Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus in Different Cell Lines and in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) Fingerlings
Authors: Matvienko Natalija , Rud Yury , Buchatsky Leonid
Published: July 2014

The results of a study of Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus (IPNV) isolated in natural reservoirs in Ukraine are presented. The pathogenicity of isolates was investigated in vitro on cell cultures and in vivo on rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), fingerlings. Experimental indications were that the Ukrainian IPNV isolates have affinity with reference European strains. During the reproduction of these isolates in cell cultures of FHM (fat head minnow), RTG-2 (rainbow trout gonads), and BF-2 (bluegill caudal peduncle), complicated degenerative changes were visible that finally led to the full destruction of cell monolayers. The experimental infection of rainbow trout fingerlings resulted in typical disease symptoms that were systemic. However, obvious evidence of viral infection was noted in single individuals only, and the majority of experimental fish died without visible disease symptoms. During the study of physicochemical properties, it was noted that Ukrainian isolates completely lost their infectivity with chloroform treatment and heating to 60°C. This proved that IPNV isolates are resistant to Ion concentrations in the range of pH 3.0 to 12.0.
A Framework for Visual Dynamic Analysis of Ray Tracing Algorithms
Authors: Lesev Hristo , Penev Alexander
Published: July 2014

A novel approach is presented for recording high volume data about ray tracing rendering systems' runtime state and its subsequent dynamic analysis and interactive visualization in the algorithm computational domain. Our framework extracts light paths traced by the system and leverages on a powerful filtering subsystem, helping interactive visualization and exploration of the desired subset of recorded data. We introduce a versatile data logging format and acceleration structures for easy access and filtering. We have implemented a plugin based framework and a tool set that realize all ideas presented in this paper. The framework provides data logging API for instrumenting production-ready, multithreaded, distributed renderers. The framework visualization tool enables deeper understanding of the ray tracing algorithms for novices, as well as for experts.
A New Approximate Analytical Method for ODEs
Authors: Aminikhah Hossein
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we propose a new algorithm for solving ordinary differential equations. We show the superiority of this algorithm by applying the new method for some famous ODEs. Theoretical considerations are discussed. The first He's polynomials have used to reach the exact solution of these problems. This method which has good stability and accuracy properties is useful in deal with linear and nonlinear system of ordinary differential equations.
On The Distribution Of Mixed Sum Of Independent Random Variables One Of Them Associated With Srivastava's Polynomials And H -Function
Authors: Singh Jagdev , Kumar Devendra
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we obtain the distribution of mixed sum of two independent random variables with different probability density functions. One with probability density function defined in finite range and the other with probability density function defined in infinite range and associated with product of Srivastava's polynomials and H-function. We use the Laplace transform and its inverse to obtain our main result. The result obtained here is quite general in nature and is capable of yielding a large number of corresponding new and known results merely by specializing the parameters involved therein. To illustrate, some special cases of our main result are also given.
PAHs Concentrations in Poland Using Moss Pleurozium Schreberi as Bioindicator
Authors: Godzik Barbara , Szarek-Łukaszewska Grażyna , Kapusta Paweł , Stępień Katarzyna
Published: July 2014

Concentrations of PAHs in the moss Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt. were compared in three regions differing in degree of industrialization and urbanization: the Silesia-Cracow region (heavily polluted), Mazovia (moderately polluted) and Podlasie (northeast Poland, control area). Ten moss samples of moss were taken from each area. PAH concentrations were determined by HPLC. Total PAHs levels in P. schreberi varied depending on the region: mean 7350 (± 4075) ng kg−1 d. wt. for the Silesia-Cracow region, mean 2127 (± 1686) ng kg−1 d. wt. for Mazovia, and mean 838 (± 943) ng kg−1 d. wt. for the control area. PAHs concentrations differed significantly between the three regions. The number of individual PAH compounds detected depended on the region. The following PAHs tended to occur in pairs: phenanthrene and benzo(k)fluoranthene, pyrene and chrysene, pyrene and dibenz(ah)anthracene, benz(a)anthracene and benzo(b)fluoranthene, benz(a)anthracene and benzo(ghi)perylene, chrysene and dibenz(ah)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene and benzo(ghi)perylene, and benzo(b)fluoranthene and indeno(123cd)pyrene. The results of PAHs analysis in Pleurozium schreberi indicate the usefulness of mosses for monitoring these compounds in the environment.
Pan-Arctic lead detection from MODIS thermal infrared imagery
Authors: Willmes S. , Heinemann G.
Published: July 2014

Polynyas and leads are key elements of the wintertime Arctic sea-ice cover. They play a crucial role in surface heat loss, potential ice formation and consequently in the seasonal sea-ice budget. While polynyas are generally sufficiently large to be observed with passive microwave satellite sensors, the monitoring of narrow leads requires the use of data at a higher spatial resolution. We apply and evaluate different lead segmentation techniques based on sea-ice surface temperatures as measured by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Daily lead composite maps indicate the presence of cloud artifacts that arise from ambiguities in the segmentation process and shortcomings in the MODIS cloud mask. A fuzzy cloud artifact filter is hence implemented to mitigate these effects and the associated potential misclassification of leads. The filter is adjusted with reference data from thermal infrared image sequences, and applied to daily MODIS data from January to April 2008. The daily lead product can be used to deduct the structure and dynamics of wintertime sea-ice leads and to assess seasonal divergence patterns of the Arctic Ocean.
Management of Chronic Osteomyelitis of Femur with Interlocking Intramedullary Nail in a Young Man: A Case Report
Authors: Alamgir MHM , Islam Md. Monowarul , Islam Md. Nazrul , Hasan Md. Forhadul , Chowdhury Esha
Published: July 2014

Chronic osteomyelitis is relatively unusual complication of intramedullary nail fixation of long bone fractures. Depending on the extent of infection, timing of diagnosis and progress of fracture healing, different treatment options have been developed. There is no hard and fast rule for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis related to implant. Still now it is a big challenge for orthopaedic surgeons to handle such cases. Some options are very costly and time consuming. We are reporting here such a case of chronic osteomyelitis of femur fracture fixed with interlocking nail in a 23 year young man. His fracture was a closed one. Appropriate  therapy for chronic  osteomyelitis  complicating a fracture  is based on  a multimodality  approach even if there is no set algorithm to take in charge the two central problems related to it namely eradication of infection and fracture union. The surgical techniques and choice of fracture fixation determined according to age, weight, profession, intellectual status of patient and the expertise available. Clinical signs and investigation should alert the surgeon to the possibility of an underlying infection and appropriate measures should take quickly. It is important not to underestimate local skin irritation or signs of inflammation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v11i1.19397
Hematological Parameter of Heteropneustes fossilis (Shing fish)
Authors: Khanam Tahmina , Latifa Gulshan Ara
Published: July 2014

Background: The physiological conditions of fish are essential for the successful fish culture. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to see the haematological parameter of air breathing cat fish (Heteropneustes fossilis) of Bangladesh. Methodology: This animal study was conducted in the Bargen lab in the Department of Zoology at University of Dhaka as well as in The Peoples Pathological lab which was a private diagnostic laboratory at Dhaka city from July 2008 to April 2009 for a period of 9(nine) months. The fish was Heteropneustes fossilis. Haemocytometer including two graduated pipettes was used for counting leucocytes. Result: The result indicated eight types of blood cells in peripheral condition of Heteropneustes fossilis. The average cellular counts of Heteropneustes fossilis were erythrocytes 8.45´106 m3, leukocytes 15.44´103m-3, Thrombocytes 34.72%, large lymphocytes 1.02%, small lymphocytes 26.7%, monocyte 3.9%, neutrophil 16.9%, eosinophils 6.97%, basophiles 8.6%, haemoglobin 11.7g 100ml1, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) 6.49g 100ml-1.  The most of the hematological parameter showed intra specific variation except eosinophils and ESR of Heteropneustes fossilis (Shing fish). Conclusion: Hematological studies shows that the  physiology of  fish  change  with the change in  the environment, time, season, maturity, nutritional state, activity level physical and chemical change in water.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v11i1.19398
New Trends in Gold Catalysts
Authors: Liotta Leonarda
Published: July 2014

Gold is an element that has fascinated mankind for millennia. The catalytic properties of gold have been a source of debate, due to its complete chemical inertness when in a bulk form, while it can oxidize CO at temperatures as low as ~200 K when in a nanocrystalline state, as discovered by Haruta in the late 1980s [1]. Since then, extensive activity in both applied and fundamental research on gold has been initiated. The importance of the catalysis by gold represents one of the fasted growing fields in science and is proven by the promising applications in several fields, such as green chemistry and environmental catalysis, in the synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes, as modifiers of Ni catalysts for methane steam and dry reforming reactions and in biological and electrochemistry applications. The range of reactions catalyzed by gold, as well as the suitability of different supports and the influence of the preparation conditions have been widely explored and optimized in applied research [2]. Gold catalysts appeared to be very different from the other noble metal-based catalysts, due to their marked dependence on the preparation method, which is crucial for the genesis of the catalytic activity. Several methods, including deposition-precipitation, chemical vapor deposition and cation adsorption, have been applied for the preparation of gold catalysts over reducible oxides, like TiO2. Among these methods, deposition-precipitation has been the most frequently employed method for Au loading, and it involves the use of tetrachloroauric (III) acid as a precursor. On the other hand, the number of articles dealing with Au-loaded acidic supports is smaller than that on basic supports, possibly because the deposition of [AuCl4]− or [AuOHxCl4−x]− species on acidic supports is difficult, due to their very low point of zero charge. Despite this challenge, several groups have reported the use of acidic zeolites as supports for gold. Zeolites are promising supports for Au stabilization, because of the presence of ion-exchange sites, such as NH4+, that can be substituted by Au+ ions through the elimination of NH4Cl [3]. Moreover, zeolites, due to their high thermal stability, the presence of a large surface area and micropores, may hinder Au sintering. [...]
The GM1 Ganglioside Forms GM1-Rich Gel Phase Microdomains within Lipid Rafts
Authors: Becucci Lucia , Vizza Francesco , Duarte Yolanda , Guidelli Rolando
Published: July 2014

Mercury-supported, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of the sole dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) and of a raft-forming mixture of DOPC, cholesterol (Chol) and palmitoylsphingomyelin (PSM) of (59:26:15) mol% composition, were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), both in the absence and in the presence of the monosialoganglioside GM1. The impedance spectra of these four SAMs were fitted by a series of parallel combinations of a resistance and a capacitance (RC meshes) and displayed on plots of ωZ′ against −ωZ″, where Z′ and Z″ are the in-phase and quadrature components of the impedance and ω is the angular frequency. A comparison among these different impedance spectra points to the formation of GM1-rich gel phase microdomains within the lipid rafts of the DOPC/Chol/PSM mixture, thanks to the unique molecular-level smooth support provided by mercury, which allows EIS to detect the protruding gel phase microdomains by averaging them over a macroscopically large area.
Increasing Incidence of Canine Leptospirosis in Switzerland
Authors: Major Andrea , Schweighauser Ariane , Francey Thierry
Published: July 2014

A marked increase in canine leptospirosis was observed in Switzerland over 10 years with a peak incidence of 28.1 diagnosed cases/100,000 dogs/year in the most affected canton. With 95% affected dogs living at altitudes <800 m, the disease presented a seasonal pattern associated with temperature (r2 0.73) and rainfall (r2 0.39), >90% cases being diagnosed between May and October. The increasing yearly incidence however was only weakly correlated with climatic data including number of summer (r2 0.25) or rainy days (r2 0.38). Serovars Australis and Bratislava showed the highest seropositivity rates with 70.5% and 69.1%, respectively. Main clinical manifestations included renal (99.6%), pulmonary (76.7%), hepatic (26.0%), and hemorrhagic syndromes (18.2%), leading to a high mortality rate (43.3%). Similar to the human disease, liver involvement had the strongest association with negative outcome (OR 16.3). Based on these data, canine leptospirosis presents similar features and severity as the human infection for which it therefore can be considered a model. Its re-emergence in a temperate country with very high incidence rates in canines should thus be viewed as a warning and emphasize the need for increased awareness in other species.
Alzheimer’s Disease—A Panorama Glimpse
Authors: Zhao Li , Lu Lanyuan , Chew Lock , Mu Yuguang
Published: July 2014

The single-mutation of genes associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) increases the production of Aβ peptides. An elevated concentration of Aβ peptides is prone to aggregation into oligomers and further deposition as plaque. Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are two hallmarks of AD. In this review, we provide a broad overview of the diverses sources that could lead to AD, which include genetic origins, Aβ peptides and tau protein. We shall discuss on tau protein and tau accumulation, which result in neurofibrillary tangles. We detail the mechanisms of Aβ aggregation, fibril formation and its polymorphism. We then show the possible links between Aβ and tau pathology. Furthermore, we summarize the structural data of Aβ and its precursor protein obtained via Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) or X-ray crystallography. At the end, we go through the C-terminal and N-terminal truncated Aβ variants. We wish to draw reader’s attention to two predominant and toxic Aβ species, namely Aβ4-42 and pyroglutamate amyloid-beta peptides, which have been neglected for more than a decade and may be crucial in Aβ pathogenesis due to their dominant presence in the AD brain.
Temperature Measurements in Rehabilitation in Patients with Completely Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament before and after RegentK and Physiotherapy
Authors: Litscher Gerhard , Litscher Daniela , Ofner Michael , Gaischek Ingrid , Malliga Daniela-Eugenia
Published: July 2014

Acute skin surface temperature effects on the knee were investigated after a manual therapy developed by Mohamed Khalifa (RegentK) compared to standard physiotherapy in patients with completely ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Twenty patients participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to group A (receiving RegentK) or group B (physiotherapy). Each group consisted of 10 patients. Temperature values were registered on four spots (three on the knee, one on the foot) of the injured and the healthy leg (control). Skin temperature increased significantly after RegentK on all sites of the injured leg, but after physiotherapy only the measurement spots on the knee showed significant increases. After RegentK the temperature had also increased significantly on the control leg, whereas in group B, the results were not significant. Experimental and clinical testing of technical equipment, e.g., infrared thermography, for ACL injuries is important for a better understanding of the different physiological/pathophysiological mechanisms underlying different therapy approaches.
The Role of Indocyanine Green for Robotic Partial Nephrectomy: Early Results, Limitations and Future Directions
Authors: Klaassen Zachary , Li Qiang , Madi Rabii , Terris Martha
Published: July 2014

The surgical management of small renal masses has continued to evolve, particularly with the advent of the robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN). Recent studies at high volume institutions utilizing near infrared imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent dye to delineate renal tumor anatomy has generated interest among robotic surgeons for improving warm ischemia times and positive margin rate for RPN. To date, early studies suggest positive margin rate using ICG is comparable to traditional RPN, however this technology improves visualization of the renal vasculature allowing selective clamping or zero ischemia. The precise combination of fluorescent compound, dose, and optimal tumor anatomy for ICG RPN has yet to be elucidated.
A New Jatropha curcas Variety (JO S2) with Improved Seed Productivity
Authors: Yi Chengxin , Reddy Chalapathy , Varghese Kins , Bui Thi , Zhang Shilu , Kallath Manju , Kunjachen Binoy , Ramachandran Srinivasan , Hong Yan
Published: July 2014

One key reason for the failure of Jatropha plantation is the use of non-improved planting materials. We present in this paper a Jatropha variety (JO S2) through selective breeding with much better seed productivity than wild accessions as proven by field trials in Singapore and India. In a single farm trial in Singapore for two years, a comparison was conducted with accessions from China, India, Indonesia and Africa. It was found that all traits studied like seed yield, seed kernel content, seed oil content, fatty acid composition, phosphorus content and PE content differed significantly among and within the wild accessions. Overall, JO S2 was the best performer with the highest seed yield, high oil content and low phosphorus content. On two sites in Tamil Nadu, Southern India, this Jatropha variety produced up to 2.95 ton/ha of dry seeds in the first year and up to 4.25 ton/ha of dry seeds in the second year, much better than the local variety control. We attribute its higher seed productivity to early flowering, better self-branching, more flower/fruiting bunches, more fruits per bunch and importantly, better uniformity among plants. This exemplifies that breeding has improved Jatropha seed productivity which will lead to better economics for Jatropha plantation.