bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subsea All-Electric
Authors: Abicht Daniel , Halvorsen Glenn-Roar , Ramberg Rune Mode
Published: April 2017

The trend in subsea development is heading towards simplification, industrialization, digitalization and commercial optimization in an environment of longer step-out and deep / ultra-deep water applications. With that the limitation of existing electro hydraulic systems as exposed. Statoil has launched an All-Electric Subsea (AES) initiative to prove the feasibility of new flexible, cost efficient subsea production system (SPS) to meet future demands. While most of the main technology elements are available and proven in use, full market and operator acceptance seems to be a challenge. However, in the current and future situation and with the experience gained from the Åsgard subsea compression system, all electric is considered as a feasible future option for SPS.

The strategy for the AES initiate is to identify all electric concepts with SPS vendors in order to establish cost effective solutions and strive for standardization of products and interfaces. The AES initiative aims to have system approach and examine the impact on all elements of a subsea development, i.e. covering topside, umbilical, SPS and downhole etc. This will ensure the benefit of an all-electric implementation is presented. The intention is to present the advantages seen with an all-electric for all aspects, i.e. with respect to cost, project execution, operational flexibility, standardization.

This paper will present the current status of the AES initiative covering: –the fundamental features of the AES technology and concepts–the potential of this technology for operation in production control systems–status of the all-electric initiative with respect to technology maturity–the activities required to close the identified technical gaps–the implementation of all electric SPS solutions
Use of Surfactant in Cement Slurry to Mitigate Incompatibility with Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids
Authors: Pereira R. , Cardozo J. , Bogaerts M. , McNulty J. , Lehr J. , Santos L.
Published: April 2017

In deepwater Gulf of Mexico, the use of synthetic-based drilling fluids (SBM) is common practice in all types of wells drilled by different operators. These fluids have been under constant development in past years. However, even with the latest in SBM technology, cementing operations can be adversely affected when this type of fluid is used, which can compromise the quality of the cement jobs.

One of the challenges faced is the rheological incompatibility between the cement slurry and the SBM. This may lead to issues such as induced losses during primary cementing operations, due to higher friction pressures, or stuck pipe during plug placement, among others. The higher friction pressures during cement placement in primary jobs can also lead to an inaccurate or inconclusive post-job evaluation when attempting to match software-simulated pressures with actual pressures acquired during the jobs.

Despite the use of mechanical separation and spacers, the post-job analysis of several recent cement jobs suggests that contact between cement slurry and drilling fluid is often still occurring. As expected, this contact is most frequently occurring in the annular space wherein there is typically an absence of mechanical separation. In these jobs, laboratory test results using mixtures of slurry and SBM with various ratios have shown levels of incompatibility, which have been correlated to evidence of higher-than-expected friction pressures in the same jobs.

The solution proposed for this scenario is to add surfactant or surfactant-based chemical additives at low concentrations to the cement slurry. The addition of surfactant to cement slurries has been proven to reduce rheological incompatibility between the slurry and SBM and the impact of contamination on set cement properties.

This paper presents the laboratory test results, operational concerns, mitigation, and a case study showing the application and effectiveness of this technique comparing similar strings that were cemented in different wells.
Interaction between Proppant Packing, Reservoir Depletion, and Fluid Flow in Hydraulic Fractures
Authors: Fan Ming , McClure James , Han Yanhui , Li Zhe , Chen Cheng
Published: April 2017

Understanding of proppant transport and deposition patterns in a hydraulic fracture is vital for effective and economical production of petroleum hydrocarbons. In this research, a numerical modeling approach, combining Particle Flow Code (PFC) with single-/multiphase lattice Boltzmann (LB) simulation, was adopted to advance the understanding of the interaction between reservoir depletion, proppant particle compression, and single-/multiphase flow in a hydraulic fracture. PFC was used to simulate effective stress increase and the resultant proppant particle movement and rearrangement during the process of reservoir depletion due to hydrocarbon production. The pore structure of the proppant pack was extracted and used as boundary conditions of the LB simulation to calculate the time-dependent permeability of the proppant pack. We first validated the PFC-LB numerical workflow, and the simulated proppant pack permeabilities as functions of effective stress were in good agreement with laboratory measurements. Furthermore, three proppant packs with the same average diameter but different diameter distributions were generated. Specifically, we used the coefficient of variation (COV) of diameter, defined as the ratio of standard deviation of diameter to mean diameter, to characterize the heterogeneity of particle size. We obtained proppant pack porosity, permeability, and fracture width reduction (compressed distance) as functions of effective stress. Under the same effective stress, a proppant pack with a higher diameter COV had lower porosity and permeability and larger fracture width reduction. This was because the high diameter COV gave rise to a wider diameter distribution of proppant particles; smaller particles were compressed into the pore space between larger particles with the increasing stress, leading to larger compressed distance and lower porosity and permeability. Using multiphase LB simulation, relative permeability curves were obtained, which are critical for larger-scale reservoir simulations under various effective stresses. The relative permeability of oil phase was more sensitive to changes in geometry and stress, compared to the wetting phase. This was due to the fact that the oil phase occupied larger pores; compression of the proppant pack impacted the structure of the pores, since the pores were further from the grain contacts and thus more susceptible to collapse. It is also interesting to notice when effective stress increased continuously, oil relatively permeability increased first and then decreased. This nonlinear behavior was due to the nonlinear development of pore structure and oil connectivity under increasing stress.
Case Histories: Improved Hydraulic Fracturing Design in a Constrained Oil Price Environment
Authors: Johnson Matthew
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we have demonstrated how frac fluid design has changed since the downturn beginning in 2014. We have standardized proppant per stimulated foot and have provided production metrics on the aggregate level for the various fluid design systems. We will give an overview of the U.S. onshore and three case studies of the Eagle Ford, Midland Basin and Delaware Basin.
Managed Pressure Cementing in HPHT Utilizing Real Time Pressure Estimation and Control Software – A Case Study
Authors: Rostami S. Ameen , Mirrajabi M. , Stoian E. , Babar K.
Published: April 2017

MPD enables drillers to navigate through narrow drilling windows to reach designed target depths. After a hole section is drilled, pressure management is still required to pull drill strings out and run and cement liners. Conventional cementing programs and procedures may not be practical for a challenging hole section that has been drilled by MPD. Elaborate wellbore pressure management is required to ensure safe and efficient cementing operations. The same closed loop circulation system utilized for drilling is used to manage the wellbore pressure during cement operations. The technique of pressure management during liner cement jobs was utilized repeatedly by a major client in one of the most challenging HPHT campaigns in the North Sea. This paper provides an insight into the technique as well as information on the procedures, challenges and lessons learned pertinent to these operations. Various cases studies describing the setup, planning and execution of operations, simulation vs measured data will be compared.

Drilling wells in complex environments with century-old technology is difficult at best and unsafe at worst. From drilling through narrow pore-pressure/fracture-pressure gradient windows to mitigating kicks and differential sticking, managed pressure drilling (MPD) succeeds when conventional techniques are likely to fail. MPD entails the use of specialized equipment to control wellbore pressure profiles more precisely than is possible with conventional drilling methods. MPD enables drillers to navigate through narrow drilling windows to reach designed target depths. After a hole section is drilled, pressure management is still required to pull drill strings out and run and cement liners. Conventional cementing programs and procedures may not be practical for a challenging hole section that has been drilled by MPD. Elaborate wellbore pressure management is required to ensure safe and efficient cementing operations. The same closed loop circulation system utilized for drilling is used to manage the wellbore pressure during cement operations. A case study describing the setup, planning and execution of operations, and simulation is presented in this paper.
Project Cost Reduction and De-Risking with Large-AUVs for Hydrographic and Pipeline Surveys
Authors: Ricketts Leonard , Ordonez Christopher
Published: April 2017

AUVs first entered the Oil and Gas market in the 1990s due to a requirement to solve challenges posed by deep water survey. In particular, ROV tether management systems were highlighted as a major technical hurdle. Nowadays, demand for AUV surveys is being fuelled by commercial and quality demands. The data quality and resolution that AUVs deliver are seen as the major contributing factors in de-risking projects, starting from the FEED stage.

AUV technology has developed to such a degree that since October 2012, DOF Subsea reliability figures of over 320 dives yielding +25000km of survey, delivered less than 4% downtime on 8 different vessels for 6 different clients and these figures are not isolated. Other AUV service providers can claim similar successes, testament to the major strides forward the AUV industry has made since the 1990s.
Risk Based Approach to Well Plugging & Abandoning - Reducing Costs While Verifying Risk
Authors: Fanailoo Pedram , Buchmiller David , Ouyang Simon , Allen Eric , Buchmiller David
Published: April 2017

When a well comes to certain point in the operating life cycle, it needs to be plugged and abandoned (P&A). The ultimate objective of well P&A is to isolate the substance formations penetrated by the wells, thus protect the environment and maintain safety standards. There are significant variations in a well designs, P&A technologies and techniques and company standards. The owner of the well must select the optimum solution for P&A that ensures that the risk of pore fluids reaching the seabed is low and acceptable. Finding the balance between the number and type of well barriers versus the cost of well P&A is a challenge in an environment when oil and gas prices are relatively low. In order to address this challenge a risk based approach to well P&A has been developed and successfully applied. This paper summarizes a case study that compares a conventional P&A approach to new novel methods based on the body of work that DNV GL has participated in to date.

For several years, a small number of operators in the North Sea have applied a risk based approach to well P&A with the support of DNV GL. This approach has been summarized in to the publically available recommended practice DNVGL-RP-E103 which has a systematic method that demonstrates how the number of well barriers can be reduced hence saving costs while demonstrating that the risk level does not increase. The recommended practice is based on research that allows the modeling of fluid flow through microcracks via a range of failure modes in downhole components, the impact to the environment via dispersion modeling and the basis for acceptance criteria. The paper describes how various P&A designs can be compared via a risk methodology taking account of degradation mechanisms, potential flow rates and the impact to the environment.

In the P&A projects completed to date using DNVGL-RP-E103 cost saving of 50% or more have been realized. The method has also helped to align with or overcome regulatory requirements in the North Sea and supplemented internal operator requirements. By providing sound physical models coupled with an objective risk acceptance criteria the risk based approach has proven to address the concerns of stakeholders.
Evaluation of Flowloop Uncertainty with Live Hydrocarbon Process Fluids for Multiphase Flowmeters Validation
Authors: Amin A. , Harsono E. , Kamies E. , Heyen G. , Vos G. De
Published: April 2017

The validation of multiphase flowmeters (MPFMs) in a controlled flowloop using live hydrocarbon fluid is examined with emphasis on the impact of measured and modelled fluid properties uncertainty on the loop reference measurements.

A customized process model based on data reconciliation with integrated thermodynamics package is built to evaluate the loop reference flowrates and their uncertainties at the multiphase flowmeter test station conditions. The process model accounts for data redundancy and physical constraints to ensure consistency of the reconciled measured and unmeasured variables used in the validation of multiphase flowmeters.

The model is applied to a generic set of test points performed in a high pressure (HP) flowloop. The paper discusses the modeling and operational aspects involved in validating the subsea meter's measured flowrates. It also highlights the sensitivity of different inputs and their uncertainties on MPFM performance evaluation.

For the first time, the proposed approach enables operators to achieve the reality of subsea operations inside a highly controlled flowloop environment without resorting to overly simplified assumptions and practices. The approach is further validated by applying it to a high-pressure, high-volume, true multiphase flowloop using actual hydrocarbon fluids.
High Voltage Subsea Pump – A Low Cost Subsea Boosting Enabler
Authors: Margarida A. , Pimentel J. , Thibaut E. , Cardoso E.
Published: April 2017

In a cost constrained scenario, technology driven solutions aiming at CAPEX reductions are crucial to make Subsea Processing (SSP) projects economically attractive. Subsea Processing encompasses three main fields: (i) Subsea Gas or Liquid Separation, (ii) Subsea Compression and (iii) Subsea Boosting - Multiphase or Water. Despite the fact that Boosting is a SSP discipline in itself, both Separation and Compression will also rely on subsea pumps to support the process.

Although subsea boosting technology is available and has been successfully deployed in several projects, high cost of system infrastructure is still a barrier for a broader technology adoption. Typically, a high boost subsea pumping system will require both topside and subsea infrastructure. Topsides, at the floating production unit, a subsea pump will require electric power, a variable frequency drive (VFD) to control motor speed, and a hydraulic power unit (HPU) to supply subsea barrier fluid to the motor (except for ESPs). Subsea, a pump module, power connections and a high voltage umbilical are necessary pieces of equipment without which the pump cannot be powered or installed. Aiming to reduce subsea umbilical cross-section and consequently overall system cost, operators have collaborated to develop a high(er) voltage subsea motor. Currently, existing subsea motors are powered with voltages ranging from 4.16 kV to 6.6 kV. For umbilical power dissipation, higher voltage yields a square-law reduction effect. Since ampacity (amount of electric current a conductor can carry) is a function of to the amount of copper, lower amps translate into less copper. The program scope comprises the design, components qualification and prototype build of a permanent magnet subsea motor to operate at 13.6 kV. Beta prototype design and ratings were based on a existing 3.2 MW Permanent Magnet Motor (PMM).
Deepwater Collaboration – DeepStar® Global Offshore Technology Development Program 12800 Metocean Committee
Authors: Stear James , Kusinski Greg , Gomes Joseph
Published: April 2017

This paper shares results from three DeepStar® Phase XII efforts championed by the X800 Metocean Committee. The first project, 12801, examined marine growth profiles for the Gulf of Mexico. The profile presently used by industry is based on limited data collected nearly thirty years ago, and was shown by the study to under-represent the amount of growth that should be expected on platforms in the Gulf. In addition, flaws in the survey processes currently used to evaluate growth as part of inspections were identified and documented. The second project, 12802, evaluated the design wind speed relationships used by industry to characterize extra-tropical storms, through analysis of high-quality overwater wind measurements collected for elevations up to 100 m made at three locations in the North Sea and Baltic Sea. The evaluation demonstrated the present NORSOK relations are adequate for extra-tropical storms, and hence going forward, industry will use separate design wind speed relationships for extra-tropical storms and tropical cyclones, a revised set for the latter being developed previously under project 11802. The third and final project, 12803, sponsored the development of an updated 54-year free-running simulation of currents in the Gulf of Mexico, with refined modeling of bottom currents in areas near steep bathymetry such as the Sigsbee Escarpment, in order to better represent topographically-enhanced Rossby waves (TRWs), which are a critical design consideration for risers and tendons. The resulting database provides an excellent basis for the development of Loop Current and TRW criteria for use in deepwater Gulf of Mexico projects.
Integrity, Monitoring, Inspection, and Maintenance of FPSO Turret Mooring Systems
Authors: Duggal Arun , Izadparast Amir , Minnebo Joerik
Published: April 2017

The long-term in-service performance of turret mooring systems is becoming increasingly important given the exponential increase in the number and complexity of FPSO facilities worldwide. The trend of floating production systems being developed in deeper waters and harsher environments coupled with longer service life requirements make the knowledge and understanding of long-term performance, monitoring, inspection, and maintenance even more important.

The paper discusses the key aspects of the long-term integrity of FPSO turret mooring systems, focusing on inspection, monitoring and maintenance of critical components of the mooring system, i.e., the anchor leg, bearing, and swivel systems. The paper provides recommendations on practical methods of monitoring and inspection of these critical components and highlights the importance of training of the operation team to ensure the recommendations are followed.
Liquefaction Technologies and Mechanical Drive Considerations for Floating LNG
Authors: Tierling Shane , Attaway Doug
Published: April 2017

Floating LNG (FLNG) technologies are being deployed to monetize mid-sized offshore gas reservoirs, avoiding constructing a sub-sea gas pipeline to a land based LNG facility and export jetty. A previous OTC-Brasil paper (OTC-26158 Gas Pretreatment Considerations for Floating LNG) has discussed the pre-treatment options available for FLNG and this paper is a continuation discussing the liquefaction and mechanical drive options. The discussion will be broken down to offshore safety and economic considerations, the liquefaction technologies available and the mechanical drive technologies available.

Offshore liquefaction technologies are often novel and many lack offshore references. The available offshore liquefaction technologies and Licensors will be presented. Because of the diversity of liquefaction technologies, the technologies will be grouped by process configuration, and then these groupings of technologies will be compared with an emphasis on safety, economics, scale and weight. Application of mechanical drives for centrifugal compressors in an offshore environment is well-practiced. Given this maturity, types of technologies will be compared on power ratings, availability, flexibility and weight, without reference to individual suppliers.

The reader will come away with an understanding of the trade-offs involved in technology selection of liquefaction and mechanical drives.
Advances in GIS-Based 3-D Predictive Geotechnical Soil Model Tools
Authors: Bruce Brittany A. , Campbell Kerry J. , Dean Cornelia
Published: April 2017

This paper describes and illustrates recent advances in and current functionality of geographical information system (GIS)-based marine geotechnical (typically soil) model tools that are being used to predict geotechnical conditions throughout a specified 3-D space. Marine soil models are developed by integrating seismic survey and geotechnical data and then using GIS technology to efficiently manage, analyze, extract, and display predicted soil conditions. The tools described here provide geotechnical engineers, designers, and other end users with a quick and convenient way to predict general soil stratigraphy and properties at any selected location down to the depth of the model (locations are not constrained to geophysical survey lines).

Specifically, a suite of customized soil model tools have been developed to provide a rapid and innovative approach to extracting, summarizing, and exporting geotechnical soils information from GIS-based 3-D soil models. Collectively, the soil model tools are referred to as the Virtual Soil Boring (VSB) tools. The VSB tools are conveniently packaged and launched from a custom toolbar installed as an add-in to a GIS map application. The VSB tools provide the user with an instantaneous means of determining geotechnical variability among user-selected locations, and provides an efficient way of exporting this information for use in complementary analyses. The VSB tools represent a major technical and efficiency advancement over the traditional "maps and 2-D profiles" method still being used by some. Importantly, the VSB tools are very user friendly and users do not have to be GIS specialists. In short, the VSB tools allow better decisions about site selection and foundation design to be made faster by end users.

The GIS-based VSB tools described here are one of the most recent contributions to integrated site characterization methods that have been evolving for several decades. The VSB tools are but one aspect of the accelerating trend to provide comprehensive 3-D functionality to predictive ground (or earth) models of stratigraphy, geotechnical/earth materials, and geologic conditions. Robust 3-D predictive ground models are essential for providing reliable and comprehensive characterization and assessment of soil conditions and geohazards as a basis for optimum site selection and efficient foundation design for offshore structures.
Driving for Competitive and Affordable Projects in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Pledge David De , Pereiras Andrew , Bryson Bill , Orlean Robert
Published: April 2017

Deepwater developments CAN be affordable in low price environments! One key is to view designs through a new lens as we create our development concepts. This paper describes how Shell un-shackled the talents of the industry's engineering and construction communities to create very viable, low cost development systems for potential Gulf of Mexico prospects. The paper speaks to the ways that corporate orthodoxies were challenged to enable these solutions, engaging Shell's technical experts creatively to define new solutions. The results of our findings were both surprising and compelling. Most importantly, there continues to be space for new, low cost deep water developments.

This paper presents an alternative approach to the design and execution of low cost deep water development systems that are demonstrably affordable in a low price environment.

The paper describes how Shell un-shackled the talents of the industry's engineering and construction communities to create very viable, low cost development systems for potential Gulf of Mexico prospects. It speaks to the ways that corporate orthodoxies were challenged to enable these solutions, engaging Shell's technical experts creatively to define new solutions. The approach used was simultaneously rigorous and un-fettered.

Shell's efforts began by defining bare-bones surface and subsea facilities that included only minimal systems and sparing, and smaller compliments of Operations personnel. Shell relied heavily on input from the contractor community to define these initial, minimum systems. During the subsequent review of these facilities designs, Shell asked of all internal stakeholder a series of key questions designed to make visible incremental costs and functionalities of additional systems above the proposed minimums. This bottoms-up approach resulted in the selection of only high value-added functionalities that mitigate business risk, while making transparent the decision processes that lead to them. The final designs represented very workable, operable and maintainable systems that reduced capital cost by between 15 and 25%, based solely on scope reductions.

As a result of this approach, Shell has reset the baseline from which they will develop future prospects. We conclude from this approach that deep water developments can be affordable in low price environments. One key is to view designs through a new lens as we create our development concepts. Most importantly, there continues to be space for new, low cost deep water developments into the future.
China’s Carbon Emissions Trading: Lessons from the Pilot Systems
Authors: Xie Zhoudan
Published: April 2017

This paper examines China’s seven carbon emissions trading pilot systems, which launched beginning in 2013 to inform the design of China’s upcoming nationwide carbon emissions trading system. It analyzes the seven pilots’ policy features and performance through a comprehensive review of prior studies, existing regulations, and empirical data. Finally, it highlights several lessons learned from the pilot systems and their ramifications for the implementation of the national carbon emissions trading system.
Lower Limb and Trunk Biomechanics After Fatigue in Competitive Female Irish Dancers
Authors: Wild Catherine Y. , Grealish Avril , Hopper Diana
Published: April 2017

Context: 

Because of the increasing popularity of participation in Irish dance, the incidence of lower limb injuries is high among this competitive population.

Objective: 

To investigate the effects of fatigue on the peak lower limb and trunk angles as well as the peak lower limb joint forces and moments of competitive female Irish dancers during the performance of a dance-specific single-limb landing.

Design: 

Cross-sectional study.

Setting: 

Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants: 

Fourteen healthy, female, competitive Irish dancers (age = 19.4 ± 3.7 years, height = 165.3 ± 5.9 cm, mass = 57.9 ± 8.2 kg).

Intervention(s): 

Participants performed an Irish dance–specific leap before and after a dance-specific fatigue protocol. During each landing movement, 3-dimensional lower limb kinematics (250 Hz) and ground reaction forces (1000 Hz) were collected. Paired t tests were performed to determine the differences (P ≤ .05) in lower limb and trunk biomechanics prefatigue and postfatigue.

Main Outcome Measure(s): 

Peak lower limb and trunk angles as well as peak lower limb joint reaction forces and external moments.

Results: 

Compared with the prefatigue trials, dancers landed with reduced ankle plantar flexion (P = .003) and hip external rotation (P = .007) and increased hip-adduction alignment (P = .034) postfatigue. Dancers displayed greater anterior shear (P = .003) and compressive (P = .024) forces at the ankle and greater external knee-flexion moments (P = .024) during the postfatigue compared with the prefatigue landing trials.

Conclusions: 

When fatigued, dancers displayed a decline in landing performance in terms of aesthetics as well as increased ankle- and knee-joint loading, potentially exposing them to a greater risk of injuries.
Efavirenz and neuropsychiatric effects
Authors: Dheda Mukesh
Published: April 2017

No abstract available.
Technical report: ‘Flat earth lung’ a curved multiplanar reconstruction for demonstration and follow-up of scattered metastatic lung nodules in children
Authors: Arthur Sarah , Andronikou Savvas
Published: April 2017

No abstract available.
Krabbe disease: An unusual presentation of optic nerve enlargement
Authors: Kaloianova Maria , Naidoo Jaishree , Thomson Heather , Bhengu Louisa
Published: April 2017

No abstract available.
An investigation of virgin variation of branching pattern of ECA and CCA: a case report
Authors: Rajani S.
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Common carotid and its two major branches, external and internal carotid arteries form arterial network for blood supply in the head and neck region. Variations in configuration and branching pattern of these arteries change the irrigation pattern and complicate the identification of specific arteries during surgical intervention coupled with imagery interpretation for diagnosis. Though handful variations have been documented yet there is strong need to report unusual, new and virgin organization of configuration and branching pattern in these arteries. Case Report: During dissection of head and neck region, anomalous branching pattern consisting of bilateral trifitrcation/quadrification of common and external carotid arteries and abnormal trifitrcation of distal external carotid artery was observed. Conclusion: Lack of knowledge of these variants in branching coniguration may lead to unfortunate differential diagnosis and iatrogenic complications.
Multiple variations of azygos system of veins: a case report
Authors: Maloor P. , Nayak S. , Reghunathan D. , Shetty S. , Prabhu G.
Published: April 2017

Azygos venous system drains the venous blood from thoracic wall. Knowledge of variations of its course and tributaries is important to cardiothoracic surgeons, radiologists and orthopedic surgeons. We observed the following variations in the azygos veins. Both azygos and hemiazygos veins were formed by union of lumbar azygos and subcostal veins of corresponding sides. The ascending lumbar vein did not drain into the azygos system. The hemiazygos vein had a larger diameter than the lower part of azygos vein and it joined azygos vein at the level of seventh thoracic vertebra. Accessory hemiazygos vein was totally absent. The azygos vein received 4th to 11th right posterior intercostal veins and also received 3rd to 6th left posterior intercostal veins. Hemiazygos vein received 7th to 11th left posterior intercostal veins.
The 13th Stationary/83rd (Dublin) General Hospital, Boulogne, 1914–1919
Authors: Harbison J
Published: April 2017

Casualties from the Western Front during the First World War were often evacuated to base hospitals on the northern coast of France for more advanced and specialist care. These temporary base hospitals frequently had more than 1,000 beds and were typically staffed by older, more senior doctors than were present nearer the front line. The 13th Stationary Hospital opened in October 1914 on the Boulogne docks and became the main specialist unit for the treatment of eye, face and jaw injuries. In May 1917 it was renamed the 83rd (Dublin) Hospital when the staff was augmented by volunteer staff from Irish hospitals. The hospital subsequently housed an innovative ‘physical medicine’ or rehabilitation unit. The hospital remained open for the duration of the War, moving to Langenfeld in the Ruhr following the Armistice.
A mitochondrial malady: Stubborn seizures and atypical migraine
Authors: Vinjam M , Newby R , Davey R
Published: April 2017

A 22-year-old female migraineur presented with recurrent convulsive status epilepticus and ataxia. Her epilepsy proved refractory to treatment, necessitating the use of five anti-epileptic drugs and a course of steroids. Genetic testing revealed compound heterozygosity for two mutations of the polymerase-γ gene. The case highlights the clinical features and therapeutic challenges associated with this relatively common, but probably under-recognised, mitochondrial disease.
Solar 27-day rotational period detected in wide-area lightning activity in Japan
Authors: Miyahara Hiroko , Higuchi Chika , Terasawa Toshio , Kataoka Ryuho , Sato Mitsuteru , Takahashi Yukihiro
Published: April 2017

Abstract. A signal of the 27-day solar rotational period is often observed in cloud and lightning activities over the globe. Here we provide evidence of the 27-day periodicity of lightning activity in Japan using daily observational records of lightning for AD 1989–2015. The 27-day period is detected with 4.2 standard deviations, but only in wide-area lightning activity covering more than a 105 km2. The 27-day signal is more prominent around the maxima of solar decadal cycles.
Simulation of Surface Fluxes in Two Distinct Environments along a Topographic Gradient in a Central Amazonian Forest using the INtegrated LAND Surface Model
Authors: Broedel Elisângela , Von Randow Celso , Cuartas Luz Adriana , Nobre Antonio Donato , de Araújo Alessandro Carioca , Kruijt Bart , Tourigny Etienne , Cândido Luiz Antônio , Hodnett Martin , Tomasella Javier
Published: April 2017

Abstract. The Integrated Land Surface model (INLAND) land surface model, in offline mode, was adjusted and forced with prescribed climate to represent two contrasting environments along a topographic gradient in a central Amazon Terra Firme forest, which is distinguished by well-drained, ﬂat plateaus and poorly drained, broad river valleys. To correctly simulate the valley area, a lumped unconfined aquifer model was included in the INLAND model to represent the water table dynamics and results show reasonable agreement with observations. Field data from both areas are used to evaluate the model simulations of energy, water and carbon fluxes. The model is able to characterize with good accuracy the main differences that appear in the seasonal energy and carbon partitioning of plateau and valley fluxes, which are related to features of the vegetation associated with soils and topography. The simulated latent heat flux (LE) and net ecosystem exchange of carbon (NEE), for example, are higher on the plateau area while at the bottom of the valley the sensible heat flux (H) is noticeably higher than at the plateau, in agreement with observed data. Differences in simulated hydrological fluxes are also linked to the topography, showing a higher surface runoff (R) and lower evapotranspiration (ET) in the valley area. The different behavior of the fluxes on both annual and diurnal time scales confirms the benefit of a tiling mechanism in the presence of large contrast and the importance to incorporate subgrid-scale variability by including relief attributes of topography, soil and vegetation to better representing Terra Firme forests in land surface models.
Climate change and climate-driven disturbances in the San Juan River sub-basin of the Colorado River
Authors: Bennett Katrina E. , Bohn Theodore , Solander Kurt , McDowell Nathan G. , Xu Chonggang , Vivoni Enrique , Middleton Richard S.
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Accelerated climate change and associated forest disturbances in the Southwestern USA are anticipated to have substantial impacts on regional water resources. Few studies have quantified the impact of both climate change and land cover disturbances on water balances at the basin scale, and none at the regional scale. In this work, we evaluate the impacts of forest disturbances and climate change for a headwater basin to the Colorado River, the San Juan River watershed, using a robustly-calibrated (Nash Sutcliff 0.80) hydrologic model run with updated formulations that improve estimates of evapotranspiration for semi-arid regions. Our results show that future disturbances will have a substantial impact on streamflow with implications for water resource management. Our findings are in contradiction with conventional thinking that forest disturbances reduce ET and increase streamflow. In this study, annual average regional streamflow under the coupled climate-disturbances scenarios is at least 6–11 % lower than those scenarios accounting for climate change alone, and for forested zones of the San Juan River basin streamflow is 15–21 % lower. The monthly signals of altered streamflow point to an emergent streamflow pattern related to changes in forests of the disturbed systems. Exacerbated reductions of mean and low flows under disturbance scenarios indicate a high risk of lower water availability for forested headwater systems to the Colorado River basin. These findings also indicate that explicit representation of land cover disturbances is required in modelling efforts that consider the impact of climate change on water resources.
Franz Kossmat –Subdivision of the Variscan Mountains– a translation of the German text with supplementary notes
Authors: Meinhold Guido
Published: April 2017

Abstract. This work is in honour of Franz Kossmat (1871–1938) and his esteemed paper the Gliederung des varistischen Gebirgsbaues published 1927 in Abhandlungen des Sächsischen Geologischen Landesamts, Volume 1, pages 1 to 39. It constitutes the foundation of the general subdivision of the Central European Variscides into several geotectonic zones and the idea of large-scale nappe transport of individual units. In the English translation presented here an attempt is made to provide a readable text, which should still reflect Kossmat's style but would also be readable for a non-German speaking community either working in the Variscan Mountains or having specific interests in historical aspects of geosciences. Supplementary notes provide information about Kossmat's life and the content of the text. Kossmat's work is a superb example of how important geological fieldwork and mapping are for progress in geoscientific research.
Foreign Currency Forecasts: A Combination Analysis
Authors: Arize Augustine C. , Berendt Charles J. , Andreopoulos Giuliana Campanelli , Kallianiotis Ioannis N. , Malindretos John
Published: April 2017

This paper uses a large variety of different models and examines the predictive performance of these exchange rate models by applying parametric and non-parametric techniques. For forecasting, we will choose that predictor with the smallest root mean square forecast error (RMSE). The results show that the better model is equation (34), but none of them gives a perfect forecast. At the end, error correction versions of the models will be fit so that plausible long-run elasticities can be imposed on the fundamental variables of each model.
Indexing adult obesity by waist-to-height and weight-to-height ratios
Authors: Yatsko Andrew
Published: April 2017

To date a vast evidence exists that the waist circumference to height ratio (WCHR) provides a better measure of obesity comparing to the body mass index (BMI). While weight and height are routinely obtained to calculate BMI, waist circumference, despite easily acquired, is often overlooked because the screening protocols, particularly for diabetes, demand BMI. This creates an obstacle for application of WCHR - a more definite measure than BMI for diagnostic of many linked to obesity metabolic disorders such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. This article is intended to fill the gap in the literature by providing a conversion from BMI to WCHR for five adult age categories. A strong linearity between the measures is demonstrated and equivalent to BMI WCHR thresholds are provided to identify normality, overweight as well as obesity and other points. The analysis is based on the data from NHANES. Different forms of BMI are also discussed and a strong linearity between them is demonstrated. An obesity index based on simple weight to height ratio to match the standard levels is proposed. The equivalence between the proposed and existing obesity indices is tested on the original data with promising results.
How Can We Measure Stock Market Returns? An International Comparison
Authors: Hatem Ben Said
Published: April 2017

The aim of our empirical work is to identify how we can measure stock returns. Stocks returns are approximated as the growth rate of market share price. We use two measures of stocks returns; return on assets, ROA, and return on equity, ROE. As a control variable, we use firm age. Our samples consists of 186 firms from United Kingdom and 186 firms from Ukraine studied over a period of 4 years from 2007 to 2010. To this end, we estimate three models. Using the data panels methodology, we conclude that return on equity approximates better socks returns for United kingdom and Ukraine. We could not however find evidence on a significant association between return on assets and stock returns.
The Effect of the Harmony between Organizational Culture and Values on Job Satisfaction
Authors: Taskiran Erkan , Cetin Canan , Ozdemirci Ata , Aksu Baki , Istoriti Meri
Published: April 2017

In this study, the effect of the harmony between organizational culture and values on job satisfaction is examined.  Hierarchical regression analysis was applied to the data, which was obtained from the study conducted on 181 employees working in a private hospital in Istanbul. The result of the analysis shows that value-culture variation in which employees will have the highest job satisfaction is the traditionalist/conservative values-clan culture. The second most successful value-culture variation on job satisfaction is the impulsive/hedonistic values-adhocracy culture. In other words, it is predicted that job satisfaction will be high when an employee with traditionalist/conservative values works in an organization where clan culture is important, and an employee with impulsive/hedonistic values works in an organization where adhocracy culture is important. The most negative impacts on job satisfaction are impulsive/hedonistic values-clan culture and precautionary values-market culture. In other words, it can be said that an employee with impulsive/hedonistic values will be unhappy in clan culture, and an employee with precautionary values will be unhappy in market culture.
Testing the Relationship between Free Cash Flow and Company Performance in Borsa Istanbul
Authors: Kadioglu Eyup , Kilic Saim , Yilmaz Ender Aykut
Published: April 2017

This study tests whether free cash flow affects the performance of firms in the context of the free cash flow hypothesis. The study applies a panel regression method to a data set consisting of 2,175 observations belonging to 370 companies listed in Borsa Istanbul during the period 2009-2015. A significant, negative relationship is found between free cash flow and firm performance measured by Tobin’s Q ratio. Greater free cash flow in the hands of managers leads to the lower performance and, conversely, less free cash flow in the hands of managers leads to higher performance. The results also confirm that leverage and dividend payments have a positive effect on performance. Thus, the results support the free cash flow hypothesis for Turkey.
Bioavailability of Palm Oil Carotenoids Consumed from Different Foods
Authors: Dongho Fabrice F. D. , Ndomou Mathieu , Ngono Annie R. N. , Demasse Adelaïde M. , Schweigert Florian J. , Gouado Inocent
Published: April 2017

Crude palm oil (CPO), an ingredient with a high content in provitamins A, is usually consumed associated with foods that could affect carotenoids metabolism. This work aimed to evaluate the influence of foodstuffs prepared with the incorporation of CPO on carotenoids absorption. Thus, we studied carotenoids bioavailability in Cameroonian local meals based on CPO and three different foodstuffs: maize (Zea mais), cassava (Manihot esculente) or black eyed peas (Vigna unguiculata). Modified ‘yellow sauce’ prepared mainly with CPO was used as control meal. Eleven healthy volunteers with age range between 20-30 year and similar body mass index were submitted to the study. A total of four interventions (i.e., meal ingestion) were performed every six days. After meal ingestion blood samples were collected at 0, 2, 4 and 6 h, and carotenoids content were analyzed by HPLC. Results showed that control meal had the highest carotenoids absorption (0.479±0.063 µg.h/ml.), followed by maize (0.329±0.115 µg.h/ml) and cassava (0.141±0.075 µg.h/ml) cakes. Food based on black eyed peas incorporated with CPO showed the smallest increase in blood carotenoids (0.053±0.062 µg.h/ml). Notably, CPO consumption leads to a short term significant increase of blood carotenoids (p<0.05) that declines over time. Our results suggest that the association of CPO with different foodstuffs significantly affects carotenoids bioavailability. This effect seems to be more important for leguminous, followed by tubers and cereals.
Benediction Contribution towards Job Performance through Quality Work Employees at the University of Batam, Indonesia
Authors: Wibisono Chablullah
Published: April 2017

This study aims to identify and examine whether prayer intentions to contribute to the quality of work: Is ritual process contributes to the quality of work? Is a prayer accompanies efforts to contribute to the quality of work? Is prayer intentions to contribute to job performance? Whether the process rituals contribute to job performance, Do businesses contribute to job performance?The research was conducted on the University’s staff Batam totaling 193 people. University Batam pick the 16 courses 8 accredited B and 8 C. accredited university Batam has the facilities and the physical facilities are very adequate and equipped with two reliable Mosque and pray every Zohar and Asr prayer and diligent employees after prayers, whether her payer give contribution to job performance, work quality? Positive phenomenon is interesting to study the variable Benediction, Job Performance, quality Work. Data analysis was performed using the method Structural Equation Model (SEM).