bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Decline Curves on the Basis of Beta-Derivative
Authors: Shahamat M.S.. S. , Mattar L.. , Aguilera R..
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a new simplified method for forecasting oil and gas production during transient and boundary-dominated flow (BDF), which does not require the use of complex analytical or numerical modeling tools. The method is based on the behavior of the beta-derivative (β), where two approximate straight lines are obtained during transient flow and BDF with slopes mt and mb, respectively.

The method is applicable not only to vertical wells in conventional reservoirs producing during BDF but also to hydraulically fractured vertical/multifractured horizontal wells in unconventional reservoirs with prevailing transient (linear) flow. Upon selection of an appropriate βBDF—which mainly depends on the type of flow regime (i.e., radial or linear)—and using the proposed equations, type curves can be generated that provide a convenient method for obtaining the slopes of beta-derivatives for transient flow (mt) and BDF (mb) through a type-curve matching process. The method is validated by comparing results against oil and gas numerical simulations of vertical and hydraulically fractured vertical wells.

The developed method is not biased toward any flow regime or presence of skin. Flow regime and skin effects are embedded in the βBDF and mt parameters. Transient flow and BDF are accounted for through the slopes mt and mb, respectively. Corroborated with the use of numerical simulation and field data from the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin and Mexico, the proposed method provides reliable production-rate forecasting while staying away from the complexities of analytical or numerical modeling.
Analysis of Windows of Opportunity for Weather-Sensitive Operations
Authors: Foo Yu Poh , Gan Kenneth , Giudice Dario , De Masi Giulia
Published: March 2015

This paper presents an approach to the statistical analysis of weather windows of opportunity, which are defined as the time span over which the stringent, multiparametric conditions required by weather-sensitive marine operations (such as heavy lift, topside float over, pipeline tie in) are met. For this paper, the topside float over has been used as a case study and application of the statistical analysis. The basic data for the analysis are the numerically generated long-time-series wind, wave, and sea currents, which are becoming increasingly available from weather-forecasting models, global reanalysis studies, and project-specific metocean assessment. These long time series allow identification of climatically significant weather windows at the seasonal, and often at the monthly, time scale. Appropriate statistical distributions to fit the weather windows are required to interpolate within and extrapolate from windows durations, smooth the sample data, and obtain objective assessment of weather-window statistics. For this task, two possible distributions are proposed - the Johnson set of transformations (Johnson 1949) and the Kappa distribution (Hosking 1994) – that, although well-documented in the statistical literature, have seldom, if ever, been applied in offshore analysis. Fits on sample data are performed with the L-moment method (Hosking 1990, 1996, 2000) for the Kappa distribution and with both moment (Draper 1952; Hill et al. 1976) and quantile (Wheeler 1980) methods for the Johnson distribution. The entire procedure (definition of limit conditions, identification of weather windows, and statistical analysis of weather windows) is exemplified with reference to a hypothetical float-over operation in the Andaman Sea (Myanmar). The simulation carried out indicates that the use of statistical distributions can enhance the reliability of the weather-window analysis significantly because of smoother description of weather-window durations, improved interpolation and extrapolation capabilities, and higher discriminating power of alternative design solutions. Both the Johnson distribution and the Kappa distribution provide an overall good performance in fitting the sample data, either when subjectively assessed by visual inspection and in terms of the objective analyses of the resulting mean-square errors; hence, they are suggested as promising candidates for routine analysis of weather windows.
Thermodynamic Performance Indicators for Offshore Oil and Gas Processing: Application to Four North Sea Facilities
Authors: Voldsund Mari , Nguyen Tuong-Van , Elmegaard Brian , Ertesvåg Ivar Ståle , Kjelstrup Signe
Published: March 2015

Well-defined performance indicators can motivate optimal operation of offshore oil and gas platforms. We evaluate several thermodynamic performance indicators presented in the literature according to three criteria: Thermodynamic performance indicators should evaluate the use of technically achievable potential, they should evaluate the use of theoretical potential, and they should evaluate the total use of energy resources. The performance indicators are tested on four North Sea facilities, and the results are discussed. We recommend the use of a set of indicators for a thorough evaluation of oil and gas platforms--the best-available-technology efficiency on an exergy basis, a task exergy efficiency, and the specific exergy destruction.
Polymer-Flood Produced-Water-Treatment Trials
Authors: Al-Maamari Rashid S. , Sueyoshi Mark , Tasaki Masaharu , Kojima Keisuke , Okamura Kazuo
Published: March 2015

Polymer-enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) operation has been implemented for the production of oil from difficult mature oil fields in Oman. The polymer used to sweep oil toward production wells in this EOR technique is resulting in the generation of polymer-flood produced water (PFPW) of increasing viscosity. Current methods of treating oilfield produced water must be reconsidered for the effective treatment of PFPW of such changing quality. In a previous study, the use of polyaluminum chloride (PAC) was proposed for the coagulation of oil in produced water to be separated by flotation and filtration. As such, laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate the applicability of PAC and other chemicals for treatment of PFPW with higher viscosity than ordinary oilfield-produced water. These tests indicated clearly that aluminum sulfate (AS) was more effective for treatment of such higher-viscosity water. A pilot plant developed during the earlier study was used to conduct coagulation/flocculation-, flotation-, filtration-, and adsorption-treatment trials for PFPW from an oil field at which polymer EOR was under way. For the final trial, the inlet PFPW viscosity was 1.4 cp at 40°C and oil concentration was greater than 200 mg/L. AS was applied for the coagulation/flocculation and flotation stages, and was found to be effective in reducing oil concentration to 1 mg/L. Filtration and adsorption stages resulted in further improvement of water quality. Most of the polymer used for EOR was believed to have been removed along with oil and suspended solids.
Pneumatic Controllers in Upstream Oil and Gas
Authors: Simpson David
Published: March 2015

Process-control engineering is a fairly narrow field of study that has used inconsistent terminology among practitioners. Natural-gas-actuated pneumatic-control equipment has recently become a focus area for regulators trying to reduce the quantity of actual pollutants and greenhouse gases released to the atmosphere. The historical use of inconsistent key terms by experts has led to regulations that are at odds with the realities of existing equipment. The intention of this paper is to begin development of a rigorous set of terms and operational classifications that can help create a framework of knowledge consistent with how this equipment functions. Standardization of terminology has benefits for operators, manufacturers, and regulators alike.
Simplified Dynamic Models for Control of Riser Slugging in Offshore Oil Production
Authors: Jahanshahi Esmaeil , Skogestad Sigurd
Published: March 2015

Elaborated models, such as those used for simulation purposes [e.g., in the OLGA simulator (Bendiksen et al. 1991)], cannot be used for model-based control design because these models use too many state variables and the model equations are not usually available for the user. The focus of this paper is on deriving simple, dynamical models with few state variables that capture the essential dynamic behavior for control. We propose a new simplified dynamic model for severe-slugging flow in pipeline/riser systems. The proposed model, together with five other simplified models found in the literature, are compared with results from the OLGA simulator. The new model can be extended to other cases, and we consider also a well/pipeline/riser system. The proposed simple models are able to represent the main dynamics of severe-slugging flow and compare well with experiments and OLGA simulations.
Fast Production Recovery of a Typhoon-Damaged Oil Field in the South China Sea
Authors: Jiayou Mao
Published: March 2015

The Huizhou oil field is located at the Pearl River mouth in the continental-shelf region of the South China Sea, with an average water depth of approximately 117 m. The oil field's main facilities include eight fixed-jacket platforms, two subsea-production wellheads (HZ32-5 and HZ26-1N), and one floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel (Nanhai Faxian). Fig. 1 illustrates the general layout of the field. The peak daily oil production is approximately 70,000 BOPD. In September 2009, after a strong typhoon (Koppu) passed over this oil field, the FPSO vessel's permanent mooring system was seriously damaged. All production risers connected to the FPSO vessel's turret were ruptured, and production was forced to shut down. To resume production in a fast-track manner, several engineering cases were studied. Finally, the concept of using a dynamic-positioning (DP) FPSO vessel to temporarily resume production was selected. Detailed design and operability analysis was performed by the owner of the DP-FPSO vessel, and various flexible pipes and other materials were sourced quickly in local and international markets. The offshore installation took place throughout the harsh winter monsoonal season from November 2009 to February 2010. Finally, the field was brought back into production after 5.5 months of production stoppage. The DP-DPSO system operated for more than 18 months and proved safe and effective. This was world record time for an FPSO vessel operated in DP mode.
Impact of Well Features on CT Reach
Authors: Kelleher Patrick , Newman Ken , Galvan Irma , Opel Steve
Published: March 2015

Coiled tubing (CT) is frequently used in horizontal wells to mill out hydraulic fracturing plugs before bringing new completions online. However, the maximum depth CT may reach while milling plugs can be a major limiting factor for final completion depths. CT reach limits are normally attributed to friction lockup during these milling operations and can reduce effective pay zone penetration if not considered during the well design. In these cases, several common well features typically contribute to the majority of the low force transfer factors leading to insufficient set-down force and helical lockup.

This paper will discuss key parameter variations found from a case study of several horizontal well designs, and analyze their impacts on typical coiled tubing reach capabilities using a tubing forces model. Features analyzed include: kick-off build rate, vertical sections and simple deviations down to the heel, trajectory changes in the horizontal section, well completion geometry, and required weight on bit (WOB).
Rapid Deployment of Best in Class Snubbing Unit for a Remote Location Reabandonment
Authors: Pittman Iain , Kirchner Silke
Published: March 2015

This paper will outline the snubbing operations conducted to carry out a complex reabandonment in a remote jungle location.

The abandonment called for the fullbore removal of the existing cement plugs with suspected poor integrity and with uncertain pressures below. The challenge was compounded by a restricted ID in the surface equipment which was installed due to unforeseen bubbles in the 13-3/8″ casing after wellhead removal during the original abandonment. The pressures observed required the use of live well intervention techniques and equipment

Several vendors for the supply of the snubbing unit were considered with focus on their stand alone capability and the availability of suitable interlock safety systems.

Due to the nature/condition of the well a number of concepts were considered to initially mill a pilot hole through the surface plug to establish communication with any pressure below the plug. As the intervention was considered urgent the primary plan was to utilise coiled tubing for this (available in country), however due to the cement plugs being inside the 13-3/8″ casing it was decided to hang off a 3-1/2″ conduit string from a slip ram assembly down to the surface plug to contain any CT “walk”.

Following the milling of a pilot hole, a new cement plug was to be set to act as a barrier to allow surface equipment reconfiguration to a 13-5/8″ snubbing stack.

Prior to the CT being mobilised to location and whilst the snubbing unit was in transit from The Netherlands the pressure trend changed from a building trend to a stabilised pressure. As such a judgement call based on the safest and greatest chance of success was made to use the snubbing unit for all operations upon its arrival. The snubbing unit was mobilised and rigged up on to the tree to perform the initial phase of the operation of re-establishing communication to the well through a pilot hole thus allowing reconfiguration of the surface equipment. Following the reconfiguration of the surface equipment the snubbing unit was re-rigged in fullbore 13-5/8″ snubbing stack mode, whereupon the reabandonment operations were conducted based on an assured programme which was amended through management of change during operations due to the wells behaviour.

The remoteness of the location required that all downhole scenarios had to be planned and equipment for all had to be prepared, tested and shipped to location. Meticulous planning was essential for this.

Post job it is evident that utilising the latest interlock systems and modular tower paid dividends in providing a safe conclusion to an uncomfortable situation.
Optimizing Metal-Removal Processes for Produced Water With Electrocoagulation
Authors: Esmaeilirad Nasim , Terry Clay , Kennedy Herron , Li Gen , Carlson Kenneth
Published: March 2015

The combination of advances in hydraulic-fracturing and horizontal-drilling technologies has led to a resurgence in oil and gas activity in multiple regions across the United States. To minimize the impact of the increased water use, many oil and gas companies are pursuing fracture-flowback-water and produced-water recycling for subsequent drilling and fracturing operations. Common processes in a recycling strategy include metal precipitation to minimize scaling potential and electrocoagulation for removing solids that may foul a well when water is reused. In this study, precipitation of calcium, magnesium, barium, and strontium were examined experimentally by adding target ligands followed by solids separation with electrocoagulation. In addition, removal efficacy was modeled using commercially available chemical-equilibrium software (OLI Systems). The experimental results were compared with the predicted data at pH values of 9.5 and 10.2. The differences between the modeled data and the experimental data indicated a deficiency in the solid/liquid-separation process in the laboratory. Results also showed that the pH value did not affect the treatment efficiency, except in the case of magnesium; however, sequencing of softening relative to coagulation was important. An additional finding was that, on the basis of the target metal, either sulfate or carbonate needs to be greater than a threshold concentration to achieve precipitation goals. Chemical consumption at pH values of 9.5 and 10.2 was significantly different. Chemical-equilibrium modeling predicts that the average base usage was 30% lower at a pH of 9.5 compared with a pH of 10.2 and 34% lower for acid usage. The reduction in use experimentally was 27% for base and 43% for acid.
Contending conceptions of competition and the role of regulating capital
Authors: Tsoulfidis Lefteris
Published: March 2015

This article discusses two major conceptions of competition, the classical
and the neoclassical. In the classical conception, competition is viewed as a
dynamic rivalrous process of firms struggling with one another over the
expansion of their market shares at the expense of their competitors. This
dynamic view of competition characterizes mainly the works of Smith, Ricardo,
J. S. Mill and Marx; a similar view can be also found in the writings of
Austrian economists and the business literature. By contrast, the
neoclassical conception of competition is derived from the requirements of a
theory geared towards static equilibrium and not from any historical
observation of the way in which firms actually organize and compete with one
another.
Urban and Rural Fitness Level: Comparison between Italian and Croatian Students
Authors: Lovecchio Nicola , Novak Dario , Eid Luca , Casolo Francesco , Podnar Hrvoje
Published: March 2015

The goal of this study was to investigate the differences in physical fitness in relation to urban or rural living environment and between two countries: Italy and Croatia. Over 14,000 students were tested during physical education (PE) lessons. Croatian students were taller and heavier than Italian students, with women achieving better results in flexibility. Urban students were fitter in abdominal strength than rural students. Age seemed to be the major factor influencing the performance. This study's results indicate a trend: urban students performed “indoor” tests better than rural students; the opposite may be true for rural students. Living environment, socio-economic-status, or cultural correlation differences could be decreased during school experiences. Thus, PE programs could train all people toward an adequate, age-based fitness level.
Performance by Middle School Children with and without Asthma on the Pacer
Authors: Butterfield Stephen A. , Mason Craig A. , Tu Shihfen , Lehnhard Robert A. , Schaper Maryellen
Published: March 2015

Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by airway hyper-reactivity inflammation, and obstruction. Asthma is also a leading cause of school absenteeism, and thus of concern to physical educators and health professionals. The purpose of this study was to assess aerobic performance by children with and without asthma. All participants were tested on the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER). Of particular interest was children's aerobic performance over an extended time, i.e., 15 months. Participants (Grades 4–8, N = 809) were tested on the PACER three times during the school year with two follow-up tests during the succeeding school year. Among the 809 participants were 103 children with mild-moderate asthma. Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) was applied to analyze the data. Notwithstanding their lower scores at baseline (intercept), children with asthma increased their PACER scores at a rate more than double that of their peers without asthma. Although more than one PACER trial may be needed to accurately determine children's aerobic performance, repeated trials may be especially necessary for children with asthma. It was further concluded that the PACER is an effective tool with which to assess aerobic performance by middle school children with well-managed asthma.
Cyber Dating Abuse: Prevalence, Context, and Relationship with Offline Dating Aggression
Authors: Borrajo E. , Gámez-Guadix M. , Calvete E.
Published: March 2015

The use of information and communication technologies (ICT) as tools to intimidate, harass, and control the partner has been, so far, little studied in the literature. The aim of this study was to determine the extension and sex differences of victimization of cyber dating abuse, as well as the context in which it occurs, and its relationship with offline psychological and physical aggressions. The sample consisted of 433 college students ages 18 to 30 years. The results showed that over 50% of the participants had been victims of some type of cyber dating abuse in the last six months. The most common behavior was the use of ICT to control the partner. Also, victims of cyber dating abuse were victimized repeatedly, an average of 23 times in the last six months. The data also showed that cyber dating abuse appear usually in a context of jealousy. Finally, the results revealed a significant relationship between cyber dating abuse and offline psychological dating aggressions. Limitations and future lines of research are discussed.
Effects of Practice on Variability of Muscle Force
Authors: Chung-Hoon Kaiwi , Tracy Brian L. , Marcus Robin , Dibble Lee , Burgess Paul , Lastayo Paul C.
Published: March 2015

The motor skill required to decrease the variability in muscle force steadiness can be challenging. The purposes of this study were to determine whether muscle force steadiness improved following repeated trials and whether the number of trials varied for healthy younger adults, healthy older adults, and older adults who have fallen to obtain stable muscle force steadiness measures. Sixty participants performed 30 concentric and eccentric contractions of the knee extensors on an isokinetic dynamometer. Each group had significant improvements in muscle force steadiness and obtained stable measures within six to nine trials. Healthy younger and older adults, and older adults who have fallen, can improve muscle force steadiness. These findings provide a framework for methodological approaches when testing steadiness in varying populations.
Experimental Evaluation of Hygienic Conditions in Domestic Dishwashers
Authors: Brands Britta , Bockmühl Dirk P.
Published: March 2015

Rising environmental concerns lead to use of lower temperatures and to reduced water consumption in domestic dishwashing. The development of new dishwashers with reservoir for reusage of water from the final rinse seeks to reduce the costs per cleaning cycle, but leads to concerns about the hygienic conditions of domestic dishwashers, as the presence of stable communities of microorganisms has been reported. This study investigates the hygienic conditions of different types of domestic dishwashers and the long-term effect of process parameters on the hygiene in dishwashers with water reservoirs.
Thermal hydraulic analysis of ETRR-2 using RELAP5 code
Authors: Abdelrazek I. D. , Elnour A. G. Abo , Gaheen M. A.
Published: March 2015

The present work was developed within the frame of the IAEA Coordinated Research Project 1496 “Innovative methods in research reactor analysis: Benchmark against experimental data on neutronics and thermal-hydraulic computational methods and tools for operation and safety analysis of research reactors”. Three benchmark experiments were designed and performed to study the performance of the Egyptian Research Reactor ETRR-2. The experiments included steady state measurements as well as loss of flow transient (LOFT) and loss of power transient (SCRAM) conditions. The Code RELAP5/Mod3.4 was used to simulate the components of the ETRR-2 systems for the thermal hydraulic analysis of the reactor. The dimensions and elevations of the primary cooling components are based on real conditions (3-D configuration). RELAP5 results provided benchmark data which verified the experimental measurements taken from instrumentations installed for this experiment at several positions in the core. The predicted values for the coolant and clad surface temperature at different locations in the core showed a remarkable agreement with the experimental values, for both the steady state and transient conditions.
Neutronic performance calculations with alternative fluids in a hybrid reactor by using the Monte Carlo method
Authors: Günay M.
Published: March 2015

In this study, salt-heavy metal mixtures consisting of 93–85% Li20Sn80 + 5% SFG-PuO2 and 2–10% UO2, 93–85% Li20Sn80 + 5% SFG-PuO2 and 2–10% NpO2, and 93–85% Li20Sn80 + 5% SFG-PuO2 and 2–10% UCO were used as fluids. The fluids were used in the liquid first wall, blanket, and shield zones of a fusion–fission hybrid reactor system. A beryllium (Be) zone with a width of 3 cm was used for neutron multiplicity between the liquid first wall and the blanket. 9Cr2WVTa ferritic steel with the width of 4 cm was used as the structural material. The contributions of each isotope in the fluids to the nuclear parameters, such as tritium breeding ratio (TBR), energy multiplication factor (M), and heat deposition rate, of the fusion–fission hybrid reactor were calculated in the liquid first wall, blanket, and shield zones. Three-dimensional analyses were performed using the Monte Carlo code MCNPX-2.7.0 and nuclear data library ENDF/B-VII.0.
Social impact theory based modeling for security analysis in the nuclear fuel cycle
Authors: Woo Tae Ho
Published: March 2015

The nuclear fuel cycle is investigated for the perspective of the nuclear non-proliferation. The random number generation of the Monte-Carlo method is utilized for the analysis. Five cases are quantified by the random number generations. These values are summed by the described equations. The higher values are shown in 52nd and 73rd months. This way could be a useful obligation in the license of the plant construction. The security of the nuclear fuel cycle incorporated with nuclear power plants (NPPs) is investigated using social impact theory. The dynamic quantification of the theory shows the non-secured time for act of terrorism which is considered for the non-secured condition against the risk of theft in nuclear material. For a realistic consideration, the meta-theoretical framework for modeling is performed for situations where beliefs, attributes or behaviors of an individual are influenced by those of others.
Study on carbonated hydroxyapatite as a thermoluminescence dosimeter
Authors: Shafaei M. , Ziaie F. , Sardari D. , Larijani M. M.
Published: March 2015

In this study, carbonated hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were used for thermoluminescence dosimetry. The nano-structure carbonated hydroxyapatite synthesized via hydrolysis of CaHPO4 and CaCO3. The obtained nano powders were characterized by XRD technique and FTIR spectroscopy system. The carbonated hydroxyapatite samples were irradiated at different doses using 60Co gamma rays, and were subjected to thermoluminescence measurement system, consequently. The TL glow curve exhibited two distinguishable peaks centered at around of 165°C and 310°C. The TL response of carbonated hydroxyapatite samples as a function of absorbed dose was linear in the range of 25–1000 Gy. Other dosimetric features of the carbonated hydroxyapatite nanoparticles including fading and reproducibility were also investigated.
The impact of injection velocity on the defects in thick components fabricated by inserted metal injection molding
Authors: Safarian Asghar , Karataş Çetin
Published: March 2015

The initial stage of shaping a component in metal injection molding is the injection process. Any defects occurring in this stage are transferred to the subsequent stages, namely debinding and sintering. To investigate the jetting phenomenon in the current study, 316L stainless steel feedstock was exploited as the material for fabricating thick cylindrical specimens with a diameter of 20 mm. Regarding the aforementioned thick specimens, injection at the normal velocity of 15 cm3 s–1 resulted in critical defects, such as folding, weld lines and porosity. It was found that these defects were eliminated in the specimens injected at velocities as low as 1 cm3 s–1. Under such conditions, however, due to the increase in the injection time, the flow front rapidly solidifies with ensuing dramatic deterioration of component surface quality. Furthermore, the present study proposes a novel method, entitled inserted metal injection molding, with a double aim both for removing the jetting phenomenon and the consequent defects in injected components and for making the injection process possible at normal velocities allowing fabrication of the components with high surface quality.
An investigation into the effect of isothermal annealing on the structure (XRD), microstructure (SEM, TEM) and magnetic properties of amorphous ribbons and bulk amorphous plates
Authors: Nabiałek Marcin , Pietrusiewicz Paweł , Błoch Katarzyna , Szota Michał
Published: March 2015

Test samples of the alloy Fe61Co10Y8W1B20 were fabricated in the form of both amorphous ribbons and bulk amor-phous plates. The structure, microstructure and magnetic properties of samples in the as-quenched state and after annealing were investigated. The aim of the paper is to show the effect of the thermal treatment on the structural changes occurring in the amorphous state. The thermal treatment, performed at well below the crystallisation temperature, did not cause crystallisation. In the investigated amorphous alloys it has been found that, after a specific thermal treatment, structural relaxation occurs in the presence of structural defects, such as quasidislocational dipoles. Also, supporting the microscopy investigations with measurements of the magnetic properties can be extremely beneficial for facilitating description of the real structure and properties of the amorphous alloys; further, this testing combination offers the possibility for designing the optimal application parameters for an alloy.
Effects of artificial feeds on growth and production of fishes in Polyculture
Authors: Hosen MA , Shahjahan M , Rahman MS , Alam MJ
Published: March 2015

A study on the effects of artificial feeds on growth and production of fishes along with some limnological conditions were conducted in polyculture system. Species of Indian major carp (Cirrhinus mrigala) and exotic fishes (Hypophthalmicthys molitrix and Oreochromis niloticus) were stocked in six ponds under two treatments, each with three replications. Stocking rate in both treatments was 100 fish per decimal at the ratio of silver carp: tilapia: mrigal = 2: 2: 1. Fertilization and artificial feeds were given in Ttreatment 1 (T1) and only fertilization was done in Treatment 2 (T2). Wheat bran, rice bran and soybean meal were given daily as artificial feed in T1 in the ratio of wheat bran: rice bran: soybean meal = 2: 2: 1 (by wt). Urea, T.S.P and cow dung were applied fortnightly at the rate of 60 g deci-1, 90 g deci-1 and 2 kg deci-1 respectively. Water temperature, transparency, pH, dissolved oxygen, free CO2, total alkalinity, PO4-P and NO3-N were determined fortnightly and phytoplankton and zooplankton were studied fortnightly. These limnological conditions were more or less similar in the ponds under two treatments and were within suitable ranges. Calculated gross and net yields of fish were 16.56 and 12.48 ton ha-1 respectively in case of fertilization and artificial feeding application (T1) and 9.99 and 5.91 ton ha-1 respectively in case of only fertilization (T2). Application of artificial feed in T1 significantly increased the growth and production of fish more than two times which indicates that artificial feeding in polyculture is very useful for increasing fish production. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijarit.v4i2.22637 Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 4 (2): 11-15, December, 2014
Whispering Gallery Mode Resonators for Rapid Label-Free Biosensing in Small Volume Droplets
Authors: Wildgen Sarah , Dunn Robert
Published: March 2015

Rapid biosensing requires fast mass transport of the analyte to the surface of the sensing element. To optimize analysis times, both mass transport in solution and the geometry and size of the sensing element need to be considered. Small dielectric spheres, tens of microns in diameter, can act as label-free biosensors using whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonances. WGM resonances are sensitive to the effective refractive index, which changes upon analyte binding to recognition sites on functionalized resonators. The spherical geometry and tens of microns diameter of these resonators provides an efficient target for sensing while their compact size enables detection in limited volumes. Here, we explore conditions leading to rapid analyte detection using WGM resonators as label-free sensors in 10 μL sample droplets. Droplet evaporation leads to potentially useful convective mixing, but also limits the time over which analysis can be completed. We show that active droplet mixing combined with initial binding rate measurements is required for accurate nanomolar protein quantification within the first minute following injection.
Neuroplasticity beyond Sounds: Neural Adaptations Following Long-Term Musical Aesthetic Experiences
Authors: Reybrouck Mark , Brattico Elvira
Published: March 2015

Capitalizing from neuroscience knowledge on how individuals are affected by the sound environment, we propose to adopt a cybernetic and ecological point of view on the musical aesthetic experience, which includes subprocesses, such as feature extraction and integration, early affective reactions and motor actions, style mastering and conceptualization, emotion and proprioception, evaluation and preference. In this perspective, the role of the listener/composer/performer is seen as that of an active “agent” coping in highly individual ways with the sounds. The findings concerning the neural adaptations in musicians, following long-term exposure to music, are then reviewed by keeping in mind the distinct subprocesses of a musical aesthetic experience. We conclude that these neural adaptations can be conceived of as the immediate and lifelong interactions with multisensorial stimuli (having a predominant auditory component), which result in lasting changes of the internal state of the “agent”. In a continuous loop, these changes affect, in turn, the subprocesses involved in a musical aesthetic experience, towards the final goal of achieving better perceptual, motor and proprioceptive responses to the immediate demands of the sounding environment. The resulting neural adaptations in musicians closely depend on the duration of the interactions, the starting age, the involvement of attention, the amount of motor practice and the musical genre played.
Families’ Perspectives of Quality of Life in Pediatric Palliative Care Patients
Authors: Gaab Erin
Published: March 2015

Medical and academic institutions began prioritizing Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) less than two decades ago. Although policies and institutions claim to improve the Quality of Life (QoL) of PPC patients and their families, family-defined QoL remains ambiguous. This research investigates the definitions of QoL for PPC patients according to their primary caregivers. We conducted qualitative, semi-structured focus groups of the primary caregivers of PPC patients. The transcripts were analysed for themes using inductive thematic analysis. Participants included primary caregivers of children currently receiving PPC from a healthcare institution in California. We identified several factors that primary caregivers considered components of QoL for their children. The ability to communicate and adapt or be accepted underpinned the concept of QoL for families. QoL for PPC patients was defined by primary caregivers as being able to communicate in a respectful, controlled, physically- and socially-comfortable environment. Attempts to improve QoL should focus not only on pain and symptom control, but also on enhancing opportunities for children to communicate and maintain a sense of dignity.
Clustering Heterogeneous Data with k-Means by Mutual Information-Based Unsupervised Feature Transformation
Authors: Wei Min , Chow Tommy , Chan Rosa
Published: March 2015

Traditional centroid-based clustering algorithms for heterogeneous data with numerical and non-numerical features result in different levels of inaccurate clustering. This is because the Hamming distance used for dissimilarity measurement of non-numerical values does not provide optimal distances between different values, and problems arise from attempts to combine the Euclidean distance and Hamming distance. In this study, the mutual information (MI)-based unsupervised feature transformation (UFT), which can transform non-numerical features into numerical features without information loss, was utilized with the conventional k-means algorithm for heterogeneous data clustering. For the original non-numerical features, UFT can provide numerical values which preserve the structure of the original non-numerical features and have the property of continuous values at the same time. Experiments and analysis of real-world datasets showed that, the integrated UFT-k-means clustering algorithm outperformed others for heterogeneous data with both numerical and non-numerical features.
A Novel Transdermal Power Transfer Device for the Application of Implantable Microsystems
Authors: Liu Jing-Quan , Rui Yue-Feng , Kang Xiao-Yang , Yang Bin , Chen Xiang , Yang Chun-Sheng
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a transdermal power transfer device for the application of implantable devices or systems. The device mainly consists of plug and socket. The power transfer process can be started after inserting the plug into the socket with an applied potential on the plug. In order to improve the maneuverability and reliability of device during power transfer process, the metal net with mesh structure were added as a part of the socket to serve as intermediate electrical connection layer. The socket was encapsulated by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with good biocompatibility and flexibility. Two stainless steel hollow needles placed in the same plane acted as the insertion part of the needle plug, and Parylene C thin films were deposited on needles to serve as insulation layers. At last, the properties of the transdermal power transfer device were tested. The average contact resistance between needle and metal mesh was 0.454 Ω after 50 random insertions, which showed good electrical connection. After NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) batteries were recharged for 10 min with current up to 200 mA, the caused resistive heat was less than 0.6 °C, which also demonstrated the low charging temperature and was suitable for charging implantable devices.
Effect of Pulsed Electric Fields on the Flavour Profile of Red-Fleshed Sweet Cherries (Prunus avium var. Stella)
Authors: Sotelo Kristine , Hamid Nazimah , Oey Indrawati , Gutierrez-Maddox Noemi , Ma Qianli , Leong Sze
Published: March 2015

The aim of this research was to study the effect of pulsed electric fields (PEF) on the flavour profile of red-fleshed sweet cherries (Prunus avium variety Stella). The cherry samples were treated at a constant pulse frequency of 100 Hz, a constant pulse width of 20 μs, different electric field strengths between 0.3 and 2.5 kV/cm and specific energy ranging from 31 to 55 kJ/kg. Volatile compounds of samples were analysed using an automated headspace solid phase microextraction (HS–SPME) method coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). A total of 33 volatile compounds were identified with benzaldehyde, hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, (Z)-2-hexen-1-ol, and benzyl alcohol being the predominant volatiles in different PEF-treated samples. Aldehydes namely butanal, octanal, 2-octenal, and nonanal, and (Z)-2-hexen-1-ol increased significantly 24 h after PEF treatment at electric field strengths of more than 1.0 kV/cm. Samples incubated for 24 h after PEF treatment (S3) generated higher concentrations of volatiles than samples immediately after PEF treatments (S2). Quantitative results revealed that more flavour volatiles were released and associated with S3 samples after 24 h storage and S2 samples immediately after PEF both with the highest electric field intensities. Interestingly, this study found that the PEF treatments at the applied electric field strength and energy did not result in releasing/producing undesirable flavour compounds.
Keratin/Polyvinyl Alcohol Blend Films Cross-Linked by Dialdehyde Starch and Their Potential Application for Drug Release
Authors: Dou Yao , Zhang Buning , He Ming , Yin Guoqiang , Cui Yingde , Savina Irina
Published: March 2015

Feather keratin (FK) extracted from feathers represents a valuable source of biodegradable and biocompatible polymer. The aim of this study was the development and characterization of blended films based on FK and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cross-linked by dialdehyde starch (DAS) for a potential drug release application. The compatibility of FK/PVA was improved when cross-linked by DAS: the relative crystallinity of the PVA/FK film slightly decreased, and the enthalpy value for the melting peak decreased by about 50% for the cross-linked films. The total soluble mass of all blend films in water was below 35% at 37 °C, indicating a good stability of the films in water. The results of the Rhodamine B dye (as a model drug) release tests showed that the release rates decreased with increasing DAS content. DAS-induced cross-linking improves several important properties of the FK/PVA films, such as the compactness, the compatibility, and the stability in water. These improvements offer the potential to expand the application of FK films in the biomaterial field.
Estimation and Validation of Land Surface Temperatures from Chinese Second-Generation Polar-Orbit FY-3A VIRR Data
Authors: Tang Bo-Hui , Shao Kun , Li Zhao-Liang , Wu Hua , Nerry Françoise , Zhou Guoqing
Published: March 2015

This work estimated and validated the land surface temperature (LST) from thermal-infrared Channels 4 (10.8 µm) and 5 (12.0 µm) of the Visible and Infrared Radiometer (VIRR) onboard the second-generation Chinese polar-orbiting FengYun-3A (FY-3A) meteorological satellite. The LST, mean emissivity and atmospheric water vapor content (WVC) were divided into several tractable sub-ranges with little overlap to improve the fitting accuracy. The experimental results showed that the root mean square errors (RMSEs) were proportional to the viewing zenith angles (VZAs) and WVC. The RMSEs were below 1.0 K for VZA sub-ranges less than 30° or for VZA sub-ranges less than 60° and WVC less than 3.5 g/cm2, provided that the land surface emissivities were known. A preliminary validation using independently simulated data showed that the estimated LSTs were quite consistent with the actual inputs, with a maximum RMSE below 1 K for all VZAs. An inter-comparison using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-derived LST product MOD11_L2 showed that the minimum RMSE was 1.68 K for grass, and the maximum RMSE was 3.59 K for barren or sparsely vegetated surfaces. In situ measurements at the Hailar field site in northeastern China from October, 2013, to September, 2014, were used to validate the proposed method. The result showed that the RMSE between the LSTs calculated from the ground measurements and derived from the VIRR data was 1.82 K.
On-Orbit Camera Misalignment Estimation Framework and Its Application to Earth Observation Satellite
Authors: Lee Seungwoo , Shin Dongseok
Published: March 2015

Despite the efforts for precise alignment of imaging sensors and attitude sensors before launch, the accuracy of pre-launch alignment is limited. The misalignment between attitude frame and camera frame is especially important as it is related to the localization error of the spacecraft, which is one of the essential factors of satellite image quality. In this paper, a framework for camera misalignment estimation is presented with its application to a high-resolution earth-observation satellite—Deimos-2. The framework intends to provide a solution for estimation and correction of the camera misalignment of a spacecraft, covering image acquisition planning to mathematical solution of camera misalignment. Considerations for effective image acquisition planning to obtain reliable results are discussed, followed by a detailed description on a practical method for extracting many GCPs automatically using reference ortho-photos. Patterns of localization errors that commonly occur due to the camera misalignment are also investigated. A mathematical model for camera misalignment estimation is described comprehensively. The results of simulation experiments showing the validity and accuracy of the misalignment estimation model are provided. The proposed framework was applied to Deimos-2. The real-world data and results from Deimos-2 are presented.
Radar Imaging of Non-Uniformly Rotating Targets via a Novel Approach for Multi-Component AM-FM Signal Parameter Estimation
Authors: Wang Yong
Published: March 2015

A novel radar imaging approach for non-uniformly rotating targets is proposed in this study. It is assumed that the maneuverability of the non-cooperative target is severe, and the received signal in a range cell can be modeled as multi-component amplitude-modulated and frequency-modulated (AM-FM) signals after motion compensation. Then, the modified version of Chirplet decomposition (MCD) based on the integrated high order ambiguity function (IHAF) is presented for the parameter estimation of AM-FM signals, and the corresponding high quality instantaneous ISAR images can be obtained from the estimated parameters. Compared with the MCD algorithm based on the generalized cubic phase function (GCPF) in the authors’ previous paper, the novel algorithm presented in this paper is more accurate and efficient, and the results with simulated and real data demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method.
A Hybrid PCA-CART-MARS-Based Prognostic Approach of the Remaining Useful Life for Aircraft Engines
Authors: Lasheras Fernando , Nieto Paulino , De Cos Juez Francisco , Bayón Ricardo , Suárez Victor
Published: March 2015

Prognostics is an engineering discipline that predicts the future health of a system. In this research work, a data-driven approach for prognostics is proposed. Indeed, the present paper describes a data-driven hybrid model for the successful prediction of the remaining useful life of aircraft engines. The approach combines the multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) technique with the principal component analysis (PCA), dendrograms and classification and regression trees (CARTs). Elements extracted from sensor signals are used to train this hybrid model, representing different levels of health for aircraft engines. In this way, this hybrid algorithm is used to predict the trends of these elements. Based on this fitting, one can determine the future health state of a system and estimate its remaining useful life (RUL) with accuracy. To evaluate the proposed approach, a test was carried out using aircraft engine signals collected from physical sensors (temperature, pressure, speed, fuel flow, etc.). Simulation results show that the PCA-CART-MARS-based approach can forecast faults long before they occur and can predict the RUL. The proposed hybrid model presents as its main advantage the fact that it does not require information about the previous operation states of the input variables of the engine. The performance of this model was compared with those obtained by other benchmark models (multivariate linear regression and artificial neural networks) also applied in recent years for the modeling of remaining useful life. Therefore, the PCA-CART-MARS-based approach is very promising in the field of prognostics of the RUL for aircraft engines.
Against the Use of Knowledge Gained from Animal Experimentation
Authors: Tuvel Rebecca
Published: March 2015

While there exists considerable protest against the use of animals in experimentation, less protest is voiced against the use of knowledge gained from animal experimentation. Pulling from arguments against the use of Nazi data, I suggest that using knowledge gained from animal experimentation both disrespects animal victims and sustains the practice. It is thus pro tanto morally wrong.