bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing CO2 and Field Gas Injection EOR in Unconventional Reservoirs Using the Fast Marching Method
Authors: Iino Atsushi , Datta-Gupta Akhil
Published: March 2018

Recently there has been an increasing interest in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) from shale oil reservoirs, including CO2 and field gas injection. For the performance assessment and optimization of CO2 and gas injection processes, compositional simulation is a powerful and versatile tool because of the capability to incorporate reservoir heterogeneity, complex fracture geometry, multi-phase and multi-component effects in nano-porous rocks. However, flow simulation accounting for such complex physics can be computationally expensive. In particular, field scale optimization studies requiring large number of high resolution compositional simulations can be challenging and sometimes computationally prohibitive. In this paper, we present a rapid and efficient approach for optimization of CO2 and gas injection EOR in unconventional reservoirs using the Fast Marching Method (FMM)-based flow simulation.

The FMM-based simulation is analogous to streamline simulation and utilizes the concept of ‘Diffusive Time-of-Flight (DTOF)’. The DTOF is a representation of the travel time of pressure ‘front’ propagation and accounts for geological heterogeneity, well architecture and complex fracture geometry. The DTOF can be efficiently obtained by solving the ‘Eikonal equation’ using the FMM. The 3-D flow equation is then decoupled into equivalent 1-D equation using the DTOF as a spatial coordinate, leading to orders of magnitude faster computation for high-resolution and compositional models as compared to full 3-D simulations. The speed of computation enables the use of robust population-based optimization techniques such as genetic or evolutionary-based algorithm that typically require large number simulation runs to optimize the operational and process parameters.

We demonstrated the efficiency and robustness of our proposed approach using synthetic and field scale examples. We first illustrate the validation of FMM-based simulation approach using an example of CO2 Huff-n-Puff for a synthetic dual-porosity and heterogeneous model with a multi-stage hydraulically fractured well. In the field-scale application, we present an optimization of operating strategies for gas injection EOR for a depleted shale oil reservoir in the Eagle Ford formation. The rapid computation of the FMM-based approach enabled intensive simulation study involving high-resolution geological models with million cells resulting in a comprehensive evaluation of the EOR project including sensitivity studies, parameter importance analysis and optimal operating strategies.

This study shows the novelty and efficiency of the systematic optimization workflow incorporating the FMM-based compositional simulation for the field-scale modeling of CO2 and gas injection in shale oil reservoirs. Not only can it account for relevant physics such as reservoir heterogeneity, fracture geometry and fluid phase behavior but also lead to orders of magnitude saving in computational time over commercial finite difference simulators.
Surveillance Using Dimensionless Variables in the Mature Oil Field La Cira Infantas
Authors: Morales Victor Alfonso , Ramirez Leyla Kristle
Published: March 2018

La Cira Infantas is the oldest oil field in Colombia. It has approximately 100 years of production, and it is located in the Middle Magdalena Valley Basin, producing from a black oil multilayered and heterogeneous sandstone reservoir. Primary production began in 1918 until 1959 when the first water flooding process began. In 2005, Oxy Colombia and Ecopetrol initiated a joint venture of a new redeveloped water flooding process. Since the joint venture, the field has expanded to 400 patterns and 1,000 active producer wells, 95% of which are under a water flooding process. The redesign of the field considers 20-acre to 25-acre on average and 5-spot to 7-spot inverted patterns. Injector wells have a selective string completion, with mandrels and packers that allow having control on the vertical distribution of the volume of water per mandrel group. In order to monitor water flood performance in the field, a reservoir surveillance methodology, based on dimensionless variables, has been implemented.

The methodology was originally applied for a CO2 flood surveillance and was later extended to fit water flooding monitoring purposes. The paper presents the application of the dimensionless methodology, which allows the evaluation of water flood areas independently of their pattern configuration. This allows the comparison between patterns, sector or areas versus a theoretical ideal performance curve and quickly identify underperforming patterns in order to propose remedial actions.

The application of this methodology has opened new opportunities in the field including the identification of well candidates for chemical stimulation jobs and conformance jobs, isolation jobs in producer wells as well as pump upsize opportunities. Additionally, it has improved the technical evaluation of workover jobs. Because of this, in the last four years La Cira Infantas has extended its portfolio activity, executing over 400 workover jobs. More importantly, it has allowed the transfer of more than 20MMBO into PDP reserves, and the production of 3,000BOPD of incremental oil production per year since 2014.

This paper will provide an insight into the water flooding surveillance carried out in La Cira Infantas, which has proven to be very successful in Oxy's business units.
Inter Well Tracer Test Results in the Mature Oil Field La Cira Infantas
Authors: Morales Victor Alfonso , Ramirez Leyla Kristle , Garnica Sandy Vanessa , Rueda Luz Adriana , Gomez Vicente , Gomez Adriana , Bejarano Maria Angelica , Shook G. Michael
Published: March 2018

La Cira Infantas is the oldest oil field in Colombia with approximately 100 years of production history, located in the Middle Magdalena Valley Basin. The field production comes from the C zone reservoir of Mugrosa Formation where the depositional environment is a fluvial meandering system. The reservoir has a high heterogeneity and it is defined as an interbedding of sandstones, shales and siltstones with an average thickness of 600 ft and a permeability range from 80 mD to 2 Darcy. The field has been under secondary recovery since the 1960's and in 2005 a redevelopment of the water flooding process began. The field has approximately 400 patterns and 1,000 active producer wells, 95% of which are under a water flooding process. Injector wells have a selective string completion, composed of mandrels and packers, independently injecting in different sand units. Currently, there are patterns with low areal efficiency and consequently lower than expected recovery factor. An interwell tracer project was executed in a six pattern pilot sector, composed of 16 distinct mandrels, in order to validate the need of a conformance treatment to improve current conditions and have a better understanding of the reservoir connectivities. In each selected mandrel a unique tracer family was used in order to accurately intepret breakthough results.

The workflow in the project starts by using the results of the tracer test to estimate swept volume and flow geometry in all patterns. The swept zone represents the thief zone in each pattern and provides an insight of how poor the areal efficiency of the pattern is. Flow geometry is represented in an F- Φ curve and the tangent is related to the residence time of an arbitrary flow line, which is used to first recognize the need for a conformance job and then to calculate the fraction of the swept volume needed to treat. The last step of the workflow is to estimate the incremental oil production rates derived from treating the thief zone. Two analytic methods were derived for the incremental oil production rate estimates. The conformance candidates were ranked according to treatment volume vs. incremental oil recovered over a two-year timeframe. Those results are in process of being analyzed.

The results of the inter-well tracer showed that conformance is needed in 6 individual mandrels and there is a strong relationship between the facies architecture and the flow distribution of the injected water. Also, it will improve the definition of the job portfolio for the conformance project which considers 80 candidates and 2.7 MMBO resources.

The application of conformance treatments is a novelty in multilayer mature oil fields under water flooding process in Colombia, and the study of inter well tracers is essential for the success of this IOR technology.
Assessing Productivity Impairment of Surfactant-Polymer EOR Using Laboratory and Field Data
Authors: Izadi M. , Vicente S. E. , Zapata Arango J. F. , Chaparro C. , Jimenez J. A. , Manrique E. , Mantilla J. , Dueñas D. E. , Huertas O. , Kazemi H.
Published: March 2018

Surfactant-polymer (SP) flooding (also known as micellar flooding) is an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) process resulting from the interaction of three mechanisms: (1) oil solubilization, (2) interfacial tension reduction, and (3) aqueous-phase mobility reduction by polymer. Surfactant-polymer flooding has been studied both in the laboratory and field pilot tests for several decades. In SP flooding, traditionally a tapered polymer solution follows the injected surfactant slug. However, in recent years, co-injection of surfactant and a relatively high concentration of polymer solution has been used in several field trials. Despite a significant increase in oil recovery in several surfactant-polymer flood projects, the increased oil production period has been of short duration.

The first objective of this paper is to present two field pilot tests which encountered productivity impairment, and the second objective is to describe the probable causes of the productivity impairment. The third objective of the paper is to present a methodology, using field and laboratory data, to anticipate the nature of long-term problems. To shed light on the issues, we will present two pilot tests located in the Illinois basin in the United States and San Francisco Field in Colombia. The results of the pilot tests and several laboratory experiments will be presented to address the productivity loss observed in the two pilot projects. Laboratory measurements to determine crude oil propensity for emulsions, with and without surfactants, are not part of the routine chemical EOR protocol in the industry. Nonetheless, understanding the cause and type of emulsion formation in crude oil, brine, and polymer at different salinities is critical and will be presented in the paper. In addition, in the paper, we will present the results of a numerical simulator to evaluate experimental laboratory results and the field test performance. In conclusion, because of the experience with numerous laboratory experiments and the conduct of associated field tests, we will be able to shed light on the complexity of surfactant-polymer EOR field applications.
Beneficial Relative Permeabilities for Polymer Flooding
Authors: Seright R. S. , Wang Dongmei , Lerner Nolan , Nguyen Anh , Sabid Jason , Tochor Ron
Published: March 2018

This paper examines oil displacement as a function of polymer solution viscosity during laboratory studies in support of a polymer flood in the Cactus Lake reservoir in Canada. When displacing 1610-cp crude oil from field cores (at 27°C and 1 ft/d), oil recovery efficiency increased with polymer solution viscosity up to 25 cp (7.3 s-1). No significant benefit was noted from injecting polymer solutions more viscous than 25 cp. Much of the paper explores why this result occurred. That is, was it due to the core, the oil, the saturation history, the relative permeability characteristics, emulsification, or simply the nature of the test? Floods in field cores examined relative permeability for different saturation histories—including native state, cleaned/water-saturated first, and cleaned/oil-saturated first. In addition to the field cores and crude oil, studies were performed using hydrophobic (oil-wet) polyethylene cores and refined oils with viscosities ranging from 2.9 to 1000 cp. In nine field cores, relative permeability to water (krw) remained low—less than 0.03 for water saturations up to 0.42. Relative permeability to oil (kro) remained reasonably high (greater than 0.05) for most of this range. At a given water saturation, krw values for 1000-cp crude oil were about ten times lower than for 1000-cp refined oil. These observations help explain why only 25- cp polymer solutions were effective in recovering the viscous crude oil. In contrast to results found for the Daqing polymer flood, no evidence was found that high-molecular-weight (Mw) HPAM solutions mobilized trapped residual oil in our application. The results are discussed in light of ideas expressed in recent publications. The relevance of the results to field applications is also examined. Although 25-cp polymer solutions were effective in displacing oil during our core floods, the choice of polymer viscosity for a field application must consider reservoir heterogeneity and the risk of channeling/viscous fingering in a reservoir.
Measuring Relative Permeability in Cores at Reservoir Pressures Using a Gravity Drainage Method
Authors: Churchwell Lauren , DiCarlo David
Published: March 2018

Three-phase relative permeabilities are typically measured in cores using either steady-state or Johnson Bossier, and Naumann (JBN) methods. These methods require assumptions that can lead to erroneous relative permeability data. One alternative approach is a gravity drainage method, which has previously been used in sandpacks and recently extended to cores at atmospheric conditions. Here, we test a gravity drainage method that can be used to measure relative permeability in cores at elevated pressures. To achieve this, nitrogen gas is injected to the core at a low flow rate to overcome capillary pressure. We test the method by measuring two-phase water relative permeability in a Berea sandstone core using two gas flow rates: one that is low enough that gravity is a significant driving force for the flow, and a higher flow rate for comparison. During drainage, water saturation is measured along the length of the core at different times using a CT scanner, and pressure drops are measured across five sections of the core. The relative permeability of water is calculated using data points in regions of the core where the saturation is changing in time but not space, allowing capillary end effects and capillary pressure gradients to be ignored. Relative permeability data from the low flow rate experiment are scattered widely; the low gas flow rate likely hindered the free drainage of the water. Relative permeability data from the higher flow rate experiment formed a distinct curve. More flow rates will need to be tested to determine an optimum flow rate for gravity drainage experiments at reservoir pressures.
Development of a Field Scale Polymer Project in Argentina
Authors: Hryc A. , Hochenfellner F. , Best R. Ortíz , Maler S. , Freedman P.
Published: March 2018

After 6 years of continous polymer injection in El Corcobo Norte field, pilot's preliminar evaluation showed promising results. Although the evaluation is still ongoing, polymer technology economics look good enough to sustain a project expansion.

Located in the Neuquén Basin, El Corcobo Norte field is an unconsolidated, underpressurized, strongly water-wet sandstone reservoir, producing medium-heavy oil from the Centenario Formation. Reservoir drive is waterflood, which has been implemented since the beginning of the field's development. Up to date the field has more than 650 producers and 350 injectors, mostly developed under 20 acres, inverted 7-spot patterns. Main challenge for this field's operation is sand production and chanelling issues that leave bypassed or undrained oil zones.

Since 2008 EOR technologies were evaluated in order to increase ultimate recovery factor. As a results of this screening, polymer injection was chosen as the first candidate to test in the field. Polymer pilot design and execution was described in SPE 160078 ("Desing and Execution of a Polymer Injection Pilot in Argentina") and pilot preliminar evaluation was presented in SPE 181210 ("Evaluation of a Polymer Injection Pilot in Argentina").

Based on the pilot's learnings, an expansion project was designed to maximize the use of the available capacity and upscale polymer injection as efficiently as possible, considering field's current operational conditions.

The present article will focus on describing the upscale of the polymer pilot and the strategy to optimize the project's operation.
Experimental Investigation of Cross-Flow in Stratified Reservoirs During Polymer Flooding
Authors: Alshawaf Mohammed H. , Muggeridge Ann , Krevor Same
Published: March 2018

In this paper we investigate the contribution of capillary and viscous cross-flow to oil recovery during secondary polymer flooding. Cross-flow can be an important mechanism in oil displacement processes in vertically communicating stratified reservoirs. Using polymers will change the balance of these contributions. Previous numerical investigations have shown that the amount of viscous cross-flow is controlled by the layer permeability contrast and a dimensionless number that characterises the combined effects of water, polymer and oil viscosities. The highest viscous cross-flow values were observed during favourable mobility ratio floods in reservoirs with a layer permeability ratio close to 3.

The purpose of the laboratory study was to validate previous numerical studies of cross-flow performed using commercial reservoir simulators. A series of experiments were performed in glass beadpack using analogue fluids comprising water, glycerol solution (to represent the polymer) and paraffin oil. All porous medium and fluid properties (including relative permeabilities and capillary pressure curves) needed for the numerical simulations were determined independently of the displacement experiments. Two beadpacks were constructed of two layers of different permeabilities parallel to the principal flow direction. In one of the packs a barrier was placed between the two layers to prevent cross-flow. Comparing the recoveries from these enabled us to quantify the contribution of cross-flow to oil recovery. The mobility ratios examined in the experiments ranged from very unfavourable to very favourable. The layer permeability ratio was approximately 2.5.

Good agreement was obtained between experiments and simulations, without the need for history matching, demonstrating that the simulation correctly captures the physics of crossflow. The incremental oil recoveries attributable to cross-flow and mobility control both fell within the error margins of the experimentally calculated values. The experiments showed that capillary cross-flow dominated over viscous cross-flow on laboratory length scales. Having validated the simulator, we then used it to show that wettability (with and without capillary pressure) can modify the impact of cross-flow on oil recovery.
An Investigation of Retention and Unusually High Apparent Viscosity of Hydrophobically Associative Polymer in Porous Media
Authors: Han Xu , Zhang Guoyin , Yu Jianjia , Chen Zhao , Kurnia Ivan
Published: March 2018

In this study, we investigated the influence of polymer retention (both irreversible and reversible retentions) on the unusually high resistance factor provided by hydrophobically associative polymers (AP) in porous media. As a comparison, a commercial partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) was also tested. Coreflood or dynamic method was used to assess retention (both irreversible and reversible) and resistance factor in sandstone cores at a flux of around 11 ft/d. To make fair comparison, in some corefloods, HPAM solutions was injected in the same core after the completion of associative polymer injection cycle. The results indicated: (1) the retention of fresh associative polymer was nearly four times of that from fresh HPAM and this was indicated by the residual resistance factor measurement. Resistance factor provided by fresh associative polymer was almost ten times higher than that from HPAM even though they showed similar viscosity property in a viscometer; (2) Compared with fresh HPAM, a substantial excess reversible retention (44.6 μg/g rock) was detected for fresh associative polymer that was comparable to its irreversible retention (41.0 μg/g rock); (3) Degraded associative polymer showed reduced irreversible retention (32.7% less) and almost no reversible retention difference was observed between associative polymer and HPAM. The resistance factor by degraded associative polymer was almost half of that from fresh solution. In the absence of excess irreversible and reversible retentions caused by HPAM, the degraded associative still provided much higher resistance factor than HPAM; (4) The unusually high resistance factor from associative polymer could be ascribed to the irreversible retention that caused permeability reduction, reversible retention which provided resistance to polymer flow in porous media without affecting core permeability, and also the intermolecular association between hydrophobic monomers in associative polymer.
Portfolio Keeping Ends to a Good Product: The Cases of Reading and Motivation
Authors: Nemati Azadeh
Published: March 2018

Portfolio has been in use from the past in other disciplines. But there are growing bodies of research which document its importance in foreign language teaching. The current study was implemented on selecting 91 undergraduate students passing their general English course in Iran. Traditional reading program was administered for control group whereas; portfolio keeping was integrated into experimental group. The result of ANCOVA showed that portfolio keeping has a positive effect on reading ability of the students in experimental group. The better reading result is explained by this argument that a good product is justified by a good process. Furthermore, portfolio keeping increased their attitude/motivation towards learning English; especially it increased integrative motivation of the students more than instrumental and attitude.
Assessing the Effects of Short-Term Culture and Language Immersion Program: A Hong Kong Case
Authors: Du-Babcock Bertha
Published: March 2018

The current study examines the effects of a four-week short-term culture and language immersion program. The Program involves four key curricular components and covered three phases: the pre-trip planning and preparations, implementation of the Program, and the post-trip debriefings.  Data were collected prior to, during, and after the students’ taking their four-week immersion program. A 360-degree assessment of the Program was employed to evaluate its effectiveness. The assessment involves triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data.

 

Two statistical measurements (Analysis and Variance and Pearson Correlation Coefficient tests) were employed to assess the Program effectiveness.  The results show that the for-week short-term culture and language immersion program achieved all its learning objectives.  By all measures, the students experienced increased confidence in using English, demonstrated a greater awareness of culture, were able to identify and explain cultural differences between Hong Kong and the host culture, and learned to apply language learning strategies and to begin to develop intercultural communication skills.
Toll-like Receptors Regulate MIF Expression in Benign Lymphoepithelial Lesion of the Lacrimal Gland
Authors: Adzavon Mawulikplimi Yao , Zhao Pengxiang , Zhang Xujuan , Zhang Xin , Wang Limin , Abisso Tarekegn Gebreyesus , Ma Xuemei
Published: March 2018

Despite a perpetual increase in the prevalence of benign lymphoepithelial lesion, data on the mechanisms governing its pathogenesis are still missing. Thus, we aimed in the present study to evaluate whether TLRs could regulate the expression of the pleiotropic pro-inflammatory and tumor-related cytokine MIF in BLEL. Using gene expression profiling and protein expression analysis methods, we found that TLRs were overexpressed and that their signaling pathways were activated in BLEL. We have also confirmed in tissues biopsies, the overexpression of MIF reported previously in plasma of BLEL specimen. The analysis of the TLR7/8 impact on the expression of MIF in BLEL primary cells showed that when activated, TLR7/8 stimulate mainly BLEL lymphocytes to release MIF but not the fibroblast-like cells. No significant change was observed when MIF expression was investigated at the transcriptional level 24h post TLR7/8 activation. Taken together, these data suggest that TLR7 and TLR8 are activated in BLEL and may induce a cell type-dependent regulation of MIF secretion and expression.
Pigments from Filamentous Ascomycetes for Combination Therapy
Authors: Hromádka Róbert , Kejík Zdeněk , Jakubek Milan , Kaplánek Robert , Šandriková Viera , Urban Marian , Martásek Pavel , Král Vladimír
Published: March 2018

Filamentous ascomycetes (Neurospora and Monascus) have been studied for a long time because of their production of secondary metabolites such as microbial pigments. The ascomycetes represent an interesting group of compounds with high potential for medicinal applications. Many recent studies have shown their efficacy in the treatment of serious pathological states such as oncological diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and hyperlipidaemia. Nevertheless, the clinical usability of ascomycetes is still limited. However, this problem can be solved by the use of these compounds with combinations of other therapeutic agents. This strategy can suppress their side effects and improve their therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, their co-application can significantly enhance conventional therapies that are used. This review summarizes and discusses the general principles of this approach, introduced and supported by numerous examples. In addition, the prediction of the future potential application of this methodology is included.
Terpenes, Phenylpropanoids, Sulfur and Other Essential Oil Constituents as Inhibitors of Cholinesterases
Authors: Burčul Franko , Blažević Ivica , Radan Mila , Politeo Olivera
Published: March 2018

:

Essential oils constituents are a diverse family of low molecular weight organic
compounds with comprehensive biological activity. According to their chemical structure,
these active compounds can be divided into four major groups: terpenes, terpenoids, phenylpropenes,
and "others". In addition, they may contain diverse functional groups according
to which they can be classified as hydrocarbons (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and aliphatic
hydrocarbons); oxygenated compounds (monoterpene and sesquiterpene alcohols, aldehydes,
ketones, esters, and other oxygenated compounds); and sulfur and/or nitrogen containing
compounds (thioesters, sulfides, isothiocyanates, nitriles, and others).

:

Compounds that act as cholinesterase inhibitors still represent the only pharmacological
treatment of Alzheimer´s disease. Numerous in vitro studies showed that some compounds,
found in essential oils, have a promising cholinesterase inhibitory activity, such as α-pinene,
δ-3-carene, 1,8-cineole, carvacrol, thymohydroquinone, α- and β-asarone, anethole, etc.

:

Essential oils constituents are a diverse family of low molecular weight organic
compounds with comprehensive biological activity. According to their chemical structure,
these active compounds can be divided into four major groups: terpenes, terpenoids, phenylpropenes,
and "others". In addition, they may contain diverse functional groups according
to which they can be classified as hydrocarbons (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and aliphatic
hydrocarbons); oxygenated compounds (monoterpene and sesquiterpene alcohols, aldehydes,
ketones, esters, and other oxygenated compounds); and sulfur and/or nitrogen containing
compounds (thioesters, sulfides, isothiocyanates, nitriles, and others).
Recent Advances of mTOR Inhibitors Use in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: Is the Road Still Open?
Authors: Kou Pei , Wei Shuang , Xiong Fei
Published: March 2018

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), the most common
monogenic kidney disease, is caused by mutations in the PKD1, PKD2 or, in a very limited
number of families, GANAB genes. Although cellular and molecular mechanisms of this disease
have been understood in the past 20 years, specific therapy approaches remain very little.
Both experimental and clinical studies show that the mammalian or mechanistic target of rapamycin
(mTOR) pathway plays an important role during cyst formation and enlargement in
ADPKD. Studies in rodent models of ADPKD showed that mTOR inhibitors had a significant
and long-lasting decrease in kidney volume and amelioration in kidney function. In the past
over ten years, researchers have been devoting continuously to test mTOR inhibitors efficacy
and safety in both preclinical studies and clinical trials in patients with ADPKD. In this review,
we will discuss the mTOR pathway thoroughly, mainly focusing on current advances in
understanding its role in ADPKD, especially the recent progress of mTOR inhibitors use in
preclinical studies and clinical trials.
Aggregation-Induced Emission Enhancement of CdSe QDs by Protamine and its Application to Sensitively and Selectively Detect Heparin
Authors: Liu Jin-Xia , Wu Mei-Xia , Ding Shou-Nian
Published: March 2018

Background:

Heparin, it is commercially used as an anticoagulant in surgical procedures for
the prevention of blood clotting. However, overdose and prolonged use of heparin often induce potentially
fatal bleeding complication. So, it is of crucial importance to monitor closely heparin levels for
the sake of health. In this work, a sensitive fluorescence sensing platform to detect heparin was set up
based on MPA-CdSe QDs (quantum dots) and protamine enhanced fluorescent system.

Methods:

The image of CdSe QDs was taken on a JEM-2100 transmission electron microscope (JEOL
Ltd.). The fluorescence spectrum was recorded on a FluoroMax-4 fluorescence spectrophotometer
(Horiba, USA). UV–vis absorption spectrum was recorded using a Shimadzu UV-2450 Spectrophotometer
(Tokyo, Japan). A vortex mixer IKA MS3 digital was selected to mix the solution.

Results:

Under optimized conditions, the linear response to detect heparin ranges from 0.06 to 14 µg
mL-1 with a detection limit of 8 ng mL-1. The approach showed a highly selective response to heparin in
the presence of 16 interfered substances.

Conclusion:

A simple method for the detection of heparin was developed based on MPA-CdSe QDs
and protamine enhanced fluorescent system. The electrostatic effect between MPA-CdSe QDs and protamine
resulted in strong fluorescence enhancement from the MPA-CdSe QDs. Moreover, the addition
of heparin could cause a significant fluorescence decrease due to the strong affinity of protamine and
heparin. Under optimal conditions, this method displayed a low detection limit and good selectivity
over other substances.
Analytes’ Structure and Signal Response in Evaporating Light Scattering Detector (ELSD)
Authors: Dalavitsou Antonia , Vasiliadis Alexandros , Mordos Michail D. , Kouskoura Maria G. , Markopoulou Catherine K.
Published: March 2018

Background:

Working with an Evaporative Light Scattering Detector (ELSD), the target
components are converted to a suspension of particles in a gas phase by a nebulizer and heated while
the mobile phase is evaporated. Then, the incident light is directed at the remaining particles which are
scattered and detected.

Methods:

The signal response of an ELS detector is studied through the correlation of the signal intensity
of 65 compounds (at 30, 45 and 80°C) with their structural and physicochemical characteristics.
Therefore, 67 physicochemical properties as well as structural features of the analytes were inserted as
X variables and they were studied in correlation with their signal intensity (Y variable).

Results:

The collected data were statistically processed with the use of partial least squares method. The
results proved that several properties were those that mainly affected the signal intensity either increasing
or decreasing this response.

Conclusion:

The derived results proved that properties related to vapor pressure, size, density, melting
and boiling point of the analytes were responsible for changes in the signal intensity. The light detected
was also affected by properties relevant to the ability of a molecule to form hydrogen bonds (HBA and
HBD) and its polarizability or refractivity, but at a lower extent.
Fem and Von Mises Analysis of OSSTEM ® Dental Implant Structural Components: Evaluation of Different Direction Dynamic Loads
Authors: Cervino Gabriele , Romeo Umberto , Lauritano Floriana , Bramanti Ennio , Fiorillo Luca , D’Amico Cesare , Milone Dario , Laino Luigi , Campolongo Francesco , Rapisarda Silvia , Cicciù Marco
Published: March 2018

Purpose:

The objective of this investigation is to study prosthodontics and internal components resistance to the masticatory stress and considering different force directions by using Finite Element Method analysis (FEM). The structural materials of the components are usually Titanium alloy grade 4 or 5 and thus, guarantee the integration of the fixture in the bone due to the osteointegration phenomena. Even if the long-term dental implant survival rate is easy to be obtained and confirmed by numerous researches, the related clinical success, due to the alteration of the mechanical and prosthodontics components is still controversial.

Methods:

By applying engineering systems of investigations like FEM and Von Mises analyses, it has been investigated how dental implant material was held against the masticatory strength during the dynamic masticatory cycles. A three-dimensional system involved fixture, abutment and the connection screws, which were created and analyzed. The elastic features of the materials used in the study were taken from recent literature data.

Results:

Data revealed a different response for both types of devices, although implant neck and dental abutment showed better results for all conditions of loading while the abutment screw represented aweak point of the system.

Conclusion:

The data of this virtual model showed all the features of different prosthetic retention systems under the masticatory load. Clinicians should find better prosthetic balance in order to better distribute the stress over the component and to guarantee patients’ clinical long-term results.
Designing Piled Foundations with a Full 3D Model
Authors: Barbosa V. D. , Galgoul N. S.
Published: March 2018

Background:

The analysis of piled foundations, where horizontal environmental loads play a very important role, has taken foundation design a step further in the 1970s and 80s. Nonlinear analyses considering P-y, T-z and Q-z curves became the state-of-the-art which also included group effect calculations thanks to an approximation proposed by [1] on the [2] equations. For some reason, however, foundation design continued to be refined using finite element calculations, but the corresponding developments never made their way into the main offshore platform design codes such as [3,4].

Objective:

Considering the enormous advantage that this brings for topics such as group effect and negative friction, it is obvious that opening the offshore market to this enhancement is totally desirable. This is exactly what this paper is trying to achieve.

Method:

In order to increase the accuracy of the prediction of piled foundations lateral displacements when group effect is considerable, a complete 3D model will be proposed using the finite element method and compared to the codes’ model and also experimental data.

Results:

The model in DIANA showed good performance in comparison to the codes’ model and experimental data for the single pile. When the pile group model, when the codes’ have known deficiencies, was tested, both efforts on each pile and mean displacement of the pile group fit the experimental data. However, the behavior of each pile of the group, if separately analyzed, didn’t fit many experimental data, which was attributed to the soil model utilized.

Conclusion:

This improved modeling procedure has been proven to improve the lateral displacement prediction of a piled foundation when group effect is considerable, when compared to codes [3,4] proposed models. However, the study of more accurate soil models could help on achieving more realistic results.
Conserving the English Landscape of Taiping Lake Garden: Gaining public awareness
Authors: Syed Othman Thani Sharifah Khalizah , Ibrahim Nur Kamilah , Nik Mohamad Nik Hanita , Mohd Rodzi NurIzzati
Published: March 2018

Taiping Lake Garden (TLG) is one of the remaining British legacies located in Taiping, Perak. TLG is facing the transformation of English landscape environment, and diminishing the public appreciation on its historical value. This study aims to investigate the transformation of TLG’s historical value in the current environment, and to propose suggestions in promoting public awareness towards conserving the historical value in historic garden. This study has assessed the public awareness through a combination of survey and case study. The outcome of this study could offer the landscape architecture industry to moving towards conservation of historic garden in Malaysia.Keywords: English landscape; Taiping Lake Garden; public awareness; historical park conservationeISSN 2398-4295 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
Impact of Technology Advancement on the Malaysian Ethnics Festival Foods and its Foodways
Authors: Muhammad Rosmaliza , Mohd Zahari Mohd Salehuddin , Md. Sharif Mohd Shazali
Published: March 2018

This study explores the impact of technology advancement in Malaysian ethnic festival foodways and how it affects the practices of young generations. The informers involved three major ethnics groups (Malays, Chinese and Indian) in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The alteration eases the heavy burden or workload in preparation and consumption of festival food. It introduced the emergence of cooking equipments and new utensils. The traditional equipment used has gradually been overtaken by modern equipment. The preparation festival foods are becoming much faster, effective and efficient. Nevertheless, the alterations explicitly lessen the practices of foodways among the community members particularly the young generations. Keywords: Ethnic Festival foods; Foodways; Malaysia; PracticeseISSN 2398-4295 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
The Moderating Role of the Residents’ Education Level in the Realization of Green Cities
Authors: Abdul Latif Saripah , Bidin Yeop Hussin , Awang Zainudin
Published: March 2018

The design of a green city integrates with the intention of creating a habitat for people dedicated to the minimization of waste output and pollution. This research aims to determine the moderating effect of the residents’ education level on their intention to recycle. Data collected from a survey on 255 residents in Kuala Lumpur city was analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings indicate that the realization of green cities is affected by both attitudes towards recycling and subjective norms, which are then moderated by the level of education of the residents.Keywords: Green cities; Attitudes towards recycling; Subjective norms; Education leveleISSN 2398-4295 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
The Square as an Outdoor Market Space: Exploring the potentials of Dataran Merdeka
Authors: Zakariya Khalilah , Harun Nor Zalina
Published: March 2018

This exploratory paper presents the potentials of appropriating a temporary weekend market adjacent to a historic square as an informal activity to encourage people to engage more with Dataran Merdeka as their historic place. From employing methods of observations, mapping and interviews, the findings from this paper reveal how locating temporary market activity at Dataran Merdeka might activate this historic square as a lively social space while tapping into the existing event culture. This study suggests that the juxtaposition between the historic and the everyday can ascribe new meaning to the layers of the city’s heritage to support cultural sustainability.Keywords: culture; heritage; market; square; urbaneISSN 2398-4295 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
Transmission Effects’ of Malay Food Knowledge
Authors: Md. Sharif Mohd Shazali , Mohd Zahari Mohd Salehuddin , Md Nor Norazmir
Published: March 2018

This study explored the effects of food transmission activities among the Malay ethnic’s food knowledge and the generation practice. Mother and daughter were selected as an informant in this study. All information analyzed using thematic analysis. Commercialization of ingredients, convenience food products, economy, educational level and lifestyles apparently reduced the practices of Malay traditional foods among the young generations. Mothers, in particular, can play a significant role in preserving the practice of Malay traditional foods. Parents should ensure that the traditional food knowledge is passed down to their generations to ensure the Malay food tradition retains and evolves further.Keywords: Malay ethnic; traditional food; food knowledge; food transmissioneISSN 2398-4295 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
Malay Traditional Food Knowledge Transfer
Authors: Md. Sharif Mohd Shazali , Abdul Rahman Ahmad Esa , Mohd Zahari Mohd Salehuddin , Mohamad Abdullah Khairunnisa
Published: March 2018

This study offers insight into Malay festive cookery and its importance in the transmission of traditional food knowledge among the younger generation. Respondents were observed in four separate ethnographic investigations involving four Malay families. The results indicate that festive cookery plays a significant role for the younger generation to acquire knowledge about traditional food. Thus, it is vital to conserve the practice of preparing the meal for festive occasions to ensure the continuation of traditional culinary culture, customs, and traditions.
Perak Malay Hard Landscape Elements: An overview
Authors: Zakaria Ahmad Zamil , Abd Rashid Mohd Sabrizaa , Ahmad Syazwani
Published: March 2018

This study is a continuation of previous studies about the Malay landscape in the state of Perak. The purpose of this study was to obtain a list of hard landscape elements that exist in the residential compound of the Malays in the present. The objective of the study was to determine the function of each component of a hard landscape. The scope of the survey is along the Perak River in Perak Tengah District. The need for this study is to reveal the identity of the Malay landscape and improve the self-esteem of the community indirectly.
The Integration of ASRC System within BIM
Authors: Takim Roshana , Zulkifli Muhammad Hanafi , Nawawi Abdul Hadi
Published: March 2018

Technically, safety planning and project execution planning has been carried out separately for most BIM-based projects. As such, it leads to difficulties in monitor these planning simultaneously during construction phase. In this regards, the Automated Safety Rule Checking (ASRC) system is perceived to distinguish fall hazards by integrating the system in the existing BIM-model. This paper pursues to explore the integration of ASRC system within BIM-based projects in Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey was employed to large public and private organisations that involved with BIM. The data were analysed by using content analysis technique and revealed that ASRC system is yet to be incorporated into BIM-based projects in Malaysia.
Benchmarking for Energy Efficiency
Authors: Mohd Salleh Mohd Najib , Kandar Mohd Zin , Md Sakip Siti Rasidah
Published: March 2018

Increased energy demand end to the world grew by 39% between 1990 to 2008 and further increased by 40% between 2007 to 2030. Energy consumption in buildings has been identified to contribute up to 40% of the total world. Through the selection of methods and the right strategy will reduce the problem of increase energy in buildings. Based on the theory of energy efficiency developed it can achieve through three main factors; a) building design; b) design of services; c) user behavior. This paper aims to discuss methods to benchmark user perception on energy efficiency in school buildings.
Do Fences Reduce Fear of Crime
Authors: Md Sakip Siti Rasidah , Abdul Rahman Norhafizah , Mat Nayan Nadiyanti
Published: March 2018

The Roadmap of Government Transformation Program 2010 reported that the sense of fear of crime among Malaysians is quite high which is 89 percent. So, the questions is, do they feel safe without fence? Therefore, this paper seeks on the neighborhood with no fence to identify the sense of safety and fear of crime (FOC) among residents. The result indicates that longer resident living in residential areas is significant with perceptions of crime (POC) in the neighborhood (p = 0.00). The more people go out at night is also significant with POC in the neighborhood (p = 0.012).
Hotel Brand and Food Quality in Malaysia
Authors: Tuan Ismail Tuan Ahmad , Muhammad Rosmaliza , Muhammad Yusoff Norhayati , Md Shariff Mohd Shazali
Published: March 2018

This study is to investigate the relationship between hotel brand and food quality using the Brand Identity Prism (BIP) model in the context of food service industry that has never been directly tested before. The attributes (physical, relationship and reflection) of BIP in food service industry which focusing on the food quality served at hotel restaurants are validated. A quantitative approach using questionnaire survey was conducted with a total of 129 hotel restaurants guests from four of five star rated hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The result indicated that there was a significant relationship between hotel brand identity and food quality.