bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asa Branca Offshore Wind Farm Project – Main Technical Aspects
Authors: Wey Acácio
Published: October 2019

The plans to develop the ASA BRANCA OFFSHORE WINDPOWER PROJECT were envisioned a long time ago, by 2001, after a great drought in Brazil, as reported in the Historical Scenario of this article, aiming at providing the National Grid with larger clean energy sources by means of offshore wind power plants. Its initial phase shall start by 2025 with 720 MW of installed capacity on the Brazilian Northeast coast. Today, it represents a challenging project since its implementation will be the largest pioneer offshore generation not only in Brazil, but also in the southern hemisphere at the tropical environment near the equator. The feasibility studies indicate the higher capacity factor of this Project that accrues from the known trade winds on this region blowing steadily toward the equator from the southeast.

The Project presented herein shall be the first phase of a much larger Offshore Wind Farm development that EÓLICA BRASIL has defined and presented to the Brazilian Authorities. This Phase-I has received permits to be installed at the sea near shore in the Municipality of Amontada, in an area that spans 15 km along the coast of Ceará State and at about 9 to 18 km distance of from the seashore.

In this region, there are more than 6 GW of onshore wind power plants installed or planed along the coasts of the Northeast Region at Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte States, distributed in hundreds of small and medium onshore generations very near the seashore. The successful operational experience of those projects is a significant indication of the unexplored offshore windpower potential available on this Brazilian coastal region, so that it is included among the most promising regions in the world to produce bulk clean power, especially considering huge offshore windpower plants that will certainly be one of the main Brazilian contributions to reduce the risks from global warming. World's biggest companies, from hi-tech firms to large banks, are bracing for prospect that climate change could substantially affect their bottom lines yet within the next decade due to impacts that will be faced as the planet warms. Early estimates suggest that trillions of dollars may ultimately be at stake.

The development of such enormous offshore potential of renewable energy, assured by existing both Brazilian legislation and official regulations, became technical and economic feasible in Brazil by applying the new conception of offshore wind turbine generators (WTGs) with unit ratings larger than 10 MW propelled by wind speeds faster than 10m/sec.

This paper presents the main technical characteristics of the conceptual design of this pioneer Project in Brazil, including the basics of planning and feasibility studies as well as the foreseen scenarios for national power market for offshore wind generation on the horizon of the next decade (2021-2030).
Understanding the Behavior of Surface Hardness Hard Spots of Plate and Pipe :Extensive Test Program
Authors: Singh Kathayat Tribhuwan , Hill Rick , Thakor Piyush , Kumar Goyal Rajesh , Singh Ankit
Published: October 2019

Recent use of thick wall pipelines for the transmission of extreme sour hydrocar bons in deep and ultra- deep water has required the confirmation of resistance to environmental cracking. This paper presents a comprehensive test program conducted on 30 inch outside diameter and 38.7 mm wall thickness, ISO 3183 L415MS / L415MO PSL2 line pipe to establish the contribution of plate and pipe properties and process parameters on the environmental cracking resistance.

The JCOE forming technology was used to prepare the test pipes for evaluating the influence of isolated surface hardness zones on the initiation and propagation of Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) and Sulfide Stress Corrosion Cracking (SSCC). Detailed technical requirements for plate supply included but was not limited to the development of alloy design, steel melting and continuous casting parameters as well as plate rolling and accelerated cooling process control limits.

The test program covered the contribution of various stages of pipe production such as forming, welding, and mechanical cold expansion, on fracture toughness (KIC, KISSC and CTOD), HIC and SSCC resistance. The pipe was tested in the as-manufactured, aged, and aged+1% strained conditions. Pipe dimension conformance was verified using the Automatic Pipe Dimension Measurement System (APDMS).

The reliability of eddy current inspection for the detection of isolated hard zones was included in the program.
Wet Christmas Tree Interface for Depressurizing Underwater Flowlines
Authors: Beppler Raphael Veloso , Camargo Ricardo Marques de Toledo , Cardoso Carlos Alberto Bandeira Ribeiro , Nascimento Everton da Rocha , Pimentel Daniel Monteiro , Rodrigues Roberto , Soares Renato de Freitas
Published: October 2019

Oil and gas flowlines plugging due to hydrate formation is one of the main reasons for production losses in deep water production systems. Therefore, several hydrate prevention and mitigation techniques have been constantly developed and applied by industry.

Regarding hydrate dissociation techniques, efforts focus on avoiding the use of naval resources, such as workover rigs or special vessels, because of the high cost involved and, very often, the poor readiness.

This work presents an ROV connection device, installed in the Production Adapter Base / Tubing Head Spool (PAB / THS) of a Wet Christmas Tree (WCT), which allows coupling a local system of fluids depressurizing and handling, eliminating the need of a classified vessel to handle hydrocarbons.

Besides allowing faster hydrate removal in subsea flowlines, the proposed method do not require any technological development since it consists of the integrated use of subsea devices and tools commonly used in the offshore industry.
Replacing Fossil Fuels by Wind Power in Energy Supply to Offshore Oil&Gas Exploration and Production Activities – Possibilities for Brazil
Authors: Schaffel Silvia Blajberg , Westin Fernanda Fortes , Hernandez Omar Mauricio , La Rovere Emilio Lèbre
Published: October 2019

GHG emissions will create constraints for the oil and gas industry. Meeting world energy needs with lower GHG emissions is its big challenge in the current context of energy transition. The possibility to use renewable power for the energy supply to offshore O&G E&P activities, thus reducing its emissions is discussed in this paper. In Brazil, there are today three E&P environments: onshore, conventional offshore and pre-salt. In conventional offshore, the reuse of fixed platforms as structures for offshore wind development is an opportunity to be assessed. In the pre-salt, as FPSOs demands are energy intensive, the next generation of offshore wind power floating turbines might be employed. This paper presents some examples of trends in using offshore wind power, highlighting the electrification of O&G platforms associated with GHG reduction. We are in the early days of offshore wind power in Brazil and the promising outlook is not for the short-term, but for the Pre-Salt country, in the current context of energy transition, it will become increasingly important to assess and implement the generation of offshore wind power.
Methodology to a Feasibility Study to Implement an Oil/Water Subsea Separation
Authors: Vigano Guilherme Cosme
Published: October 2019

Currently, low oil prices pose a challenge to the financial state of the industry. Therefore, it is very important that companies optimize costs while maintaining or even increasing oil production. At the same time, with oil production declining due high water cuts and facility volume limitations in an offshore production system, it is necessary to look for solutions in order to maintain economic viability by increasing oil recovery in mature reservoirs. Among some alternatives, the subsea separator represents a good prospect for dealing with these challenges.

This paper aims to describe a methodology to perform the technical feasibility study of deploying an Oil/Water Subsea Separator in Brazilian Offshore Field. The technical results were then used as part of an economic analysis which is outside the scope of the present paper.

The study is comprised four wells that are linked to the manifold and the subsea separator. In the subsea separator, 70% of the produced water is separated and reinjected in a disposal well. Hence, the fluids which remains (oil, gas and 30% of water) flows up to the platform. Since this reinjected water volume is not flowing to the platform anymore, more fluid can be processed, allowing the wells to operate on larger potentials resulting in an increased cumulative oil production to the field. Computational simulation approach was followed by using the pore flow simulation, flow assurance simulation and a coupler that integrates both of these.
Severe Slugging Mitigation in an S-Shape Pipeline-Riser System With a Venturi for Increased Production and Recovery
Authors: Inok Joseph , Lao Liyun , Cao Yi , Whidborne James F.
Published: October 2019

Severe slugging is a cyclic flow regime which causes intermittent delivery of oil and gas which usually leads to flow separator flooding, production reduction, platform trips and plant shutdown. This paper presents a novel method for severe slugging mitigation. It describes the use of a Venturi for the improvement of system stability, increase in production and recovery.

A Venturi is coupled to the pipeline-riser system upstream of the choke valve before the topside test separator for severe slug mitigation. Experiments were carried out in a 2″ pipeline-riser system which comprises of a 40 m long horizontal pipe connected to a 10.23 m high S-shape riser followed by a 5.2 m horizontal topside section. The effects of Venturi on severe slugging were investigated, gas perturbation method was used to analyse the effects of Venturi on the stability of the system, and the traditional choking technique and Hopf bifurcation technique were combined and used to investigate the stability and production increase performance of the pipeline-riser with Venturi applied.

Experimental results show that with the Venturi applied, the system achieves stability quicker than without the Venturi in the pipeline-riser and reduced the pressure fluctuation range by 57 %. In addition, combining the Venturi with the choke valve to choke the pipeline-riser (bifurcation study) stabilised the system at higher valve opening and lower pressure compared to choking the pipeline-riser with the choke valve only. For the case studied (Vsl = 0.25 m/s and Vsg = 0.37 m/s) bifurcation (critical valve opening) occurred at 18 % valve opening and average riser base pressure value of 2.8 barg for the plain riser. However, with Venturi applied bifurcation occurred at a larger valve opening of 21% and a lower average riser base pressure value of 2.5 barg. The low loss of energy due to the gradual change in geometry of the Venturi may account for its ability to achieve stability at a lower riser base pressure. Thus, Venturi increased the valve opening by 17% and reduced the riser base pressure by 11%. These in practice translate to an increase in oil and gas production.

This is a cost-effective severe slug mitigation method, its deployment at the topside is an additional advantage when compared with other methods that require subsea deployment. The increase in brown fields due to diminishing reserves of oil from reservoirs have made oil recovery very vital. This technique will help to extend the operational life of a reservoir, thus enhancing oil recovery and flow assurance.
Impact of Rock Aging Time on the Initial Wettability of Minerals and Analogue Rocks Using Pre-Salt Fluids Under Reservoir Conditions
Authors: Drexler Santiago , Hoerlle Fernanda Oliveira , Silveira Thais M. G. , Cavadas Leandro A. , Couto Paulo
Published: October 2019

Wettability is an important property in reservoir characterization. For the heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs in the Brazilian Pre-Salt, parameters that represent wettability are needed to obtain improved reservoir models. In this work, we applied contact angle measurements to analyze rock-fluid interactions between synthetic brine, crude oil from a Pre-Salt field and rocks and minerals with similar characteristics to the Pre-Salt formations. We studied the effects of aging time on different solid substrates. We found that, even though unaged quartz showed greater interaction with the high basic number oil than carbonates, it re mained water-wet for different aging times. On the other hand, calcite and coquinas had increasing contact angles with aging times and were strongly oil-wet after 30 days aging. This evidences that the interactions between acid compounds in the oil and basic sites in the substrate are strong enough to disrupt the water film after aging for 30 days. Therefore, under the Pre-Salt conditions studied in this work, these carbonate rocks and minerals should be considered as preferentially oil-wet.
Subsurface Drilling Waste Injection: Challenges, Recent Advances and Cases Studies
Authors: Benelkadi Said , Bianco Eduardo Vasquez , Burton Philip , Motta Marcelo Dourado
Published: October 2019

Drilling waste generated during development of oil and gas offshore and onshore fields are required to be disposed of in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner. The remoteness of such environments, coupled with the ever-tightening environmental regulations and then green operation initiatives of operators, can create significant economical, logistical and regulatory challenges. The subsurface drilling cuttings reinjection becomes the preferred option allowing oil and gas operators to achieve zero discharge which can meet the most stringent environmental standards.

To prevent all possible injection issues that were experienced earlier in the industry globally (early 1990's), a novel "design, execute, evaluate approach was introduced, this enables us to deliver reliable, single sourced start to finish solutions

Subsurface drilling waste injection has been and continues to be used on several offshore projects where many millions of barrels of waste have been injected in a single well. This has been achieved through the engineering approach "design, execute, evaluate". The design study assesses the subsurface strata and identifies suitable injection zones, with a focus on waste containment assurance. The execution and evaluation phase begins with an initial injectivity test to calibrate all the reinjection modelling completed so far, we then implement real time injections surveillance including advanced pressure analysis as a risk control tool. The key focus is to analyze, identify, and recommend necessary adjustments during injections to prevent injection failure.

The studied cases have been operated successfully since their start to date. No injectivity issues have been experienced during drilling waste fluids injections. Several on-time interventions have been made to proactively prevent the well becoming plugged and maintaining surface injection pressures within normal ranges.

Recent advances of Real-time data streaming have made big step change improvement in the data delivery process, monitoring pressure analysis. It creates a direct link between the wellsite and worldwide multidisciplinary technical expertise and provides visualization capability at anytime and anywhere to all personnel involved in the project.

This step change in monitoring drilling cuttings reinjection operations provides truly "Acquisition to Answer" integrated solution, mitigates the injection risks and enhances the intrinsic value of drilling cuttings reinjection on offshore development projects.

This paper shares the experience and the success of subsurface drilling cuttings reinjection where wastes are injected for final and responsible disposal. The offshore field cases are presented to illustrate the value of the recent technological advances along with best practice guidelines and recommendations for safe and economical disposal of drilling waste fluids to achieve true zero discharge results.
The Importance of Dielectric Properties for the Optimization of Microwave Drying Systems in the Treatment of Drill Cuttings
Authors: Mota Ana Carolina Silva , Barbosa Vinícius Pimenta , Friaça Fernando Garcia , Pereira Marina Seixas , Ataíde Carlos Henrique
Published: October 2019

With the increasing severity of environmental legislation, the disposal of drill cuttings has become a critical issue. Once the solids control system reaches contaminant contents close to the established limit value, alternative treatment technologies have been studied, such as microwave drying. In this scope, dielectric properties of two distinct cuttings, one obtained from clay formations and the other from reservoir, were measured in different conditions. It could be inferred from the results that the cuttings are absorbent materials and the loss tangent is directly proportional to their contaminant content. Additionally, a predictive kinetic model previously designed for clay cuttings was tested for reservoir cuttings, showing that the model is also aplicable in the analysis of the drying behavior of reservoir cuttings for low values of applied power. It was concluded that the insertion of dielectric parameters into the kinetic models enabled not only yield prediction, but also provided a better understanding of how the selected materials behave under different microwave process conditions, both qualitatively and quantitatively. It is important to highlight that this knowledge on microwave drying is fundamental not only to the optimization and control of the process, but also to the development of new technologies that make use of specific characteristics of the phenomena.
Slug Flow Root Cause Analysis: A Data-Driven Approach
Authors: Sandnes Anders T. , Uglane Vidar , Grimstad Bjarne
Published: October 2019

We present a data-driven root cause analysis of slug flow in a subsea field. The asset experienced severe slugging in a riser, which limited production throughput. The results were used in combination with simulator studies and engineering experience to create a better understanding of the underlying root cause for slugging.

A selection of signals was investigated as possible drivers behind slug severity. Focus was put on well-specific signals such as pressures, temperatures and flow rates, in addition to total flow rates, pipeline pressures and temperatures, and settings on the topside facility. Total liquid rate, especially the water component, is isolated as an important driver for slugging, while ruling out other signals believed to be important before the analysis, such as production from individual wells. The results were aligned with the field engineers’ experience. Actions were implemented to reduce water production, and this led to reduced slugging. Close collaboration between data scientists and field engineers was essential to guide the search towards actionable evidence.

The novelty of this approach lies in utilizing machine learning techniques to model and analyze historical production data in order to find drivers behind events such as slug flow. This makes it easier for field engineers to leverage all available information to optimize production.
Application of a Transient Near-Wellbore / Reservoir Simulator for Complex Completions Design
Authors: Satti Rajani P. , Gilliat Jim , Bale Derek S. , Hillis Parry , Myers Bill , Harper Jason
Published: October 2019

Well completion operations in perforating, sand-control, stimulation, and flow management are often transient in nature, thereby making it a challenge to understand the complex physical processes that affect a safe deployment or a robust optimization of completion hardware. Historically, steady-state methods have been used to predict dynamic completion events. These methods can lead to inaccurate analysis and add risk to the decision-making process. An integrated, transient simulation approach is therefore required to model, predict, optimize and most importantly ensure a safe completion operation.

In this work, we present the application of fully transient, multi-phase flow simulation software that simulates dynamic downhole completion scenarios. The computational framework of the software incorporates a coupled wellbore-perforation-reservoir model, with differentiating algorithms for shock-capturing hydrodynamic solvers, robust thermodynamic closure, advanced fluid dynamics and more importantly, significantly faster turnaround simulation times to enable quick pre-job modeling iterations. The software has been extensively used for designing and optimizing perforating jobs, but recently, the applicability of the software has been demonstrated for transient completion scenarios beyond perforating.

Several application examples are presented in this study, whereby the computational software has been successfully used to predict and drive critical decisions relating to either novel completion technologies or safe deployment of completion systems. Case histories pertaining to dropped tools, downhole valves (effects of water hammer/shut-in), next-generation completion systems (fully conformable sand management systems), and safety investigation of post-perforating, completion practices, and propellant-assisted stimulation systems are comprehensively discussed in this paper. Results and data analysis including modeled pressure surge, loading on downhole equipment, transient fluid physics, history-matching and most importantly, the insight into dynamic interaction between the wellbore and formation are presented in this study. This study clearly demonstrates the importance of a transient, fully coupled simulator to predict dynamic completion scenarios as well as ensure flawless execution of next-generation completion systems. This robust simulation platform, when integrated with production calculations, also provides the scope to better predict and maximize productivity.
Dry Sea State Monitoring for More Efficient Marine Operations
Authors: Vinther Morten Loell
Published: October 2019

Marine Operations such as pipe laying, subsea installations, heavy lifting operations, work-over operations, crane operations are extremely sensitive to metocean conditions. Wind, wave and currents from different directions and long period wave motion can cause adverse vessel response which may impair operations. Thus, without systematic sea state monitoring, marine operations sensitive to wind, wave height, wave period and vessel motion can be subject to delays, cost overruns, safety issues, and asset damage. Precise knowledge of the sea state during such operations is an essential requirement which has become more critical as offshore activities have moved into ever greater water depths, and into hostile frontier areas. This calls for a reliable and accurate on-board system for continuous, real-time wave and motion monitoring and recording.
Performance Evaluation of Wireline-Retrievable Downhole Chemical Injection System Used in HPHT Wells
Authors: He Peter , Zhao Lei , Bello Oladele
Published: October 2019

Downhole chemical injection (DHCI) systems provide precise wellbore production chemical management by pumping down chemicals via dedicated injection lines. Worldwide installation of DHCI systems has steadily increased as a large proportion of high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) wells are continuously drilled and completed in deepwater and ultra-deepwater fields. Ultra-low variable rate application in HPHT wells can help to control deposition of scales and enhance injection efficiency, which can lead to improved environmental protection, lower operating costs, high equipment reliability, and improved topside space usage.

One of the most common failures in DHCI systems is the breakdown of check valves. This issue is significant. Stringent requirements exist for a continuous injection rate above a certain cracking pressure, preventing flow from the injection line to the wellbore at shut-in conditions and creating a zero-leak seal that prevents reverse flow from the wellbore to the injection line. To meet these requirements, a so-called "check valve" design is generally used, in which a pressure differential valve is put in series with a check valve. The pressure differential valve sets the cracking pressure and shut-in pressure of the system while the check valve prevents reverse flow from the wellbore.

This paper is part of a series effort for developing chemical injection solutions for HPHT wells. Previous work summarizes development and qualification of a pressure differential valve at higher flow rates, while this paper presents qualification tests conducted to assess the performance of the pressure differential valve and check valve as a system for HPHT applications under extreme low flow rates. The qualification tests include initial material selection based on a sophisticated gas test, a liquid flow endurance test and a post inspection, followed by a second-round test. Test results indicate that a bubble-tight check valve can be qualified to 0.0016 gpm to 0.047gpm with a pressure rating greater than 10,000 psi and 350° F. The pressure differential valve and check valve can be used in different applications other than DHCI systems.
Evaluation of right heart function in heart failure patients using strain imaging and three-dimensional echocardiography
Authors: Hamdy Amal M , Mohamed Layla A , Agiba Nadia A , Youssof Gehan E
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Right heart function is an important predictor of morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular diseases having left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction.

Aim

Assessment of right ventricular (RV) and right atrial (RA) functions in heart failure patients using strain imaging and three-dimensional echocardiography.

Patients and methods

This study included 60 patients (group I) having LV systolic dysfunction with LV ejection fraction less than or equal to 40% in addition to 20 healthy participants (group II) as a control group. LV measures included 2D and 3D-LV ejection fraction, LV-Tei index, and 2D and 3D-LV global longitudinal strain. RV measures included RV dimensions, RV fractional area change, RV-Tei index, 2D-RV global longitudinal strain, 3D-RV ejection fraction, 3D-average longitudinal strain for both interventricular septum, and RV free wall (3D-RVLS-sept and 3D-RVLS-FW, respectively). RA measures included RA dimensions, RA passive, active and total emptying volumes and fractions, peak RA longitudinal, and contractile strain. Parameters of LV, RV, and RA functions were compared between groups I and II.

Results

RV and RA dimensions and volumes, and LV-Tei and RV-Tei indexes were significantly higher in group I compared with group II. All other parameters of LV, RV, and RA function except RA-active emptying volumes were significantly lower in group I compared with group II. Cutoff values for parameters of RV and RA function showed good sensitivity and specificity to discriminate group I from group II. Cutoff points were 19.9% for 2D-RV global longitudinal strain, 46.4% for 3D-RV ejection fraction, 11.7% for 3D-RVLS-sept, 18.6% for 3D-RVLS-FW, 29.2% for peak RA longitudinal, and 17.1% for peak RA contractile strain. Sensitivity ranged from 78.3 to 96.7% and specificity ranged from 85 to 100% with a P value of less than 0.001.

Conclusion

RV and RA functions are impaired in heart failure patients with LV systolic dysfunction. Both 3D and strain imaging are good echo modalities in the evaluation of right heart function.
Effect of fentanyl, dexmedetomidine, and esmolol on pressor response during laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Abdalla Mofeed
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Laparoscopic surgery has many beneficial effects but the creation of pneumoperitoneum (PNP) may be associated with significant hemodynamic changes.

Aim of the work

Primary outcome: to compare opioids and nonopioids in controlling pressor response during laparoscopy. Secondary outcome: to compare the efficacy of dexmedetomidine (Dex) and esmolol in the same situation.

Patients and methods

Ninety patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly divided into three equal groups; group F: received fentanyl 1 μg/kg 10 min before induction and then 0.4 μg/kg/h throughout the PNP, group D: received Dex 1 μg/kg 10 min before induction and then 0.5 μg/kg/h throughout the PNP, group E: received esmolol 1 mg/kg 10 min before induction and then 0.5 mg/kg/h throughout the PNP. Hemodynamics mainly mean heart rate (MHR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded at a specific time. Postoperative visual analog scale, time to first request of postoperative analgesia, number of patients who required postoperative analgesia, and postoperative analgesic consumption were recorded. Perioperative sedation score and blood glucose and postoperative complications, for example, bradycardia, hypotension, nausea, and vomiting were recorded. Time of discharge from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and hospital stay time were recorded.

Results

Group D showed better hemodynamic (MHR, MAP) stability and pain control than group E and much better than group F. Sedation score was higher in group D than other two groups after infusion of test drug only. The incidence of nausea and vomiting were higher in group F than group E and nausea was higher in group D than group E. Ondanosterone use was higher group F than other two groups. PACU stay time was longer in group D than other two groups.

Conclusion

Nonopioids (Dex and esmolol) were superior to fentanyl for attenuation of pressor response to intubation and PNP. Apart from nausea and longer PACU stay, Dex was superior to esmolol in controlling hemodynamics with better pain control.
Traditional abdominoplasty versus dual-plane abdominoplasty in abdominal contouring
Authors: Gad Amany A , El Marakby Mohamed A , Mohammed Ayman F , Elsayed Emad H
Published: October 2019

Objectives

The study aims to evaluate the effect of Scarpa's fascia preservation on the results and complications of abdominoplasty through a prospective randomized comparative study between the dual-plane and traditional abdominoplasty.

Patients and methods

The current study included 40 cases with redundant and/or bulged abdomen seeking abdominoplasty. Their ages ranged between 25 and 50 years, and BMI ranged from 25 to 35. BMI above 35, previous abdominal surgery, any associated hernias, postbariatric surgery, smokers, and comorbid diseases such as diabetes, chronic obstructive airway disease, and autoimmune, liver, and renal diseases were excluded.

Results

With Scarpa's fascia preservation, the mean total drain output in the dual plane (175.5±35.9 ml) was much lesser than the classic abdominoplasty (479.5±177.27 ml); moreover, drains were removed earlier with Scarpa's fascia preservation (2.9±0.31 days) in comparison with classical abdominoplasty (5.5±1.92 days). All patients passed without seroma formation in Scarpa's fascia preservation in group B; however, full-thickness infraumbilical necrosis in zone I occurred in a single case (5%) and hypertrophic scar in two (10%) cases. In classic abdominoplasty (group A), seroma was detected in a single case (5%), umbilical stenosis in a single case (5%), a single case (5%) presented with full-thickness infraumbilical necrosis in zone I, and a single case (5%) developed hypertrophic scar.

Conclusion

Preservation of Scarpa's fascia during dual-plane abdominoplasty reduces patient recovery in the form of reducing total drain output, time for drain removal, and hospital stays in comparison with traditional abdominoplasty. Its disadvantages include longer operative time and incompatibility when mesh reinforcement of the abdominal wall is needed.
Role of colonoscopy in the diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal disorders in children
Authors: Abd Allah Amany R , Mohammed Ensaf K , Elgendy Naglaa A , Farag Abeer S
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Adult colonoscopies are widely and routinely performed worldwide and provide a safe and effective diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Moreover, safety and effectiveness of pediatric colonoscopy in lower gastrointestinal diseases have been established.

Aim

To assess the role of colonoscopy in the diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal tract diseases in a group of Egyptian children.

Patients and methods

A total of 40 children were admitted to the Endoscopy Unit of Al-Zahraa University Hospital, Al-Azhar University, in both Pediatric and Tropical Medicine Departments in the period from October 2014 to December 2015. They presented with various lower gastrointestinal symptoms, indicated for colonoscopy evaluation. Thorough clinical history taking and clinical examination, complete blood count, bleeding profile, liver enzymes, and kidney function tests were done. Colonoscopy and histopathological examination of colonoscopic specimen were done.

Results

The most common indications of colonoscopy were bleeding per rectum in 42.5% of cases followed by bleeding per rectum associated with chronic abdominal pain in 25% of cases, bleeding per rectum associated with vomiting, hematemesis, and melena in 15% of cases, bloody chronic diarrhea in 7.5% of cases, chronic constipation associated with bleeding per rectum in 5% of cases, and nonbloody chronic diarrhea in 5% of cases. Regarding endoscopic results, colorectal polyps, inflammation with superficial ulceration, and normal mucosa were the main endoscopic findings, representing 42.5, 37.5, and 20% of cases, respectively. Based on histopathological results, juvenile polyps were the most common diagnoses in 42.5% of cases, whereas 37.5% of cases were chronic nonspecific colitis, 12.5% of cases were eosinophilic colitis, and 7.5% of cases were ulcerative colitis.

Conclusion

Colonoscopy is a valuable and safe tool for diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal diseases in children.
Comparison of measurements of the axial length of the eye using partial coherence interferometry and applanation ultrasound
Authors: Atwa Fatma A , Kamel Hayam S , Kamel Rehab M , Ibrahim Amany R
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Accurate biometry is an essential component of cataract surgery. Preoperative measurement of axial eye length (AEL), rather than the corneal curvature, is the most critical factor for accurate calculation of the intraocular lens (IOL) power [1].

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare axial eye length (AEL) measured by applanation ultrasound (U/S) biometry versus that measured by partial coherence interferometry in eyes with clear crystalline lenses and eyes with cataract.

Patients and methods

A prospective, nonrandomized study included 60 eyes which were divided into two groups. Group I: 30 eyes with clear crystalline lenses. Group II: 30 eyes with cataractous lenses. Each group is further subdivided into three groups: group a with short AEL (<22.00 mm), group b with average AEL (22.00–25.00 mm), and group c with long AEL (>25 mm). Complete ophthalmological examination was performed for every patient. AEL was assessed by applanation A-scan U/S and optical biometry using partial coherence interferometry.

Results

A total of 60 eyes were included in the study. In group I (clear crystalline lens group), the mean AEL by applantion U/S biometry was 24.23±3.73 mm which is shorter than the mean AEL measured by optical biometry which is 24.48±3.66 mm and the difference is statistically highly significant (P=0.002). In group II (cataractous lens group), the mean AEL by applantion U/S biometry was 24.27±3.57 mm which is shorter than the mean AEL measured by optical biometry which is 24.46±3.43 mm and the difference between the two measurements was statistically nonsignificant (P=0.077).

Conclusion

Optical biometry provides longer mean measurements than applanation U/S biometry in eyes with cataract or clear lens, which is represented by a negative difference of 0.05 mm in AEL measurements. These results suggest that applanation A-Scan U/S biometry underestimates AEL.
Comparative study between use of lightweight mesh versus heavyweight mesh in laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia
Authors: Sultan Ahmed Abd El A , El Mosaad Ahmed El S , Al-Molla Mahmoud
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Inguinal hernia repair with prosthetic mesh has become a standard practice; however, synthetic mesh can cause significant pain and interfere with patient activity. Lighter weight meshes (LWM) have been engineered that may be associated with fewer rates of complications and recurrence. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has also significantly reduced postoperative recovery from inguinal hernia repair.

Aim

This study aimed to compare outcomes of laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair of inguinal hernia using LWM versus using heavyweight mesh (HWM).

Materials and methods

A prospective study was performed on 20 patients (10 in LWM group and 10 in HWM group) with unilateral primary inguinal hernia above 18 years old who underwent laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair from July 2018 to October 2018. Postoperative complications such as pain, seroma, mesh infection, and recurrence were evaluated.

Results

LWM is superior to HWM regarding postoperative pain on the first postoperative day and after 1 week and earlier time to return to routine daily activities, but with longer operative time. However, there is no statistically significant difference between LWM group and heavy and HWM group regarding postoperative long-term complications including chronic groin pain, seroma formation, mesh infection, and recurrence after 6 months of follow-up.

Conclusion

LWM is superior to HWM in terms of postoperative pain and early return to routine activity but with longer operative time. Both meshes are similar in results regarding chronic pain, postoperative complications, and recurrence.
The Effect of Surface Treatment on the Performance of a Trivalent Chromium Process (TCP) Pretreatment on AA7075 Aerospace Alloys for the Protection Against Filiform Corrosion
Authors: Glover C.F. , Lim M.L.C. , Post G. , Mayo M. , Scully J.R.
Published: October 2019

The performance of a trivalent chromium process (TCP) pretreatment conversion coating, applied to AA7075 aerospace aluminum alloys, for its ability to improve the filiform corrosion (FFC) of a polyvinyl-butyral coating, was studied as a function of surface treatment. Data from atmospheric FFC and full-immersion corrosion experiments are compared with surface characterization data to gain an understanding of the FFC kinetics on this alloy and mechanism by which the TCP coating provides inhibition. Specimens were prepared with three different surface treatments and studied with and without a TCP pretreatment conversion coating. A biphasic layer incorporating a zirconium-chromium mixed oxide outer layer and a fluoroaluminate interfacial layer was observed on all pretreated specimens. Enhanced corrosion protection by the TCP coating was observed when an acid pickle surface treatment was applied and the FFC filament propagation was stifled with an efficiency of 86%. A zirconium-rich outer oxide layer of approximately 22 nm, more than double the thickness of that measured for the other surface-treatments, is reported. Such layers are reported to be sufficiently dense so as to block ion transport from solution to the alloy surface. This acid pickle surface treatment is shown to effectively reduce the thickness of the native oxide layer and remove intermetallic particles from the surface enabling the formation of a more homogeneous TCP layer. Furthermore, Cu replating resulting from an acidic deoxidation step is shown to have no discernable effect on FFC.
Proposta de ensino de conceitos de saúde nas aulas de Educação Física pela abordagem da teoria social cognitiva
Authors: Gouvêa Bruno Dos Santos , Silva Katia Regina Xavier da
Published: October 2019

Objetiva-se apresentar o processo de construção e avaliação de uma ferramenta educacional destinada a inserir estratégias autorregulatórias, durante a aprendizagem de conteúdos conceituais relacionados ao tema transversal saúde, no currículo de Educação Física do Ensino Médio. Trata-se de uma pesquisa-ação, quali-quantitativa, desenvolvida em um curso de mestrado profissional. Professores da Educação Básica, profissionais da educação e profissionais da saúde, selecionados e instrumentalizados em um curso de extensão, responderam um questionário de avaliação sobre a ferramenta. Os dados quantitativos oriundos das perguntas fechadas desse questionário foram analisados por estatística descritiva. Os dados qualitativos extraídos do espaço para inserção de comentários foram analisados pela análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Os resultados sugerem a aplicabilidade da ferramenta educacional, a potencialidade para melhorar práticas pedagógicas e promover processos autorregulatórios nas aulas da Educação Básica, destacando-se a clareza da linguagem, a organização e os debates possíveis a partir de conteúdos do tema transversal saúde.
Scott Walker and the Song of the One-All-Alone
Authors: Wilson Scott
Published: October 2019

Scott Walker and the Song of the One-All-Alone offers, in detailed interpretative commentaries of his best songs, a sustained assessment of the work and career of Scott Walker, one of the most significant and perplexing artists of the late 20th and 21st century. For Brian Eno, Walker was not only a great composer and a superlative lyricist but also a significant contemporary poet. Marc Almond goes further, 'an absolute musical genius, existential and intellectual and a star right from the days of The Walker Brothers'. As Almond suggests, Walker's work is marked by a continual engagement with existentialist philosophy informing his approach to art, politics and life. In particular, the device of the solitary figure or 'one-all-alone' evoked in his songs provides the basis for his lyrical exploration of the singularity of existence – in all its darkness as well as light. Through following his own path, Walker arrived at a unique sound according to his own method that produced a genuinely new form of song. Looking closely at these songs, this book also considers the wider political implications of his approach in its rejection of external authorities and common or consensual ideals.
Australian Music and Modernism, 1960–1975
Authors: Hooper Michael
Published: October 2019

Drawing on newly available archival material, key works, and correspondence of the era, Australian Music and Modernism defines "Australian Music" as an idea that emerged through the lens of the modernist discourse of the 1960s and 70s. At the same time that the new "Australian Music" was distinctive of the nation, it was also thoroughly connected to practices from Europe and shaped by a new engagement with the music of Southeast Asia. This book examines the intersection of nationalism and modernism at this formative time.

During the early stages of "Australian Music" there was disagreement about what the idea itself ought to represent and, indeed, whether the idea ought to apply at all. Michael Hooper considers various perspectives offered by such composers as Peter Sculthorpe, Richard Meale, and Nigel Butterley and analyzes some of the era's significant works to articulate a complex understanding of "Australian Music" at its inception.
Potential of next-generation imaging spectrometers to detect and quantify methane point sources from space
Authors: Cusworth Daniel H. , Jacob Daniel J. , Varon Daniel J. , Chan Miller Christopher , Liu Xiong , Chance Kelly , Thorpe Andrew K. , Duren Riley M. , Miller Charles E. , Thompson David R. , Frankenberg Christian , Guanter Luis , Randles Cynthia A.
Published: October 2019

Abstract. We examine the potential for global detection of methane plumes from
individual point sources with the new generation of spaceborne imaging
spectrometers (EnMAP, PRISMA, EMIT, SBG, CHIME) scheduled for launch in
2019–2025. These instruments are designed to map the Earth's surface at high
spatial resolution (30 m×30 m) and have a spectral resolution
of 7–10 nm in the 2200–2400 nm band that should also allow useful detection
of atmospheric methane. We simulate scenes viewed by EnMAP (10 nm spectral
resolution, 180 signal-to-noise ratio) using the EnMAP end-to-end simulation tool with superimposed methane plumes generated by large-eddy simulations.
We retrieve atmospheric methane and surface reflectivity for these scenes
using the IMAP-DOAS optimal estimation algorithm. We find an EnMAP precision
of 3 %–7 % for atmospheric methane depending on surface type. This allows
effective single-pass detection of methane point sources as small as 100 kg h−1 depending on surface brightness, surface homogeneity, and wind speed. Successful retrievals over very heterogeneous surfaces such as an
urban mosaic require finer spectral resolution. We tested the EnMAP
capability with actual plume observations over oil/gas fields in California
from the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer – Next Generation (AVIRIS-NG) sensor (3 m×3 m pixel resolution,
5 nm spectral resolution, SNR 200–400), by spectrally and spatially
downsampling the AVIRIS-NG data to match EnMAP instrument specifications.
Results confirm that EnMAP can successfully detect point sources of
∼100 kg h−1 over bright surfaces. Source rates inferred
with a generic integrated mass enhancement (IME) algorithm were lower for
EnMAP than for AVIRIS-NG. Better agreement may be achieved with a more
customized IME algorithm. Our results suggest that imaging spectrometers in
space could play an important role in the future for quantifying methane
emissions from point sources worldwide.
Partitioning the forest water balance within a boreal catchment using sapflux, eddy covariance and process-based model
Authors: Kozii Natalia , Haahti Kersti , Tor-ngern Pantana , Chi Jinshu , Hasselquist Eliza Maher , Laudon Hjalmar , Launiainen Samuli , Oren Ram , Peichl Matthias , Wallerman Jörgen , Hasselquist Niles J.
Published: October 2019

Abstract. In the hydrological cycle, water is lost from terrestrial ecosystems either laterally through stream runoff or vertically as evapotranspiration (ET) back to the atmosphere. Although it is well known that ET losses represents an important water loss pathway at local to global scales, the magnitude and relative importance of ET and its individual flux components varies considerable among different ecosystems. In this study, we combined empirical sapflux and eddy covariance measurements with estimates from a process-based model to partition the water balance in a boreal forested catchment. This study was conducted within the Krycklan Catchment, which has state-of-the-art infrastructure for hydrological measurements, thereby providing us the unique opportunity to compare the absolute and relative magnitude of ET and its flux components to other water loss pathways (i.e., stream runoff). During the growing season, ET was the major water loss pathway, representing ca. 85 % of the incoming precipitation and being roughly 7 times greater than stream runoff. Both the empirical results and model estimates suggested that tree transpiration (T) and canopy interception (IL) represented 45 % and 35 % of total ET loss; respectively, and thus together were responsible for 70 % of the water loss during the growing season. Understory evapotranspiration (ETu) was less important than T and IL during most of the study period, except for late autumn when ETu was the largest ET flux component. Overall, our study highlights the importance of trees in regulating the water cycle of boreal catchments, implying that forest management impacts on stand structure as well as climate change effects on tree growth are likely to have large cascading effects on the way water moves through these forested landscapes.