bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elucidating the Importance of Numeracy Skills for Undergraduate Students in Life Sciences Using the Oxygen Requirement in Yeast as an Example
Authors: Raghavendran Vijayendran , Olavarria Karel , Gombert Andreas Karoly
Published: March 2018

Current education in biology is devoid of mathematics in many countries, probably because many relevant biological processes are explained from a qualitative point of view rather than addressing the quantitative aspects of these phenomena. Here, we employ a case study from the yeast physiology to illustrate the importance of numeracy skills for a deeper understanding of relevant biological problems. Yeast anaerobic growth on sugars is a widespread process as it is the basis for beer, bread, and winemaking and it is much akin to lactic acid fermentation in muscle cells in response to an increased energy demand. To study the physiology of yeasts under controlled conditions and being able to compare the results quantitatively, one ought to perform measurements and calculations involving concentrations of oxygen, biomass, and organic compounds. To set-up an “anaerobic” culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a defined medium, one needs to calculate how much oxygen must enter the cultivation system, to meet the requirements for ergosterol and oleic acid biosyntheses, both of which require oxygen. Using basic physicochemical principles and simple mathematical skills, students will be able to compute the oxygen requirement for yeast growth under such “anaerobic” conditions.
POTENSI PENGEMBANGAN PLASTIK BIODEGRADABLE BERBASIS PATI SAGU DAN UBIKAYU DI INDONESIA / The Development Potential of Sago and Cassava Starch-Based Biodegradable Plastic in Indonesia
Authors: Kamsiati Elmi , Herawati Heny , Purwani Endang Yuli
Published: March 2018

Plastic is a packaging materials that are widely used but has an adverse impact on the environment because it is difficult to degrade in nature. Production technology of biodegradable plastics from natural resources that have characteristic environmentally friendly has developed. Starch-based biodegradable plastic is a widely developed type because the production process is simple and the raw materials more readily available. The starch of cassava and sago has potential as a raw material of biodegradable plastic because of the availability and its characteristic. Also, to make starch as the main ingredient, plasticizers and structural strengthening materials are required to produce biodegradable plastic with excellent characteristics. The production stages of biodegradable plastics include mixing, heating, and casting. The starch-based biodegradable plastic that can apply to an environmentally friendly packaging material has an excellent opportunity developed in Indonesia.

Keywords: Starch, sago, cassava, biodegradable plastics, production technology

 

Abstrak

Plastik merupakan bahan pengemas yang banyak digunakan namun berdampak buruk bagi lingkungan karena sulit terdegradasi di alam. Teknologi produksi plastik biodegradable atau bioplastik yang dibuat dari bahan alami dan ramah lingkungan sudah mulai dikembangkan. Plastik biodegradable berbahan dasar pati relatif lebih mudah diproduksi dan bahan baku mudah diperoleh. Pati ubi kayu dan sagu memiliki potensi sebagai bahan baku plastik biodegradable ditinjau dari ketersediaan dan karakteristiknya. Selain pati sebagai bahan utama, diperlukan pula plastisizer atau bahan pemlastis dan bahan penguat struktur untuk menghasilkan plastik biodegradable dengan karakteristik yang baik. Tahapan produksinya meliputi pencampuran, pemanasan, dan pencetakan. Plastik biodegradable berbahan dasar pati dapat digunakan sebagai bahan pengemas yang ramah lingkungan dan berpeluang besar dikembangkan.

Kata kunci: Pati, sagu, ubi kayu, bioplastik, teknologi produksi
KARAKTERISTIK MUTU LADA PUTIH BUTIRAN DAN BUBUK YANG DIHASILKAN MELALUI PENGOLAHAN SEMI MEKANIS DI TINGKAT PETANI
Authors: Syakir Muhamad , Hidayat, Msi Tatang , Maya Ria
Published: March 2018

Masalah pada pengolahan lada putih secara tradisional adalah adanya kontaminasi mikroba patogen yang tinggi, bau busuk dan lumpur (off-flavor) serta aroma yang kurang tajam pada lada putih yang dihasilkan sebagai akibat perendaman yang terlalu lama. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk : 1) mengkaji proses pengolahan lada putih butiran semi mekanis di tingkat petani untuk meningkatkan mutu mikrobiologi dan flavor, dan 2) mengkaji proses pembuatan lada putih bubuk dengan bahan baku hasil pengolahan lada putih semi mekanis. Perlakuan yang dikaji pada kegiatan pertama, yaitu lama perendaman buah lada (5 dan 14 hari) dan penggantian air perendam dengan pembanding cara pengolahan lada tradisional (perendaman dalam air mengalir selama 14 hari). Perlakuan yang dikaji pada kegiatan kedua, yaitu sterilisasi lada putih dengan uap panas 90–100oC selama 30, 40, 50 dan 60 menit. Seluruh perlakuan masing-masing diulang sebanyak 3 kali. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perlakuan waktu perendaman buah lada dan penggantian air rendaman dalam pengolahan lada putih semi mekanis berpengaruh nyata terhadap nilai TPC, warna, dan bau. Pengolahan lada putih semi mekanis terbaik adalah perlakuan yang menerapkan penggantian air rendaman dalam proses perendamannya dengan waktu perendaman selama 5 hari. Lada putih yang dihasilkan memenuhi persyaratan mutu SNI dan IPC. Pada pembuatan lada putih bubuk, waktu sterilisasi berpengaruh nyata terhadap nilai TPC, kadar minyak atsiri, dan warna. Lada putih bubuk terbaik diperoleh dari perlakuan sterilisasi selama 30 menit. Dengan melakukan pengolahan lada putih semi-mekanis di tingkat petani yang dikombinasikan dengan penggantian air perendam maka mutu lada putih dapat ditingkatkan dengan waktu pengolahan yang jauh lebih singkat. Selanjutnya dengan melakukan sterilisasi lada putih hasil pengolahan semi mekanis selama 30 menit, nilai TPC lada putih bubuk dapat diturunkan dengan tanpa mengurangi kadar minyak atsiri sehingga lada putih bubuk lebih aman dikonsumsi.
Akibat Hukum Dalam Praktik Nikah Sirri Menurut Undang-Undang Nomor 1 Tahun 1974 Tentang Perkawinan
Authors: Sakirman Sakirman
Published: March 2018

Abstract: Nikah sirri (unregistered marriage) is still a crucial issue that can not be solved. On one side, it is permissible based on religious context. On the other side, it must going through a strict procedure based on marriage act context. This article reviews the legal consequences of unregistered marriage. In the perspective of positive law in Indonesia, a marriage for Moslems, not only must be done under Islamic law, but also must be held in front of and must be registered by the Marriage Registry Officer under law and regulation. Marriage which does not comply those conditions has no legal power (vide Ps. 2 UU No.1 / 1974 jo. Ps.2 (1) PP. 9/1975). In reality, not all Moslems in Indonesia meet those conditions under law and regulation, so that there are still some Moslems with various reasons doing unregistered marriage.Abstrak: Nikah Sirri masih menjadi masalah krusial yang tidak dapat dipecahkan. Disatu sisi secara teks agama nikah sirri diperbolehkan, disisi yang lain, nikah sirri dalam konteks undang-undang perkawinan harus melalui prosedur yang ketat. Artikel ini akan mengulas tentang akibat hukum nikah sirri. Dalam perspektif hukum positif di Indonesia, perkawinan atau pernikahan bagi umat Islam, di samping harus dilakukan menurut hukum Islam, juga setiap perkawinan wajib dilangsungkan di hadapan dan dicatat oleh Pejabat Pencatat Nikah menurut peraturan perundang-undangan. Perkawinan yang tidak dilakukan sesuai dengan ketentuan tersebut tidak mempunyai kekuatan hukum (vide Ps. 2 UU No.1/1974 jo. Ps.2 (1) PP. No.9/1975). Pada kenyataannya tidak semua umat Islam Indonesia mematuhi ketentuan peraturan perundang-undangan tersebut, sehingga masih ada di antara masyarakat muslim dengan berbagai alasan melakukan pernikahan sirri.
Underbalanced Drilling with Coiled Tubing: A Case Study in Marginal Shallow Wells
Authors: Miszewski Adam , Miszewski Toni , Hatgelakas Peter
Published: March 2018

This paper describes a recent Directional Coiled Tubing Drilling (DCTD) job that was completed for an independent operator in the Appalachian Basin. The objective was to access target zones identified adjacent to a recently drilled, vertical well using a lateral sidetrack. The target thickness was around 15ft so accurate depth control was critical. It was also considered essential that the entire reservoir section be drilled underbalanced to minimise formation damage.

The challenge was to deliver a productive horizontal sidetrack in an effective and cost-efficient manner. The field development strategy required costs to be kept to a minimum, but the use of high-tech equipment was essential to delivering the production improvements. A 3.2 inch DCTD Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) and a specialised DCTD engineering software package were enabling technologies. A multi-disciplinary approach was adopted to plan and execute the sidetrack. This approach required inputs to the planning process from all stages in delivering the well, which included: 3D seismic, well trajectory planning, drilling engineering, completions.

This project was ultimately successful in that a dry hole was re-entered and sidetracked to create a productive well, thereby validating the technology and multi-disciplinary approach of the team. The lessons learned from this operation can be used to optimise the planning of future wells and maximise the value of re-entering marginal wells and fields.
The Coiled Tubing Drilling Rig for Mineral Exploration
Authors: Soe S. , Lagat C. , Evans B. , Mostofi M. , Fox S.
Published: March 2018

In November 2016 the Deep Exploration Technologies Cooperative Research Centre (DET CRC) launched the RoXplorer®, a coiled tubing (CT) drilling rig for greenfields mineral exploration, delivering a platform for low-cost, rapid, safe and environmentally-friendly drilling. The launch represented an important technical milestone in the development of CT drilling for mineral exploration and has been complemented by a series of very successful field trials in the first half of 2017

The paper presents CT technology and its application for mineral exploration drilling. The three key challenges for CT drilling in mineral exploration are coil durability, drilling hard rocks with low weight-on-bit and sample fidelity. Results for mineral exploration CT-drilling field-trials in the consolidated cover rocks of South Australia and the unconsolidated cover rocks of the Murray Basin in Victoria are presented and outline how each of these challenges was overcome. The outcomes confirm the promise of this cheaper regional prospecting approach to mineral exploration drilling. The results of assay samples of the CT drilling cuttings are remarkable; the assay samples from the CT drilling at Port Augusta trial matched those of diamond drill core from an adjacent hole.
Methods and Processes to Help Improve the Operational Efficiency and Reliability of Wireline-Run Cement Plugs
Authors: Wu Q. , Chamarthy P. , Lindsey A. , Thompson J. G.
Published: March 2018

Cement plugs are a widely used well intervention method to achieve zonal isolation and well plug and abandonment. The current practice of cementing using wireline was reviewed on a system level to identify the primary challenges. Existing cement mix properties, such as compressive strength and wait-on-cement (WOC) time, were characterized using standard API RP 10B-2 (2013) tests. The sensitivity of these mixes to various wellbore temperature and pressure conditions was also studied. Based on the understanding of the current practice, modifications of the compositions, packaging, and mixing procedures in the field were proposed and tested accordingly. Based on the experimental results, the properties of the current cement mixes showed high sensitivity to temperature variations as small as 10°F. To achieve a cement plug as expected, accurate knowledge of the well temperature profile and precise selection of the best additives for such small temperature intervals are necessary. If crossflow occurs, then setting a plug itself can change the temperature profile. This makes cement plug operations even more challenging during actual field practice. The cement mixes were modified and tailored to reduce their sensitivity to temperature without affecting the dump time and strength development. This paper discusses the challenges associated with wireline-run cementing operations and presents a simple and streamlined process developed to help reduce operational time and minimize costs. The study also discusses cement mixes customized for dump bailer operations.
Wireline Tractor for Through-Tubing Intervention in Wells with Barefoot Openhole Completions
Authors: Giem Greg , Sheiretov Todor , Couble Yoann
Published: March 2018

This paper presents the design features and the results from field trials of a new wireline tractor developed specifically for through-tubing intervention into producing horizontal wells with barefoot completions.

Many Middle East horizontal wells have barefoot completions in which the producing zone is left without tubulars. The vertical section is cased and production tubing put in place. Intervention for production logging or remedial work is challenging due to the need to pass through tubing and then operate in open hole. Intervention is conducted on coiled tubing or wireline tractors. Coiled tubing has limited reach in open hole due to higher friction, and it chokes flow through the tubing, resulting in inaccurate production logs. Conventional wheeled tractors apply stress that can destroy some formations at the wheel contact point. This leads to heavy slippage and extremely slow progress.

Several technical innovations were implemented in the new tractor to overcome these challenges. A reciprocating mechanism drives a pair of linked grips with independent opening diameters to conform to variations in borehole geometry while providing a large contact area with the formation. The radial force is hydraulically amplified from the tractor load, enabling it to grip with as much force as required. Results from field trials show little to no slippage in conditions where previous tractors have struggled. The tractor features dual floating hubs that let it close in the uphole direction when tractoring to improve restriction navigation or close in the downhole direction while pulling out of hole to prevent self-locking. The combination of the dual floating hubs and a constant-force opening mechanism enables automatic navigation of restrictions and expansions where previous technologies would have required a manual open/close sequence. These innovations were successfully tested in several tractor operations. One case study is presented in which these features were instrumental in successfully getting to the bottom of the well and back to surface. In one case, the same well was logged using coiled tubing, a prior-generation tractor, and the new tractor. A comparison of these intervention methods is shown.

The integration of a reciprocating tractor drive mechanism with novel technical solutions for linked grips, pad pressure regulation, constant force expansion, dual floating hubs mechanism, and automatic navigation has resulted in more reliable and efficient tractor operation in wells with barefoot completions.
Application of Refracturing Using Coiled Tubing Opens a New Door of Opportunities for Unconventional Reservoir Stimulation
Authors: Pankaj Piyush , Shukla Priyavrat
Published: March 2018

In North America, refracturing has been found to be effective in many instances for increasing the longevity of the well production and helping to drill and complete offset wells. Several instances suggest that refracturing by bull-heading is relatively ineffective because fluids and proppants are lost in the pre-existing hydraulic fractures. Refracturing through coiled tubing (CT) provides a large benefit in giving ability to pinpoint the location of the refracturing treatment by creating new perforations using abrasive jetting and using diversion pills for isolating high-permeability clusters. This paper helps elucidate the benefits and production gain when using CT for refracturing jobs.

A case study from the Eagle Ford shale illustrates the impact of CT refracturing applications. When CT was hydraulic fracturing was applied in the first generation of wells with 18 stages, 36% extra production was observed in the first year as compared to the bullheading technique. Simulations based on integrated reservoir and geomechanical earth models, complex hydraulic fracture models, diversion simulation, numerical production simulation and finite element computations enable characterizing the productivity from the CT refrac operations. A comparison is made between the bullheading technique and CT based refracturing jobs. The impact of refracturing using CT on the offset child wells to be drilled and completed is also studied.

The study demonstrates that it is critical to place the perforation locations in areas of undepleted reservoir for successful refracturing. Reservoir simulation results in combination with measurements of fluid flow profile in the wellbore can be used to place new perforations in the right sections. Using the diversion pill was found to be greatly effective in improving the fracturing fluid diversion and stimulating the undrained reservoir. With the refracturing using CT, the child wells show improvement in productivity along with the parent well. Overall, the parent and child well combination shows 23% increase in production after one year of refracturing when compared to no refracturing in the parent wellbore.

The new approach is verified through the application of simulation and modeling to prove the benefit of CT refracturing operations in unconventional reservoirs. By adopting the key learnings and approach followed in this paper, operators can maximize their chances to improve productivity and compare various refracturing scenarios.
Electric Line Deployed In-Well Rectification of Damaged Completion Components Re-Enables Well Access and Subsequent Intervention, Reinstating Production of Shut-In Wells
Authors: Murchie S. W. , GrØnnerØd A. , Hansen R. , Magnussen O. E. , Tungesvik M. , Hårsaker L.
Published: March 2018

There are wells shut in because of damaged completion components which hinder their production control or integrity, or prevent a remedial intervention from being carried out. Often, the option to pull the completion has inherent risks from an operational, environmental and/or reservoir damage perspective and require extensive resources and time to execute. Rectifying completion component damage through a light but effective in-well intervention solution offers highly valuable options to reinstate production from such wells.

This paper will discuss the rapid engineering development of an expander tool run in conjunction with an electric line deployed electrohydraulic mechanical stroker tool. Through a simple but highly-effective design, an expander tool was engineered to harness and magnify the axial force delivered by the stroker to generate a radial expansion with a force magnitude sufficient to prize out a defect in a completion component. Critical to the design was a precise measurement and control of the expansion extent and the radial force exerted, so the component in question and the other components of the completion were not damaged.

This toolstring combination, coupled with real-time control and surface readout of key tool parameters, enabled a precise and measured high-magnitude expansion capability to be deployed in two different wells with ease, at pinpoint depth, and applied repeatedly across the length of the defect it was addressing. Furthermore, immediate validation of the repair was available through a drift verification pass. In both cases the in-well repair operation eliminated the need for a high cost, high risk completion retrieval and the repair operation was executed flawlessly in hours, enabling the subsequent intervention operations to be carried out and the wells be brought back on line with positive production results.

The tool development was an exemplary case of rapid-response engineering, whose ingenuity stemmed from a direct customer request to solve a challenging completion defect. It resulted in a world first for an electric line deployed in-well expansion solution, the resulting value of which was well acknowledged by the customer.
Rotation and Diameter Growth of Coiled Tubing
Authors: Ken Newman P. E. , Kelleher Patrick , Rain David , Cai Charlie
Published: March 2018

The fact that coiled tubing (CT) rotates when used is not currently included in CT fatigue models. The CT also experiences diametrical growth and elongation. Almost all fatigue testing is done without rotating the CT sample. Diameter growth models based on these fatigue tests have over predicted the amount of diametrical growth.

This ongoing work has already shown that rotation affects the fatigue life. Fatigue life calculations without rotation are usually conservative. It has also shown that rotation does not explain the over prediction of diametrical growth. It is currently believed that the axial force (weight) in the CT causes elongation and a diametrical decrease, which reduces the diametrical growth. It is also possible that the injector chains cause some reduction in diameter. The fatigue/plasticity model being developed will attempt to answer more of these questions. This paper presents fatigue testing with rotation and with varying pressures, which is being used to validate the model. Lab measurements made with a rotation measuring device are also presented.
Successful Coiled-Tubing Cleanout of Heavy Post-Fracturing Proppant in Deepwater Gulf of Mexico: Case History
Authors: Webb J. K. , Sonnier B.
Published: March 2018

Sintered bauxite is the primary proppant used during deepwater Gulf of Mexico (GOM) operations because of its high strength and conductivity. However, the use of bauxite proppant presents operational issues for coiled tubing (CT) resulting from its high specific gravity (approximately 3.6). This paper describes the planning and execution of a heavy post-fracturing proppant cleanout operation using CT in the operator's Tahiti field in the US GOM.

During completion operations on a subsea well, access to the well was provided by a dynamically positioned drillship. After installing the lower completion in the well using drillpipe, a proppant-laden stimulation treatment was pumped. During this process, an early screenout was encountered, and approximately 171,300-lbm proppant remained in the drillpipe that was unable to be reversed out. A CT unit was rigged up in a tension-lift frame that suspended the drillpipe string, allowing for a motion-compensated window to rig up the CT injector head and pressure- control equipment. A 1.75-in. outer diameter (OD) CT string was used to clean out the wellbore to 24,215 ft by circulating brine down the CT string and up and out of the drillpipe through a flow cross.

Preexisting contingency planning proved invaluable for efficient cleanout operations by providing the physical assets necessary to perform a successful operation as well as a framework for the engineering and procedures required. The drillstring was effectively cleaned of proppant to 24,215 ft. Once the well was deemed clean, kill-weight fluid was circulated into the well to allow for further well intervention operations and the eventual return to completion operations.

This case study illustrates the importance of contingency planning to help minimize overall operation costs. The large-scale and challenging well conditions of this unique project led to valuable lessons learned that can be used to optimize performance during future cleanout and drillship operations.
Unique High Pressure Fishing Operation Leads Way to Increased Completions Efficiency
Authors: Skufca Jason , Stabler Christopher
Published: March 2018

Plug-and-perf multizone fracturing remains a dominate completion method in the Haynesville shale. Removing the composite frac plugs (CFP) utilizing coiled tubing (CT) remains a challenging operation with increased risks due to extreme well environments. Operations completed using older, conventional methodologies increase the likelihood of stuck CT events. These stuck pipe events add considerable cost to the completion through fishing, lost production time, or worse, loss of the entire well.

In one such instance while milling CFPs, the downhole tools seized resulting in loss of circulation, subsequently leading to a stuck in hole event. Wireline severing tools cut the pipe in the vertical section, leaving over 4,500 ft of 2 in. CT in the lateral. Removing the CT fish without damaging the formation was paramount to the long-term profitability of the well. Conventional fishing methods were considered, but unfavorable economics in addition to the risk of formation damage lead to the selection of a hybrid approach combining wireline, snubbing, slickline and CT.

The fish was successfully latched using a snubbing unit, providing a conduit for 1-¼ in. CT to convey a severing tool to free the larger coil in the lateral section. This enabled the continuous removal of the 2 in. CT under live well conditions, saving over 4 million dollars and 55 days compared to conventional techniques. Following the stuck pipe event, a complete change in the drillout procedure was implemented, increasing efficiency while minimizing the risk of a repeat event.
Latest Tractor Technology Provides Performance Improvements in Unconventional Shales
Authors: McCutcheon Wade , Long Jarrod , Zambrano Mauro , Sorg Andrew
Published: March 2018

When configuring tractor assemblies for highly deviated or horizontal conveyance, the tractor power required to deliver the conveyed passenger tool to the target well depth is determined by the weight of the deployed cable and payload, the tortuosity of the well trajectory, and the extent of the target depth. Until now, the tractor toolstring needed to be configured accordingly before being run in hole. Conveyance speed is compromised for the maximum power requirements expected to ensure the tractor is capable of delivering the payload to the target depth.

Having the ability to adjust the power versus speed on command allows the tractor to be optimized to deliver the highest speed in the earlier parts of the well where maximum power is not required. In the deeper portions, or where the well becomes more tortuous, the tractor can be controlled to provide maximum power and ensure the target depth is achieved. Real time control delivers considerable reductions in total conveyance operating time. This is achieved by independently controlling the various drive sections to deliver the optimum speed/power configuration per well section.

There have been more than seventy jobs completed to date utilizing selective functionality across a variety of US land tractor conveyance operations. The jobs have been performed with a range of electric line companies while servicing numerous exploration and production (E&P) operators. Examples include record wells with lateral lengths requiring over 15,000 ft of tractoring. The application of this in-well, real-time adjusted optimization has resulted in tractor conveyance time savings of over 40%. In addition to the efficiency gains, there has also been a reduction in operational risk due to less time spent in hole tractoring.

Selective tractor functionality is commercially available from one provider at the time of writing, but it is quickly setting standards for all tractor conveyance providers.
Real-Time Fiber Optic Integrated System Provides Precision and Confidence in a Coiled-Tubing-Conveyed Perforating Operation: A Case Study from the Eastern Foothills in Colombia
Authors: Vera Vanessa , Torres Carlos A. , Delgado Eduardo , Pacheco Carlos , Sampayo David , Higuera Josue , Torres Monica
Published: March 2018

Underbalanced perforating with conventional cable operations involves several risks associated with well tortuosity, cable tension capacity, gun lifting, and the capability of achieving the optimum underbalance for effective tunnel cleanup (Graeme et al. 2008). Because of these risks, an operator in Colombia elected to perform a perforating operation using a coiled tubing (CT) real-time fiber optic (RTFO) integrated system in a newly drilled development well.

CT-conveyed perforating is ideal for this type of wellbore. To achieve the proper underbalance and depth correlation to perforate the target interval, an RTFO CT system provides the most accurate and reliable depth correlation process, in addition to real-time pressure and temperature monitoring inside the CT and the outer annulus.

Using the RTFO CT system, only two runs were necessary to complete the perforating program, in accordance with the operator design, rather than performing an additional run needed for pickling and to generate underbalanced conditions.

The use of the RTFO CT system can help to prevent correlation errors resulting from CT elongation.

A CT structure was not necessary to deploy the guns based on the finite model analysis that calculates maximum stress and flange bending, including a safety factor.

A hydraulic firing head can be used with an RTFO CT system to activate the guns without affecting the integrity of the fiber optics or the downhole sensor tool after detonation.

The RTFO CT system enabled the operator to evaluate the reservoir potential. The evaluation results indicated that one of the zones is a low producer, which avoided the pumping of unnecessary nitrogen to induce the specific zone.

The use of a downhole pressure sensor enabled the identification of the time at which the guns were detonated.

Improvement to the rigup was evidenced and enabled time optimization without affecting the operation.

The casing collar locator (CCL), used for depth correlation, was a crucial factor in reducing operational costs because it helped to optimize placement accuracy and gun detonation and to prevent misfiring (Newman 2003). The guns were successfully activated without nonproductive time (NPT) or health, safety, or environmental (HSE) incidents during operations.

A successful perforating operation was completed with 4,000 psi underbalance in a new formation using hydraulic detonation with continuous real-time downhole condition monitoring before and after detonation, enabling the operating company to make decisions in real time.

This new approach of using an RTFO CT system combined with the hydraulic firing head can be used to perforate new formations in these crucial scenarios (wells with production greater than 20 MMscf/D and zones with continued sand production).
Groundwater quality assessment and its suitability for agricultural purposes in the Behbahan Plain, SW Iran
Authors: Ehya Farhad , Marbouti Zohreh
Published: March 2018

Groundwater is the main agricultural water resource in arid and semi-arid regions, so, preserving it is extremely important. In this study, groundwater quality was assessed for irrigation, using the principal chemical and physical quality parameters from 30 wells in the study area. Groundwater classification on the basis of electrical conductivity reveals that more than 85% of the samples taken fall into the ‘unsuitable’ and ‘doubtful’ classes. On the basis of Richards's classification, 67% of the samples are unsuitable for irrigation. Most, however, appear suitable for irrigation based on their sodium adsorption ratio, %Na, permeability index, magnesium adsorption ratio, Kelly's ratio and residual sodium carbonate water quality indices. The concentration of boron varies between 0 and 2 mg/l, within the FAO's (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) acceptable standard range. About 60% of the wells are not suitable for drip irrigation because of the water's potential for clogging. There will be no water infiltration problem, if groundwater in the study area is used for irrigation. With respect to the SO42− and Cl− concentrations, 53% and 13% of the samples collected are unsuitable for irrigation, respectively. Less than 10% of the samples have ‘severe’ constraints restricting their use for irrigation with respect to nitrogen. For sprinkler irrigation, however, the groundwater is subject to ‘severe’ restrictions. Geochemical investigations indicate that the water chemistry is affected by processes including evaporation, water-rock interactions and human activities.
Comparative analysis of two low cost point-of-use water treatment systems
Authors: Siwila Stephen , Brink Isobel C
Published: March 2018

The study examined two low-cost point-of-use water treatment systems developed in respect of bacterial and particulate removal when exposed to surface water for three months. Bacterial removal efficiency was estimated using E. coli and fecal coliforms, while particulate reduction efficiency was estimated by determining turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS). The systems investigated were the Gift of Water System (GWS) made in USA and the Drip Filter System (DFS) Model-JW-PD-1-70 made in South Africa. The study included seasonal water quality changes. Both systems recorded 100% bacterial removal throughout the study. Although results show that DFS was slightly better in terms of particulate reduction, both systems removed large proportions of particles from the water. On average TSS removals were 89% and 95%, while turbidity removals were 87% and 94%, by GWS and DFS respectively. The treated water from the two systems compared well with good quality tap water supplied to Stellenbosch University. The results show that both systems can treat the poor quality water used to meet the SANS 241 and WHO guidelines with respect to bacterial and suspended solids content.
New Zealand plant growth trials in rapid bio-filtration media
Authors: Cheah John , Brockbank Troy , Simcock Robyn , Hannah Michael
Published: March 2018

Media used in rapid bio-filtration devices have hydraulic conductivity rates exceeding 2,500 mm/hr. Stormwater360 New Zealand has partnered with Contech Engineered Solutions (USA) to produce a rapid bio-filtration medium using locally available materials. Current bio-filtration guidance limits the hydraulic conductivity of media to less than 300 mm/hr to support plant growth. Using a short-term plant trial (3 months) and 4 ongoing plant trials (>11 months) plant growth was assessed.

In total 99 plants were grown (26 different tree, shrub and grass species), of which 91 plants (92%) and 23 plant species (88%) successfully established and grew in the rapid filtration medium.
Performances of air gap and water gap MD desalination modules
Authors: Khalifa Atia E.
Published: March 2018

Membrane distillation (MD) is a promising thermally-driven membrane separation technology for water desalination. In MD, water vapor is being separated from the hot feed water solution using a micro-porous hydrophobic membrane, due to the difference in vapor pressures across the membrane. In the present work, experiments are conducted to compare the performance of water gap membrane distillation (WGMD) and air gap membrane distillation (AGMD) modules under the main operating and design conditions including the feed and coolant temperatures, membrane material and pore sizes, and the gap width. Results showed that the WGMD module produced higher fluxes as compared to the AGMD module, for all test conditions. The feed temperature is the dominant factor affecting the system flux. The permeate flux increases with reducing the gap width for both water and air gap modules. However, WGMD module was found to be less sensitive to the change in the gap width compared to the AGMD module. The PTFE membrane produced higher permeate flux as compared to the PVDF membrane. Bigger mean pore diameter enhanced the permeate flux, however, this enhancement is marginal at high feed temperatures. With increasing the feed temperature, the GOR values increase and the specific energy consumption decreases.
Programmatic Impact of Implementing GeneXpert MTB/ RIF Assay for the Detection of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Respiratory Specimens from Pulmonary Tuberculosis Suspected Patients in Resource Limited Laboratory Settings of Eastern Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Prakash , Khanal Hemanta , Dahal Prasanna , Dongol Pranita
Published: March 2018

Background:

In Nepal, introduction of GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay (Xpert assay) as an initial confirmation test for tuberculosis (TB) has been considered to have impact as a significant decrease in number of clinically diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) cases than previous years. This study aims to find out the distribution profile of suspected tuberculosis cases according to patients age, gender, treatment history and HIV status as well as to evaluate the utility of the Xpert assay over conventional acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining method for the proper diagnosis ofM. Tuberculosisin respiratory specimens from the tuberculosis (TB) suspected patient samples.

Methods:

The prospective cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in National Anti-Tuberculosis Center (NATA) center- Biratnagar and Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) - Manglabare, Morang District, of eastern Nepal from January 2014 to August 2014. Laboratory investigation was done by conventional AFB staining followed by Xpert assay.

Results:

A total of 1549 sputum samples were initially analyzed. AFB staining resulted in 1441 AFB smear negative samples and 88 AFB smear positive samples, whereas 20 samples were directly processed for Xpert assay. The male: female smear positive ratio was 2.8:1 and was higher among age groups (21-40) years. Tuberculosis among HIV patients was found 22.22%. Xpert assay demonstrates that out of 1441 smear negative AFB cases, 258 were found to have TB positive, whereas out of 88 smears positive AFB cases 12 were found to have TB negative. The sensitivity of the Xpert assay in patients classified as AFB smear positive was found 85.4% and the specificity in smear negative patients was 81%.

Conclusion:

The study concluded that implementation of Gene Xpert MTB/RIF assay is a helpful tool for early and rapid detection of tuberculosis with greater sensitivity and specificity over traditional AFB staining techniques.
Efek Program SBABS Terhadap Pencegahan Stunting Anak Baduta di Kabupaten Banggai dan Sigi
Authors: Hafid Fahmi , Djabu Udin , - Udin , - Nasrul
Published: March 2018

AbstrakProgram stop buang air besar sembarangan(SBABS) merupakan program sanitasi total berbasis masyarakat yang membudayakan perilaku hidup bersih dan sehat, mencegah penyebaran penyakit berbasis lingkungan, meningkatkan kemampuan masyarakat merubah perilaku untuk tidak melakukan aktivitas buang air besar sembarangan. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk menganalisis pengaruh program stop buang besar sembarangan terhadap pencegahan stunting anak baduta di Kabupaten Banggai dan Sigi. Desain penelitian yang digunakan case control. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada wilayah pelaksanaan program stop buang air besar di Sulawesi Tengah dengan prevalensi stunting yang tinggi yaitu Kabupaten Banggai dan Sigi pada tanggal 8 September hingga 7 Oktober 2016. Sampel sebanyak 352 orang anak usia 1-2 Tahun. Pengambilan sampel dengan metode consecutive sampling. Uji perbedaan menggunakan uji Mann-Whitney U. Hasil analisis menunjukkan proporsi baduta stunting sebesar 15,6%. Jumlah sampel pada kelompok SBABS sebanyak 116 orang (33,0%) dengan rerata tinggi badan -0,36Â±1,6 sedangkan pada kelompok non SBABS sebanyak 236 orang (67,0%) dengan rerata tinggi badan -0,94Â±1,5. Terdapat perbedaan yang bermakna antara pertumbuhan baduta kelompok SBABS dengan non SBABS (p=0,002). Program stop buang air besar sembarangan mencegah stunting anak baduta di Kabupaten Banggai dan Sigi.Â Kata kunci: Program SBABS; Stunting; BadutaÂ AbstractOpen Defecation Free (ODF) program is a total sanitation community-based program that encourages clean and healthy living behavior, prevents the spread of environment-based diseases, and improves community ability to change their behavior not to carry out open defecation. The purpose of this research is to analyze the influence of open defecation free program on the prevention of stunting baby under two years in Banggai and Sigi. The research design used was case control. This research was conducted from 8 September to 7 October 2016 in the implementation areas of open defecation free program in Central Sulawesi that have high stunting prevalence, i.e Banggai and Sigi Regencies. The sample obtained was 352 babies aged 1-2 years by using consecutive sampling method. Mann-Whitney U test was used to test the differences. The analysis result shows that the proportion of stunting babies under 2 years was 15.6%. The number of samples in ODF group was 116 babies (33.0%) with mean height -0.36Â±1.6, whereas in non-ODF group was 236 babies (67.0%) with mean height -0.94Â±1.5. There is a significant difference between the growth of baby under two years in ODF group and non ODF (p=0,002). Open defecation free program prevents stunting baby under two years in Banggai and Sigi Regencies.Keywords: Open Defecation Free program; Stunting; Baby under two years
“Mainstreaming” Interprofessional Education within Hospital Settings: Findings from a Multiple Case Study
Authors: Hollenberg Elisa , Reeves Scott , Beduz Mary Agnes , Jeffs Lianne , Kwan Debbie , Lee Jacques , Lowe Mandy , Merkley Jane , Sinclair Lynne , Tassone Maria , Oandasan Ivy
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackground: Interest in interprofessional education (IPE) to promote effective interprofessional collaboration (IPC) has gained momentum across healthcare, professional education, and government sectors. In general, the IPE literature tends to report single-site studies. This article presents a rare study that reports a largescale multi-site IPE initiative. It draws upon a newly developed notion of mainstreaming—introduced to the literature by Barr and Ross—that helps illuminate the implementation issues related to an IPE initiative.Methods and Findings: A realistic evaluation framework was employed to explore the overarching impact of this large initiative (involving 6 IPE programs within 13 hospitals) on the teaching hospital network in which it was implemented. Qualitative methods were used to gather a total of 142 interviews with program leaders, facilitators, and learners. Findings provide insight into the mainstreaming of IPE in relation to educational, professional, and organizational outcomes. Educational outcomes detail how inter-organizational partnerships developed among hospitals with the sharing of ideas and resources for implementing IPE and IPC. Professional outcomes describe learners’ experiences of increased awareness of the policy agenda and the meanings and value they attach to IPE and IPC. Organizational outcomes demonstrate that interprofessional champions with senior management support and protected time were core mainstreaming elements, and yet participants outlined a range of concerns and desires for the sustainability of this IPE initiative.Conclusions: This article provided empirical insight into the perceptions, ideas, and experiences of IPE from a wide range of program developers, facilitators, and attendees. Barr and Ross’ concept of mainstreaming and the use of a realistic evaluation framework provide a useful way to illuminate the processes and outcomes of implementing a large multi-institutional IPE initiative.
Influencing Student Beliefs about Poverty and Health through Interprofessional Community-Based Educational Experiences
Authors: Proctor Peggy , Lake Deborah , Jewell Lisa , Racine Louise , D'Eon Marcel , Reeder Bruce
Published: March 2018

Background: Pre-licensure students from medicine, physical therapy, kinesiology, nursing, and social work participated in a population health project at the University of Saskatchewan. We assessed the effect of this interactive, interprofessional, community-based educational experience on students’ attitudes and beliefs about poverty and health.Methods and Findings: Participants (N = 119) completed two measures at the beginning and end of the five-week project: the 37-item Attitudes toward Poverty Scale (APS) and the 8-item Beliefs about the Relationship between Poverty and Health (BRPH). APS scores showed a modest significant increase toward more positive attitudes over time (F(1, 110) = 7.97, p < .01). On the BRPH, participants agreed significantly less at Week 5 with two behavioral explanations (F(1, 114) = 5.07, p < .05; F(1, 114) = 11.00, p < .01) and one structural explanation (F(1, 112) = 11.09, p < .01) about relationships between poverty and health. There was some evidence that face-to-face interactions with community members had more impact than a simulation exercise. Students gave positive evaluations of the interprofessional format of the project. Attrition effects may limit the interpretation of these results.Conclusions: Results demonstrate that brief interprofessional community-based learning experiences can positively influence students’ attitudes and beliefs about the relationship between poverty and health.
Evaluation of an Interprofessional Problem-based Learning Module on Care of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS
Authors: D'Eon Marcel , Proctor Peggy , Cassidy Jane , McKee Nora , Trinder Krista
Published: March 2018

Background: Interprofessional education (IPE) holds great promise in continuing to reform the management of complex chronic conditions such as HIV/AIDS, and Problem-based Learning (PBL) is a suitable format for IPE. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a large scale, compulsory interprofessional PBL module on HIV/AIDS education. In 2004, 30 physical therapy and 30 medical students at the University of Saskatchewan engaged in the HIV/AIDS PBL module. By 2007 over 300 students from seven healthcare programs were involved.Methods and Findings: The module was evaluated over the years using student satisfaction surveys, focus groups, self-assessments, and in 2007 with written pretest/post-tests. Students rated the learning experience about both HIV/AIDS and about interprofessional collaboration, at 4 or 5 out of 6 and effect sizes fell between d = .70 and 3.19. That only one pre-test/post-test study was conducted at a single institution is one of the limitations of this study.Conclusions: Students generally thought highly of the interprofessional PBL module on HIV/AIDS and learned a considerable amount. Although more research is needed to substantiate the self-assessment data, establish what and how much is being learned, and compare PBL to alternative methodologies, PBL is a promising approach to IPE.
Becoming an Interprofessional Community of Practice: A Qualitative Study of an Interprofessional Fellowship
Authors: Sterrett Susan E.
Published: March 2018

Background: The social learning model, Communities of Practice (CoP), serves as an organizing framework for this study of interprofessional learning. The author, a nurse, completed the study while a doctoral student in a school of education. The objective of the study was to understand the phenomenon of participation in interprofessional learning experiences among a group of graduate students, faculty, and administrators, and the extent to which the markers of the communities of practice model were present in those experiences.Methods and Findings: This qualitative study used principles of constructivist grounded theory methodology. The objective was to seek out participants’ expressed experience as data to guide theory development. The participants were graduate students, faculty, and administrators from an interprofessional fellowship in developmental disabilities. Processes of building community and making meaning of the experience were themes that related to the Wenger CoP model. Feeling respected was a theme that was identified in this study and that is not found in the CoP model.Conclusions: The findings indicated that participants were able to form an interprofessional community of practice based on the markers of Wenger’s model. This initial study moves toward the development of an organizing theory of an effective interprofessional community of practice (EICoP).