bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incorporating Quality Assurance in a Competency and Employee Development Program
Authors: Leuro Jorge , Kruger Todd
Published: September 2015

Organizations within the oil and gas industry have invested heavily in embedding competency and employee programs into their business framework and corporate cultures, expecting that these will be instrumental to delivering superior business results by building and maintaining workforce capability.

To execute this strategy, individuals should be engaged with the program by reliably adopting the principles and applying the processes. However, with respect to accountability, individuals will choose to either adopt behaviors that drive compliance or complacency for themselves and others. The inherent challenges, therefore, are recognizing that complacency can exist, identifying nonconformance, correcting undesired behaviors, and continuously improving the belief system of the organization.

This paper discusses how a global full-spectrum oil and gas service company is ensuring that individuals adopt desired behaviors by using a company-wide approach to help ensure quality within the competency program. Quality assurance practices have been incorporated in the competency program as a unanimous request from the organization to safeguard the quality of the business intelligence possessed about the competence of the workforce.

The company continues to build confidence in the program's ability to provide high-quality repeatable evidence that supports the development (competence) of employees, the demonstration of the competence of the workforce, and the delivery of superior business results.
A Numerical Analysis of the Features of the Stress Disturbance during Pulsating Hydraulic Fracturing in Coal Seams
Authors: Lu Peiqing , Li Gensheng , Huang Zhongwei , Li Xiaojiang , Tian Shouceng , Song Xianzhi , Sheng Mao
Published: September 2015

Pulsating hydraulic fracturing (PHF) is useful in the development of methane from geologically complex coal seams in China because it can relieve pressure in a great range and increase the permeability of coal seams. Current research studies on PHF mainly focus on coal rock damage via experimental methods; however, to the best of our knowledge, none of these studies consider stress disturbances, which significantly impact the stimulation effect. In this paper, a numerical model is proposed to investigate the features of stress disturbances under loads of PHF in coal seams.

Based on field data, a stress-response numerical model applies a high-order, staggered-grid, finite-difference scheme to investigate the stress disturbance features of coal seams. This model combines the linear slip deformation model and the preloading method to describe the cleats and confining pressure, respectively. Moreover, the implementation of an infinite formation makes use of the perfectly matched layer technique. The model has been verified for the static and dynamic theoretical calculation cases, which can be regarded as sufficiently precise for analyzing the stress disturbance.

The numerical simulation results show several unique stress behaviors with PHF. First, the stress disturbance is characterized by an extensively altered scope and regional stress concentration, and the effective stress disturbance zone can be much larger compared with conventional fracturing. Second, the PHF disturbance effects can be improved by increasing the source frequency and amplitude. Third, the strong compressibility (i.e., the high elastic Young's modulus and low Poisson's ratio) of coal rock is beneficial for stress propagation and disturbances in improving the fracturing effect. Fourth, the crack density (0−0.2) has little impact on the PHF stress disturbance effect because of the diffraction of the stress wave.

The proposed model is able to describe the static and dynamic stress response in an infinite fractured formation with confining pressure. The model clarifies the propagation and distribution of stress, and it can help us understand the fracture mechanism and suitable coal seam conditions for PHF from the perspective of the formation stress disturbance. Based on this model, the results can improve the optimization of the technical parameters and the investigation of the stimulation mechanics of PHF in coal seams.
A Probabilistic Approach to Quantify the Value of Information of 4D Seismic Projects
Authors: Ferreira Carla J.
Published: September 2015

A challenge that all managers face is to make decisions to maximize the project's return in the face of uncertainty. Acquisition of new information can assist decision makers in the reservoir management process. However, the acquisition of new information is not cost free and a routine business decision to be faced is whether acquiring new information is worthwhile. Consequently, the valuation of information becomes a significant part of a reservoir management process. The value of information (VOI) concept is commonly used to quantify the economic benefit resulted from the new information. The quantification of the VOI after the acquisition of information is simpler. In contrast, the VOI estimation before the acquisition of information is more complex because of the number of uncertainties and difficulties to model the problem; the term Expected Value of Information (EVOI) should be used in such context. The EVOI is based on average expectations; it is a weighted measure and does not show the variation of the expected benefits owing to reservoir uncertainties and consequently does not provide a complete picture of the problem. Thus, it is proposed a methodology that provides information about the possible range of outcomes increase and their probability. The methodology employs the chance of success (COS) concept, which provides more complete results. It applies the uncertainty analysis technique to generate multiple reservoir models, from which the fluid behavior establishes the period to acquire 4D seismic data. The representative models technique selects the models that represent the reservoir geological and economic variability. Finally, the impact of 4D seismic data on each representative model is quantified. The present study describes the methodology to estimate the COS, applies it to a synthetic model to validate the results and shows its benefits, as well as compares the EVOI and COS results obtained. The COS better supports the decision-making process due to its probabilistic approach. The decision maker can more meaningfully frame the range of potential increased returns and validate this against the organization's tolerance level. Such procedure makes the methodology an important tool for reservoir management.
Shale Gas Productivity: A Geo-chemical Diagenesis Perspective
Authors: Patwardhan Samarth D.
Published: September 2015

The Barnett Shale success in the 90's has led to a significant amount of focused work on fracturing and its related aspects. The work included understanding its nuances, to be able to design the treatments better, and pump them with enhanced efficiency. Production from these completed wells is highly dependent on both the characteristics of proppants being placed, as well as those of the reservoir being treated. Fracturing leads to an interaction between the minerals of the proppants, formation and the fluids. Incompatible chemical interactions between minerals of the proppants, formation and fracturing fluids lead to precipitations which reduce porosity. Under in-situ conditions, these interactions further facilitate the phenomenon of geo-chemical diagenesis as a result of which rapid loss of fracture conductivity is observed. The diagenesis process includes mechanisms such as diffusion, temperature induced dissolution, precipitation in the pore space, along with chemical reactions at the fracture surface. These mechanisms lead to a reduction in the width and hence, the permeability of the created fracture. Proppant pack permeability reduction is presented in this paper through a mathematical model, which simulates fluid-mineral reactions in the created hydraulic fracture. The model involves solving the diffusion and precipitation equations for each component to simulate the changing porosity and permeability over time. These coded partial differential equations are combined with the reactions occurring at the surface. Further, this work studies the impact of this reduction on the productivity of a well completed in shale reservoir, followed by a sensitivity study of critical parameters. This work will help in a better understanding of reactions occurring within the fractures and their effect on the loss of fracture conductivity. With India looking at developing its shale plays, this work also includes possible issues that could affect this development.
Practical Applications of the T-Matrix Approach to Fractured Porous Rocks
Authors: Alkhimenkov Yury
Published: September 2015

Hydrocarbon reservoirs generally are composed of rocks with pores and cracks that are filled with different fluids: gas, water, oil, etc. The fluids filling the pores have a significant impact on the effective characteristics of the reservoir. Methods of Effective Medium Theory (EMT) can simulate the effective elastic properties of porous-fractured media, such as rocks. The practical applications of EMT methods for fractured porous rocks are important for fracking, reservoir property prediction using seismic data and understanding the AVO properties of reservoirs. To date, a huge number of different EMT approaches exist and it is very difficult to choose the best one. Each of the most popular EMT methods for the modeling of effective elastic properties of reservoir rocks, of course, generate different results. However, different conclusions on method’s applicability are drawn from the differences in the experimental and theoretical results.

The main goal of the paper is to find the most optimal method of effective medium theory. It can be shown that the T-matrix approach is the most general, modern and adequate for the rock physics applications. A practical application of the T-matrix approach was developed for the inverse problem with a special choice of comparison body.

Also, other theories exist for simulation the effective proprieties of rocks: poroelasticity, contact models etc. The EMT has a close connection with these theories. A connection between the Effective Medium Theory and Poroelasticity are shown.

Our conclusions are verified on experimental data. As an example of practical utilization of the T-matrix approach mathematical models for the effective elastic properties of carbonate reservoir rocks including oolitic limestone are constructed.
Adsorption characteristics of bio-adsorbent on chromium(III) in industrial wastewater
Authors: Lu Zhufeng , Wang Hongmei , Li Jiayou , Yuan Lixia , Zhu Lianwen
Published: September 2015

The removal of chromium(III) (Cr(III)) from industrial wastewater by various low-cost methods has been widely investigated. In this paper, a type of bio-adsorbent was prepared using rice straw modified by fermentation and simple chemical treatment. The aim is to detect the adsorption mechanism and characteristics on Cr(III) ions. The analysis shows that the bio-adsorbent possesses four modified characteristics for Cr(III) adsorption. The first one is the acquired physical adsorption involving concave and convex structures. The second one is the effects of the hydrogen bonding surface hydroxyl groups and the metal chromium ion with complexation. The third one is mainly caused by hydrophilic active groups that possess carboxyl and hydroxyl groups during microbial degradation to combine with ions. The final one is the bio-adsorbent had high adsorption for low concentration of Cr(III) ions. The highest removal of around 97.45% was obtained at pH 5.0, bio-adsorption dosage of 0.5 g L−1, and initial Cr(III) concentration of 20 mg L−1. The adsorption process followed the pseudo second-order model (R2 > 0.99), while the isotherms were fitted to the Freundlich equation (68.1926 mg g−1), mainly by chemical adsorption. This study demonstrates the potential of using this biosorbent to remove Cr(III) from both synthetic and industrial wastewater.
Viscous heating effect on deactivation of helminth eggs in ventilated improved pit sludge
Authors: Belcher D. , Foutch G. L. , Smay J. , Archer C. , Buckley C. A.
Published: September 2015

Viscous heating by extrusion of faecal material obtained from ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines can be used to deactivate soil-transmitted helminth (STH) eggs by increasing the temperature of faecal sludge uniformly. Viscous heating can deactivate STH eggs present in sludge to make the material safer to transport, dispose of, or use in agricultural applications or as an energy source. The mechanical energy required to generate the shear rate can originate from any source. No other heat source or additive is required. Here we determined a baseline for the deactivation of STH eggs using viscous heating. To characterize equipment performance, three parameters were investigated: (1) minimum temperature required for deactivation; (2) local maximum temperatures for various flow rates and moisture contents (MCs); and (3) thermal efficiency. Excess water is undesirable since low viscosities require extended residence time and increased energy input. The minimum temperature to achieve greater than 90% helminth egg deactivation is 70 °C. For the laboratory-scale equipment tested, the maximum allowable mass flow rate for VIP sludge with 77% MC was found to be 3.6 g/s.
Catchment delineation and morphometric analysis using geographical information system
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Kumar Rohitashw , Singh P. K. , Singh Manjeet , Yadav K. K. , Mittal H. K.
Published: September 2015

The geographical information system (GIS) has emerged as an efficient tool in delineation of drainage patterns of watershed planning and management. The morphometric parameters of basins can address linear, areal and relief aspects. The study deals with the integrated watershed management of Baliya micro-watersheds, located in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan, India. Morphometric analysis in hydrological investigation is an important aspect and it is inevitable in the development and management of drainage basins. The determination of linear, areal and relief parameters indicate fairly good significance. The low value of the bifurcation ratio of 4.19 revealed that the drainage pattern has not been distorted by structural disturbance. The high value of the elongation ratio (0.68) compared to the circulatory ratio (0.27) indicates an elongated shape of the watershed. The high value of drainage density (5.39 km/km2) and stream frequency (12.32) shows that the region has impermeable subsoil material under poor vegetative cover with a low relief factor. The morphometric parameters of relief ratio (0.041) and relative relief (0.99%) show that the watershed can be treated using GIS techniques to determine the morphometric presence of dendritic drainage pattern, with a view to selecting the soil and water conservation measures and water harvesting.
Denitrification characteristics of a newly isolated indigenous aerobic denitrifying bacterium under oligotrophic conditions
Authors: Su Jun-feng , Zhang Kai , Huang Ting-lin , Ma Fang , Guo Lin , Zhang Li-na
Published: September 2015

A novel indigenous bacterium, strain JM10, isolated from the oligotrophic Hei He reservoir was characterized and showed aerobic denitrification ability. JM10 was identified as Bacillus sp. by phylogenetic analysis of its 16S rRNA gene sequence. Strain JM10 displayed very high levels of activity in aerobic conditions, consuming over 94.3% NO3−-N (approximately 3.06 mg L−1) with a maximum reduction rate of 0.108 mg NO3−-N L−1 h−1. Full-factorial Box–Behnken design and response surface methodology were employed to investigate the optimal nitrate degradation conditions. The optimum conditions for nitrate degradation, at a rate of 0.140 mg L−1 h−1, were found to be an inoculum size of 16.3% v/v, initial pH of 7.6, C/N ratio of 7.4, and temperature of 27.4 °C, and the C/N ratio and temperature had the largest effect on the nitrate degradation rate. Strain JM10 was added into the water samples from Hei He reservoir and the total nitrogen and nitrate removal rates of the strain reached 66.5% and 100%, respectively. Therefore, our results demonstrate that the strain JM10 favored the bioremediation of the oligotrophic reservoir.
Fenton degradation of Cartap hydrochloride: identification of the main intermediates and the degradation pathway
Authors: Tian Kaixun , Ming Cuixiang , Dai Youzhi , Honore Ake Kouassi Marius
Published: September 2015

The advanced oxidation of Cartap hydrochloride (Cartap) promoted by the Fenton system in an aqueous medium was investigated. Based on total organic carbon, chemical oxygen demand and high-performance liquid chromatography, the oxidation of Cartap is quite efficient by the Fenton system. Its long chain is easily destroyed, but the reaction does not proceed to complete mineralization. Ion chromatography detection indicated the formation of acetic acid, propionic acid, formic acid, nitrous acid and sulfuric acid in the reaction mixtures. Further evidence of nitrogen monoxide and sulfur dioxide formation was obtained by using a flue gas analyzer. Monitoring by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer demonstrated the formation of oxalic acid, ethanol, carbon dioxide, and l-alanine ethylamide. Based on these experimental results, plausible degradation pathways for Cartap mineralization in an aqueous medium by the Fenton system are proposed.
The Application of Improved Duncan-Chang Model in Unloading Soil
Authors: He Yi , Chen Xuejun
Published: September 2015

On the basis of the representative samples of silty clay found in Wuhan, China, the lateral unloading of soil’s
stress path produced by excavating foundation pit engineering, was simulated by triaxial experiment. A series of consolidated-
drained true triaxial test and normal triaxial test were conducted. According to the results of tests, the parameter of
the Duncan-Chang Model was determined. A modulus formula was used for the foundation soil in the lateral unloading
stress path tests to replace the modulus formula of Duncan-Chang Model based on the σ3 =const . Moreover, the Duncan-
Chang hyperbola nonlinear elastic constitutive model was used to simulate the plane strain test. A method to improve
the ability of Duncan-Chang model in order to take into account the effects of the intermediate principal stress on the
strength and deformation was presented as well as all the model parameters were also determined. The adaptability of
the model for unloading the stress path was verified by comparing the theoretical stress-strain relationship and empirical
stress-strain relationship.
Study on the Relationship between Strength and Water-Cement Ratio for the EPS Silt Light-Weight Soil Based on Gray Verhulst Model
Authors: Feng Yong
Published: September 2015

PS silt mixed soil is a high quality synthetic fill material made of foam material and sludge wasted. This paper indicates
according to the test results and the previous studies that: the intensity of light-weight soils is increasing as the grey
water ratio increases, and when the gray water ratio reaches a certain value, the strength of the growth rate is not large. Therefore,
the research of the relationship of its strength and water-cement ratio for providing accurate design parameters of soil
particles lightweight soil is very important. According to existing research results, a number of samples were made to study
the relationship between strength and water-cement ratio, then the analyzed curves were obtained. In this paper, based on the
gray Verhulst model, the variation regulation between the strength and water ratio was fitted. The study showed that the fitted
curve was similar with the measured curve. It is found that the measured curves can be derived from fitted curve available,
the related research can give good references for construction of EPS silt light-weight soil.
Bracket Structure Stress Analysis of Rotating Construction Cable-stayed Bridge of Thousands of Tons
Authors: Wang Lifeng , Wang Erqiang , He Dongpo
Published: September 2015

Based on the rotating construction cable-stayed bridge of thousands of tons, dynamic simulation of bracket
structure in rotating construction was analyzed with ANSYS finite element software. The result shows that with the common
influence of gravity, traction and prestress, the overall bracket structure presents compressive stress mainly of stress
state. Traction force of the impact is not big, considering alone effect of traction, the whole stress level of bracket structure
is very low. Under the effect of prestress, bracket structure presents a huge pressure stress in horizontal direction to
prevent accidental tilt in the rotating process, and parts of the steel bundle should be removed after the rotation.
Diversity of sainfoin (Onobrychis Mill.) collection samples according to the spectra of storage proteins
Authors: Bulatova Kulpash , Massonichich-Shotunova Raushan , Meiirman Galiolla , Mazkirat Shynar
Published: September 2015

Sainfoin (Onobrychis Mill.) is a valuable forage plant of the legume family
(Fabaceae). In Kazakhstan the sainfoin introduced as field fodder in the 50s
of the XX century and because of its biological features widely spread as a
promising crop for forage resources increasing. The electrophoresis of seed
storage proteins of Onobrychis viciifolia, Onobrychis arenaria and Onobrychis
transcaucasica species was carried out. Considerable diversity of the number,
mobility and intensity of components was determined.
Generation of divalent DNA vaccine based on p39 and shiga-like toxin 2 (Stx2) genes
Authors: Doosti Abbas , Ghasemi-Dehkordi Payam , Kargar Mohammad , Sharifi Abolghasem
Published: September 2015

The virulence factors such as shiga-like toxin (Stx) and immunogenic P39
protein in Escherichia coli and Brucella melitensis are related to disease of
digestive system in human worldwide. In the present study the stx2 and p39
genes were cloned into expression plasmid pEEF1D-FLAG (pcDNA 3.1+) as a
divalent DNA vaccine candidate. The Enterohemorrhagic E. coli ATCC 3081 and
smooth virulent B. melitensis strain M5 were obtained and cultured on
specific media. Bacterial DNA was extracted from colonies and was used for
p39 and stx2 genes amplification by PCR. The amplified products on 2% agarose
gel electrophoresis were revealed 285 and 1220 bp fragments for stx2 and p39
genes, respectively. Each amplified genes were T/A cloned into pGEM-T easy
vector and pGEM-T-stx2 and pGEM-T-p39 were produced. The stx2 and p39 genes
were sub-cloned in linearized expression vector (pcDNA 3.1+) using HindIII,
XhoI and XbaI restriction enzymes and pCDNA3-stx2-p39 was generated. This
final construct was confirmed by PCR and enzymes digestion. The results were
showed stx2 and p39 genes were sub-cloned, successfully into pcDNA 3.1+ to
generate pcDNA 3.1+-stx2-p39 recombinant vector. According to these findings
novel recombinant pcDNA 3.1+-stx2- p39 construct that was produced in this
study could be useful as DNA vaccine candidate in animal models against
shiga-like toxin producing E. coli and virulence B. melitensis strains in
future studies.
Combining ability and heritability of selected rice varieties for grain yield, its components and grain quality characters
Authors: Allahgholipour Mehrzad , Farshdfar Ezatollah , Rabiei Babak
Published: September 2015

This study was conducted to determine the combining ability and heritability
of rice grain yield, its components and some grain quality traits such as
amylose content (AC), gelatinization temperature (GT), gel consistency (GC)
and head rice recovery (HRR). The study was commenced by crossing the
selected rice varieties based on a full diallel mating design. The F1 was
harvested at the end of the season. In the following season, the crossed,
reciprocal and parental lines were planted in randomly complete block design
with three replications. Analysis of variance indicated that genotypes were
significantly different for all traits. The diallel analysis by Griffing`s
method showed highly significant differences for GCA for number of panicles
per plant (PN), amylose content, gelatinization temperature and head rice
recovery. Highly significant differences were also observed for both SCA and
REC for all evaluated characters. The results showed that the grain yield
(GY), number of filled grains (FGN), 100-grain weight (HGW) and GC were
controlled by non-additive gene action, while the inheritance of PN, AC, GT
and HRR were largely controlled by additive gene effects, although non-
additive genetic components and reciprocal effect were also involved, which
suggest that a selection process could be done in the early generations. The
two improved lines (RI18442-1 and RI18430-46) were found to be good general
combiners for GY and FGN, while the best combiners for PN was Tarom Mohali
and IR50 and for HGW was RI18430-46. The best combinations for GY were
RI18430-46 ? IR50, Tarom Mohali ? RI18447-2 and Daylamani ? RI18430-46. The
good hybrids were Tarom Mohali ? IR50, Line23 ? RI18447-2 and Line23 ?
Backcross line for AC. Narrow sense heritability showed that the GY and GC
had the lowest values while the other traits had either moderate or high
heritability, which indicates selection in the early generations could be
done to fix the favorable genes. In present study, narrow sense heritability
was high for AC and moderate for GT, PN and HRR.
Adaptive reaction of cotton accessions of G. hirsutum L. and G. barbadense L. species to drought stress
Authors: Mammadova Afet , Aliyev Ramiz , Babayeva Sevda , Abbasov Mehraj
Published: September 2015

Adaptation, process of the adjustment of a plant to specific environmental
conditions, is provided by physiological mechanisms (physiological
adaptation), and at population level (species) by mechanisms of genetic
variability, heredity and selection (genetic adaptation). Intraspecific and
the interspecific physiological assessment of adaptation potential to drought
stress was carried out on 267 collection accessions and varieties of a cotton
(197 accessions of G. hirsutum L. and 70 of G. barbadense L.). Comparative
study of the stress reaction of tested accessions to unfavorable
environmental factors was carried out based on stress depression indices of
viability of seeds in sucrose solution-imitating drought. As a result of the
studies different sensitivity of plants to abiotic stress was determined. The
amplitude of the changes of physiological parameter during stress allowed
roughly divide cotton accessions within each species into groups by defining
different degrees of comparative drought resistance of samples. Analysis of
the percentage ratio of high drought resistant accessions within species,
revealed differences between G. hirsutum L. and G. barbadense L. For the
specie G. hirsutum L. percentage of accessions with high drought resistance
was 9.1%, for specie G. barbadense L.-28.6%. G. barbadense L., in our view,
is characterized by a greater potential for volatility and acclimatization to
the new, unusual conditions, capable of better resisting the adverse effects
of drought and has great promise for using in breeding. It was found that
because of the stress in drought resistant varieties activation of RNA
synthesis, increase of labile and decrease of stable DNA was observed which
indicates an increase of the physiological liability and functional activity
of the genetic apparatus. In susceptible varieties a reduction in the
synthesis of RNA and DNA and displacement of DNA fraction ratio towards the
stable were noted.
Molecular and morphological variation in some Iranian saffron (Crocus sativus L.) accessions
Authors: Izadpanah F.A. , Kalantari S.A. , Hassani M.E.B. , Naghavi M.R.C. , Shokrpoura M.
Published: September 2015

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is renowned as the most expensive spice in the
world. This perennial species belongs to Iridaceae family. Germplasm
collection and preservation are one of the main priorities for a better and
successful crop improvement. In this study, preliminary evaluation of
morphological and molecular diversity among 29 accessions of saffron from
Iran was investigated. Several important traits such as length and number of
leaves, leaves surface, fresh and dry weight of leaves were measured. RAPD
markers using 17 primers were also used to evaluate molecular divergence
among the accessions. Simple correlation analysis among morphological traits
showed significant positive correlations in most characters, but negative
correlations between emergence time and other characters. Cluster analyses
based on morphological and molecular data produced dissimilar groups in due
to data type. In both dendrograms three distinct groups were resulted and the
most of the accessions were placed in the first cluster. Also, the groupings
showed no association between diversity patterns and geographical origins. In
molecular analysis, out of 17 primers that produced 108 polymorphic bands, 12
primers showed complete polymorphism. The maximum and minimum genetic
similarities were 0.98 and 0.42, respectively. This results support abilities
of these approaches as economical and quick technique to determination of
diversity among saffron accessions.
Antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of selected medicinal plants from Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal
Authors: Gyawali R. , Adhikari S. , Gautam S. , Guragain P. , Pokharel S. , Pradhan N. , Sijapati S. , Shrestha T. M.
Published: September 2015

Antibacterial properties of Nepalese plant species - Myrica esculenta, Mahonia nepaulensis, Madhuca longifolia and Schima wallichii were evaluated on human pathogenic microorganisms: Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The plants were found to possess phytochemicals- saponins, glacosides, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids. Methanolic extract from these plants showed antimicrobial activity against tested organisms. Similarly, Brine shrimp lethality test of extracts showed the LC50 values of 15.4 ppm, 136.4 ppm, 76.9 ppm and 76.0 ppm for M. esculenta, M. nepaulensis, M. longifolia and S. wallichii respectively, which suggests that these plants are less toxic to human consumption for drug purpose.Banko Janakari, A Journal of Forestry Information for NepalVol. 25, No. 1Page : 15-19
Effects of management practices on growth rate of pine plantations in Nepal
Authors: Dangal S. P. , Das A. K.
Published: September 2015

With the large scale plantation commenced in the early 1980s, nearly 370,000 hectares of plantations have been successfully established in Nepal. Pinus patula is one of the dominant species of these plantations aiming to maximize biomass productions in degraded hills. The growth rate of 15 m³ ha-1yr-1 estimated in 1995 was reduced to 7 m³ ha-1yr-1 in 2011. As it is an exotic species to Nepal, the effect of management practices on its growth was not clear because of specific ecologic condition which is hindering in developing a management plan with a high confidence. Dendrocronological assessment taking sample cores of 120 trees was conducted in plantations age between 1975 and 1990. The study found that the growth rate decreased after 10 years and the rate was high in the higher density class. The cumulative increment, which was found to be higher in the lower density class, was found to have retarded faster after 15-17 years of age in the higher density class as well as in the informally managed plantations. The study recommends conducting planned thinning from the early age of 8-10 years while the final felling is recommended to be executed at the age of 30-35 years for maximizing its volume. However, a vast area of the current stock, which has already crossed or nearly crossed the rotation age of this species, should be removed in two phases ensuring the establishment of the new crops. They should be clear felled when they reach the age of 45 years.Banko Janakari, A Journal of Forestry Information for NepalVol. 25, No. 1Page: 30-38
Diameter-height models for the Terai tree species
Authors: Khadka A. , Subedi T. , Ghimire M. , Dhakal B. P. , Parikka H.
Published: September 2015

Tree diameter-height relationship can be used as a key input component in forest growth and yield models, and description of stand dynamics. Various models of stem diameter and height relation were developed. Those were formulated and implemented during Terai forest inventory data calculations in the Forest Resource Assessment (FRA) Nepal Project. The field inventory was conducted from December, 2010 to March, 2011. The Concentric Circular Sample Plot was designed where the diameters at breast height of all the tallied trees and the heights of the sampled trees were measured. The data were handled with R-script in R Programme to generate non-linear mixed effects models in ‘lmfor’ package of forest biometrics functions of Mehtatalo. Different non-linear models were used to fit the diameter-height relation, which performed well in describing the relationships between the diameters and the heights of the Terai tree species depending on the sample size. The models were selected as the best fitted based on the statistical results such as standard error, Adjusted R2, RMSE and residuals. The best models for Shorea robusta and Terminalia alata were generated using Wykoff’s and Naslund’s functions, respectively.Banko Janakari, A Journal of Forestry Information for NepalVol. 25, No. 1Page: 50-54
Economic potential and marketing trend of bamboo in Nepal: A case study from Rautahat District
Authors: Jha R. K. , Yadav J. N.
Published: September 2015

Bamboo is a versatile gift of nature. It has direct link to the socio-economic and cultural conditions of the Nepalese people. The aim of the study was to assess the status of bamboo production in private land, its contribution to socio-economic condition and marketing trend of bamboo culms and bamboo products. This study was conducted in 10 Village Development Committees (VDCs) of Rautahat District during July to October, 2010. Data were collected through household (HH) survey using semi-structured questionnaires, key-informant survey through interviews, focus group discussion, market survey, and bamboo stock measurement. Two wards in each VDC were selected purposively based on availability of bamboo. The HHs in the selected wards were categorized into three well-being classes (rich, middle and poor) through participatory approach. The average number of bamboo clumps per HH was found to be 3.4 in the three categories of HHs within the study area; 5.7 (highest) in the rich-class HHs followed by 3.9 in the middle-class HHs and 0.5 (lowest) in the poor-class HHs; there were, on an average, 80 culms per bamboo clump in the study area. On the contrary, the income from the bamboo sector was found to be just opposite- 73.85% in the poor-class HHs followed by 2.37% in the middle-class HHs and 0.85% in the rich-class HHs. The prices of bamboo culms, basket and Nanglo winnow were found to have increased by 51.6%, 41.0% and 36.4% respectively during the last 4 years- from 2006/07 to 2010. No fixed market, no fixed price and no guarantee in sealing the products were found to be the major problems for market development of the bamboo products in the district. Awareness-raising through trainings and study-tours on plantation techniques to the bamboo-growers as well as the craft-makers and production of high-prized products are essential for increasing bamboo plantations and for the development of bamboo market in the district so as to make bamboo-culm supplier in the near future. The findings of this study will help the concerned agencies to inform about the status and future prospects of bamboo sector in the district.Banko Janakari; A Journal of Forestry Information for NepalVol. 25, No. 1Page: 63-75
Retrospect and Prospect on Regional Industrial Policy in South Korea: The Case of Gwangju-Chonnam Region
Authors: Lee Sang-Ho , Kim Seung-Leul
Published: September 2015

Gwangju-Chonnam region has long been recognized as an economically hollow region of South Korea. Even though there have been various kinds of policies and investments to vitalize its economy not only from central government, but also from local governments, its relative position in the country is not much changed. This paper is devoted to examine the industrial structure enhancement policies in Gwangju-Chonnam region in South Korea. First, we review the history of regional industrial policy implemented in Gwangju-Chonnam region, and present some policy considerations on regional economic innovation. Second, we classify regional policy directives by historical period, describe policy contents of each period, and discuss the limitations of regional policies adopted by the local governments, after pointing out important factors in selecting regional specialized industry by regions. Finally, under the economic environment faced with global trend of open competition, a brief policy recommendation is suggested in the conclusion.The Journal of Development and Administrative Studies, Vol. 22, No. 1-2, pp. 51-66, 2014
Prevalence and Correlates of Cervico-Vaginal Clinical Syndromes Among Women Attending a Health Camp in Lalitpur District of Nepal
Authors: Johnson D , Chamot E , Lhaki P , Broker TR , Steben M , Shrestha S
Published: September 2015

Background Sexual and reproductive health of women is a major public health problem in Nepal. Screening of cervico-vaginal clinical syndromes could potentially provide insights to the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which is not known.Objective To investigate the prevalence and factors associated with cervico-vaginal clinical syndromes in the socio-behavioral, medical, and public health context of Nepal.Methods Married women attending a clinical health camp held by the Nepal Fertility Care Centerin Khokana of Lalitpur district were recruited to the study. Seventy-three participants completed face-to-face questionnaires on basic socio-demographic, behavioral and reproductive health factors and underwent pelvic screening including clinical diagnosis of cervicitis and vaginitis. An univariate analysis was performed to determine if any of the self-reported variables were associated with abnormal pelvic examination (cervicitis and/or vaginitis).Results Vaginitis was diagnosed in three (4.4%) participants, while cervicitis was detected in 16 (23.5%) women. None of the participants reported any high risk sexual behavior. However, 28% of the participants reported having had STI diagnosis in the past and was associated (P<0.008) with abnormal pelvic results. Additionally, women with lower education were associated (p<0.02) with abnormal pelvic results.Conclusions The high occurrence of cervicitis in our exploratory could indicate the high prevalence of STIs. However, while there could potentially be an unknown epidemic of STIs related to the clinical syndromes, point of care testing practice might help to understand the true prevalence of STIs in Nepali women and also reduce the health burden and consequences of over treatment based on the current symptomatic diagnosis.Kathmandu Univ Med J 2013; 11(4): 268-273
Nuchal Translucency in Normal Fetus and Its Variation With Increasing Crown Rump Length (Crl) and Gestational Age
Authors: Karki S , Joshi KS , Tamrakar SR , Regmi S , Khanal K
Published: September 2015

Background Nuchal translucency (NT) is the fluid collection behind the fetal neck which can be measured by ultrasound at 11-14 weeks of gestation. Increase in the nuchal translucency thickness is associated with various congenital anomalies.Objective To study the relationship between nuchal translucency thickness, crown rump length and gestational age in normal fetus.Methods Prospective analytical study conducted on 211 pregnant women from March 2011 to August 2012. Measurement of Nuchal translucency thickness and crown rump length was performed by ultrasound at 11-14 weeks of gestation. The relationship between nuchal translucency thickness, crown rump length and gestational age was studied by using linear regression analysis.Results The mean CRL was 63.67+13.48mm (range 41.2-88mm) and mean NT thickness was 1.55+0.35mm (range 0.8-2.7mm), respectively. The median gestational age was 12.9 weeks. The regression equation which shows relation between median NT thickness and CRL was described as follows: expected NT thickness = 0.013CRL+0.725, (R2 = 0.258, p <0.001). There was increase in the incidence of NT thickness more than or equal to 2.5mm; 1.7% in fetus between 12-12.9 weeks of gestation to 15.1% in fetus between 14.0-14.9 weeks.Conclusion Our study offers normative data of NT thickness in normal fetus, which can be used as reference to screen various chromosomal and congenital abnormalities between 11- 14 weeks of gestation. NT thickness increased with increasing CRL and a false positive rate increases with increasing gestational age.Kathmandu Univ Med J 2013; 11(4): 282-286
Comparision of Clinical and Laboratory Parameters in Culture Proven and Unproven Early Onset Sepsis in NICU
Authors: Shrestha S , Dhongol Singh S , Shrestha NC , Shrestha RPB , Madhup SK
Published: September 2015

Backgroud Early onset sepsis remains a major cause for neonatal morbidity and mortality.Objectives The aim of this study was to describe and compare the clinical and laboratory characteristics of neonates in neonatal intensive care unit with culture positive and negative early onset sepsis and verify if there were any differences between the groups.Methods A one year comparative prospective study was conducted from January 2011 to January 2012 in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital (KUH).Results Out of 215 cases of suspected neonatal sepsis, 192 (89.30%) cases of early onset sepsis were admitted in neonatal intensive care unit. Out of which 82 cases (42.7%) had blood culture positive and 110( 57.3%) had culture negative but compatible with features of clinical sepsis. There were no cases of culture proven meningitis and urinary tract infections.The clinical characteristic did not show any statistical differences between the study groups except for seizure which was found to be high in culture positive cases (p= 0.041). The hospital stay in neonatal intensive care unit was significantly longer (p=0.02) in culture positive cases. As for the laboratory test there were no differences found between the two study groups except cases of meningitis was more in culture proven early onset sepsis (p=0.00). The overall mortality in early onset sepsis was 36.95%. The higher mortality of 64.7% was seen in culture positive cases but statistically not significant.Conclusion Clinical manifestation and laboratory test were insufficient to distinguish between neonatal infection with blood culture positive and negative sepsis, hence both culture positive and negative cases should be treated promptly and equally.Kathmandu Univ Med J 2013; 11(4): 310-314
Pregnancy with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy – A Potential Risk Factor for Maternal Mortality
Authors: Kumare BD , Kawthalkar A
Published: September 2015

We report a case of a 21 year old married woman diagnosed to have severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at 12 weeks of gestation by echocardiograph at Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, Nagpur on 12th June, 2012. Her mother’s and maternal uncle’s sudden death at young age along with severe form of disease brought a lot of apprehension in the beginning considering the possible catastrophic effect of hemodynamic changes associated with pregnancy and labor. She was asymptomatic before pregnancy but developed dyspnoea on exertion during pregnancy and hence was started on calcium channel blocker verapamil. She remained asymptomatic throughout pregnancy and later underwent elective caesarean section at term under epidural anaesthesia for major cephalopelvic disproportion with uneventful postoperative course. Current data on pregnancy outcome in Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are limited in Southasian countries despite its high prevalence in general population. This case report illustrates that with favourable clinical profile and specialist multidisciplinary team management women with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy tolerate pregnancy well with good outcome.Kathmandu Univ Med J 2013; 11(4): 335-337
Modelling cohesion in snow avalanche flow
Authors: Bartelt Perry , Valero Cesar Vera , Feistl Thomas , Christen Marc , Bühler Yves , Buser Othmar
Published: September 2015

Flowing snow is a cohesive granular material. Snow temperature and moisture content control the strength of the cohesive bonding between granules and therefore the outcome of granular interactions. Strong, cohesive interactions reduce the free mechanical energy in the avalanche core and therefore play a significant role in defining the avalanche flow regime. We introduce cohesion into avalanche dynamics model calculations by (1) treating cohesion as an additional internal binding energy that must be overcome to expand the avalanche flow volume, (2) modifying the Coulomb stress function to account for the increase in shear because of cohesive interactions and (3) increasing the activation energy to control the onset of avalanche fluidization. The modified shear stress function is based on force measurements in chute experiments with flowing snow. Example calculations are performed on ideal and real terrain to demonstrate how snow cohesion modifies avalanche flow and runout behaviour.
Enhanced Secure Trusted AODV (ESTA) Protocol to Mitigate Blackhole Attack in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Singh Dilraj , Singh Amardeep
Published: September 2015

The self-organizing nature of the Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs) provide a communication channel anywhere, anytime without any pre-existing network infrastructure. However, it is exposed to various vulnerabilities that may be exploited by the malicious nodes. One such malicious behavior is introduced by blackhole nodes, which can be easily introduced in the network and, in turn, such nodes try to crumble the working of the network by dropping the maximum data under transmission. In this paper, a new protocol is proposed which is based on the widely used Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV) protocol, Enhanced Secure Trusted AODV (ESTA), which makes use of multiple paths along with use of trust and asymmetric cryptography to ensure data security. The results, based on NS-3 simulation, reveal that the proposed protocol is effectively able to counter the blackhole nodes in three different scenarios.
Regular Routes: Deep Mapping a Performative Counterpractice for the Daily Commute 1
Authors: Bissell Laura , Overend David
Published: September 2015

This article offers a textual “deep map” of a series of experimental commutes undertaken in the west of Scotland in 2014. Recent developments in the field of transport studies have reconceived travel time as a far richer cultural experience than in previously utilitarian and economic approaches to the “problem” of commuting. Understanding their own commutes in these terms—as spaces of creativity, productivity and transformation—the authors trace the development of a performative “counterpractice” for their daily journeys between home and work. Deep mapping—as a form of “theory-informed story-telling”—is employed as a productive strategy to document this reimagination of ostensibly quotidian and functional travel. Importantly, this particular stage of the project is not presented as an end-point. Striving to develop an ongoing creative engagement with landscape, the authors continue this exploratory mobile research by connecting to other commuters’ journeys, and proposing a series of “strategies” for reimagining the daily commute; a list of prompts for future action within the routines and spaces of commuting. A range of alternative approaches to commuting are offered here to anyone who regularly travels to and from work to employ or develop as they wish, extending the mapping process to other routes and contexts.