bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Design of Application-Specific Heuristics for the Usability Evaluation of the Digital Doorway
Authors: Adebesin Funmi , Kotze Paula
Published: September 2015

The Digital Doorway (DD) is a joint initiative between the South African Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Meraka Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The DD is a non-standard computer system deployed amongst underprivileged communities in South Africa with the objective to promote computer literacy. Since its inception, there has been no usability or accessibility evaluation of the software installed on the DD, mainly due to lack of usability engineering or interaction design expertise within the development team. The goal of the research presented in this paper was to design a solution to this problem by developing a suitable instrument that could guide DD application developers in the design and development of more usable DD software and interfaces. Design research was used as a research methodology. We first investigated the applicability of the standard usability and accessibility evaluation methods for evaluating the software installed on the DD. During the first cycle of design research, we established that a heuristic-like evaluation method would be an appropriate method for evaluating the usability and direct accessibility support provided by the DD. During a second cycle of design research, embedded in the first, we also developed a set of multi-category heuristics as the ‘instrument’ that could guide the developers during design of applications as well as in the first-level (formative) evaluation thereof. To verify the heuristics, we conducted a usability evaluation of the DD and triangulated the results with a direct field observation at a natural environment of DD use, together with user-administered questionnaires.
Factors for Successful Use of Social Networking Sites in Higher Education
Authors: Schlenkrich L , Sewry Dave
Published: September 2015

Social networking sites are extremely popular online destinations that offer users easy ways to build and maintain relationships with each other, and to disseminate information in an activity referred to as social networking. Students, lecturers, teachers, parents and businesses, in increasing numbers, use tools available on social networking sites to communicate with each other in a fast and cost-effective manner. The use of social networking sites to support educational initiatives has received much attention. However, the full potential of social network sites has yet to be achieved as users continue to strive for optimal ways of using these sites, as well as battle to overcome the negative characteristics (for example, privacy, security, governance, user behaviour, information quality) of these sites. This paper proposes factors for successful use of social networking sites in higher educational institutions. These success factors need to be adopted by users in order to develop the positive aspects of social networking, while at the same time mitigating the negative characteristics. An initial set of factors for successful use of social networking sites, as well as measures to test successful use of social networking sites were derived from the literature. These factors were tested by means of an online survey of students at a university, the results of which informed the final factors for successful use of social networking sites. The factors enable users to overcome the negative characteristics associated with social networking sites. If used successfully, social networking sites can offer lecturers and students a useful tool with which to develop their relationship and contribute to their learning experience.
Strategic Business-IT alignment of application software packages: Bridging the Information Technology gap
Authors: Kruger Wandi
Published: September 2015

An application software package implementation is a complex endeavour, and as such it requires the proper understanding, evaluation and redefining of the current business processes to ensure that the implementation delivers on the objectives set at the start of the project.

Numerous factors exist that may contribute to the unsuccessful implementation of application software packages. However, the most significant contributor to the failure of an application software package implementation lies in the misalignment of the organisation’s business processes with the functionality of the application software package. Misalignment is attributed to a gap that exists between the business processes of an organisation and what functionality the application software package has to offer to translate the business processes of an organisation into digital form when implementing and configuring an application software package. This gap is commonly referred to as the information technology (IT) gap.

This study proposes to define and discuss the IT gap. Furthermore this study will make recommendations for aligning the business processes with the functionality of the application software package (addressing the IT gap). The end result of adopting these recommendations will be more successful application software package implementations.
Quality in Software Development: a pragmatic approach using metrics
Authors: Acton Daniel , Kourie Derrick , Watson Bruce
Published: September 2015

As long as software has been produced, there have been efforts to strive for quality in software products. In order to understand quality in software products, researchers have built models of software quality that rely on metrics in an attempt to provide a quantitative view of software quality. The aim of these models is to provide software producers with the capability to define and evaluate metrics related to quality and use these metrics to improve the quality of the software they produce over time. The main disadvantage of these models is that they require effort and resources to define and evaluate metrics from software projects.

This article briefly describes some prominent models of software quality in the literature and continues to describe a new approach to gaining insight into quality in software development projects. A case study based on this new approach is described and results from the case study are discussed.
Identifying attributes of GPU programs for difficulty evaluation
Authors: Tristram Dale , Bradshaw Karen
Published: September 2015

General-purpose computation on graphics processing units (GPGPU) has great potential to accelerate many scientific models and algorithms. However, some problems are considerably more difficult to accelerate than others, and it may be challenging for those new to GPGPU to ascertain the difficulty of accelerating a particular problem. Through what was learned in the acceleration of three problems, problem attributes have been identified that can assist in the evaluation of the difficulty of accelerating a problem on a GPU. The identified attributes are a problem's available parallelism, inherent parallelism, synchronisation requirements, and data transfer requirements. We envisage that with further development, these attributes could form the foundation of a difficulty classification system that could be used to determine whether GPU acceleration is practical for a candidate GPU acceleration problem, aid in identifying appropriate techniques and optimisations, and outline the required GPGPU knowledge.
“I can’t fall behind!” Aspirations, Technology and Becoming a Teacher in South Africa
Authors: Bladergroen Moira , Bytheway Andy , Cantoni Lorenzo , Chigona Wallace , Pucciarelli Marta , Sabiescu Amalia Georgiana
Published: September 2015

This article contributes a theoretical perspective on aspirations and technology in ICT4D research. The paper examines the aspirations for professional development of undergraduate pre-service teachers in South Africa, and the extent to which these are marked by or influence the formation of technology attitudes. It is found that the relations between professional aspirations and attitudes towards technology are fairly complex, and of mutual determination: technology is seen as a capacity enabler, instrumental in helping pre-service teachers fulfil their professional aspirations, which in turn motivate them to understand and integrate technology in their future teaching. The implications of this argument for wider ICT4D scholarship are discussed.
Giving children voice in the design of technology for education in the developing world
Authors: Gelderblom Helene
Published: September 2015

Of the numerous projects that involve ICTs to solve the problems of the developing world, many are unsuccessful. Reasons include lack of attention to how the human and social systems need to adapt to the new technologies, problems with the intent of the initiators, and lack of user involvement. Focusing on the design of ICT for education and acknowledging the range of complex reasons for possible failure, this article focuses on lack on involvement of end users (specifically children) in the design and development of ICT solutions. Children in the developing world are not given voice when it comes to the design of technology aimed at providing them with better education. Through examination of the concept of “children’s voice” as well as through discussion of a practical design case to support underprivileged children in South Africa, this article shows that (1) listening to children requires that adult co-designers have the correct attitude towards their child partners and that they are committed to really hearing them; (2) power relations and context plays an important role in the contribution children can make; and (3) South African children have the ability to provide essential input into the design of technology for education.
Segmentation of retinal blood vessels using normalized Gabor filters and automatic thresholding
Authors: Gwetu Mandlenkosi Victor , Tapamo Jules Raymond , Viriri Serestina
Published: September 2015

Although computerized retinal image blood vessel segmentation has been extensively researched, there is still room for improvement in the quality of the segmented images. Since retinal image analysis is still widely used in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy, efficient and accurate image characterization techniques are required. Previous work has mainly focused on improving segmentation accuracy rates with little regard to the false positives that are produced by illumination variation. This research work presents a hybrid approach towards the segmentation of retinal blood vessels. New approaches towards the reduction of background illumination variation are proposed using normalized Gabor filtering. These are the base-offset encoding and a modified version of an existing zero-integral kernel technique. The valley emphasis automatic thresholding scheme is used to segment the Gabor response images. Experiments are conducted on the DRIVE and STARE retinal image data sets. Accuracy rates of up to 94% are achieved through the zero-integral and base offset methods. This is comparable with results from literature, where the same data sets are segmented using other classification techniques. The median-offset method is found to most effectively reduce background illumination variation.
Higher Education Cloud Computing in South Africa: Towards Understanding Trust and Adoption issues
Authors: Van Der Schyff Karl , Krauss Kirstin
Published: September 2015

This paper sets out to study the views of key stakeholders on the issue of cloud information security within institutions of Higher Education. A specific focus is on understanding trust and the adoption of cloud computing in context of the unique operational requirements of South African universities. Contributions are made on both a methodological and theoretical level. Methodologically the study contributes by employing an Interpretivist approach and using Thematic Analysis in a topic area often studied quantitatively, thus affording researchers the opportunity to gain the necessary in-depth insight into how key stakeholders view cloud security and trust. A theoretical contribution is made in the form of a trust-centric conceptual framework that illustrates how the qualitative data relates to concepts innate to cloud computing trust and adoption. Both these contributions lend credence to the fact that there is a need to address cloud information security with a specific focus on the contextual elements that surround South African universities. The paper concludes with some considerations for implementing and investigating cloud computing services in Higher Education contexts in South Africa.
Block RAM-based architecture for real-time reconfiguration using Xilinx® FPGAs
Authors: Le Roux Rikus , Van Schoor George , Van Vuuren Pieter
Published: September 2015

Despite the advantages dynamic reconfiguration adds to a system, it only improves system performance if the execution time exceeds the configuration time. As a result, dynamic reconfiguration is only capable of improving the performance of quasi-static applications. In order to improve the performance of dynamic applications, researchers focus on improving the reconfiguration throughput. These approaches are mostly limited by the bus commonly used to connect the configuration controller to the memory, which contributes to the configuration time. A method proposed to ameliorate this overhead is an architecture utilizing localised block RAM (BRAM) connected to the configuration controller to store the configuration bitstream. The aim of this paper is to illustrate the advantages of the proposed architecture, especially for reconfiguring real-time applications. This is done by validating the throughput of the architecture and comparing this to the maximum theoretical throughput of the internal configuration access port (ICAP). It was found that the proposed architecture is capable of reconfiguring an application within a time-frame suitable for real-time reconfiguration. The drawback of this method is that the BRAM is extremely limited and only a discrete set of configurations can be stored. This paper also proposes a method on how this can be mitigated without affecting the throughput.
A social representations analysis of design science research
Authors: Naidoo Rennie , Van der Merwe Alta , Gerber Aurona , Hevner Alan R.
Published: September 2015

Design science research (DSR) is a relatively unfamiliar research paradigm within the computing field in South Africa. In light of recent interest in this paradigm, this study sought to explore DSR perspectives among local computing researchers. Key theoretical concepts from social representations theory (SRT) such as anchoring and objectification were used to explore how researchers construct their understanding of DSR. A visual approach was used to administer drawing and association tasks to two focus groups; each focus group comprised around 25 participants ranging from doctoral students to experienced researchers. The focus group discussions invoked interesting complementary and distinctive associations about the process and content of DSR – anchored in dominant and conventional research practices. The results also illustrated several ways in which DSR is objectified by the researchers in drawings and metaphorical constructions. We conclude that SRT is useful for exploring beliefs about novel and relatively unfamiliar research practices. This study contributes to an enhanced understanding of how computing researchers go about making sense and assigning meaning to changing research practices. The findings are developed into recommendations for introducing changes to research practices. These recommendations can be used to direct efforts to more appropriately accommodate changing research practices within the computing community to broaden knowledge generation.
Burning money with firewalls
Authors: Staudemeyer Ralf C. , Connan James
Published: September 2015

Protecting computing infrastructure is an expensive but necessary task. Companies that run their own computing infrastructure need to constantly vigilant in order to guard against intruders on their networks and groups or individuals that seek to intercept their communications. Companies turn to Firewall and Intrusion Detection System vendors to help them safeguard their information and infrastructure. These companies are putting their faith in expensive devices that attempt to distinguish between friendly and malicious traffic. Despite the expense and complexity of these systems, malicious users seem to find ways to avoid detection and news of massive breaches have become an almost daily occurrence. We propose to fundamentally change the way to look at information security. We highlight some of the fundamental flaws in current systems and expose risks that many experts know, but are not aware of.
Development of Heterogeneous Immature Brownfield with Waterdrive Using Dynamic Opportunity Index: A Case Study from Iraqi Oilfields
Authors: Al-Khazraji Ahmed Khalil , Shuker Muhannad T.
Published: September 2015

The developing of an immature brown oilfield through determining the optimal number and locations of infill wells pose extreme challenges due to high costs of drilling wells and uncertainty of geological and reservoir characteristic parameters. The improper well placement may lead to project failure. This paper presents a methodology to identify reservoir layers with high potential opportunities for optimal infill well placement in Nahr Umr reservoir of Subba oilfield. A full field numerical flow simulation model was constructed to assist in simulation the opportunity index and generate opportunity index (OI) which has been determined depending on static and dynamic properties. The generated OI maps for each layer in the reservoir assist in delineating the reservoir regions with favorable infill wells placement. This methodology was efficient, easy to apply and less time consuming as well as it reduce the uncertainty inherent to infill well placement. The presence of water aquifer drive and needing for waterflooding after few years of field life to maintain the field pressure, make the infill drilling with economic viability very crucial element in the field development plan. The performance of new wells, tested at different places of the field in the simulation model, had produced high watercut. It is very important to determine the reservoir opportunities zones in order to enhance sweeping efficiency and increase oil production rate from infill well. In this study a combination of extracted parameters from both static and dynamic models were used to generate opportunity index maps through writing codes into classic property calculator in the Eclipse-FloViZ commercial simulator software. In this case study of Nahr Umr reservoir in Subba oilfield the results showed distinct identification reservoir potential regions for each layer at the reservoir at last time step of history match. These regions showed high OI values that reflected the actually mapped oil in each layer at that time.
The Challenge of the Obayied Field: Novel PDC Design Sets New Performance Benchmarks in Egypt's Difficult Deep Western Desert Lithology Column
Authors: Moneim M. A. , Ahmad M. F. , Hanafy O.. , Fayez S.. , Eloufy M.. , Aguib K..
Published: September 2015

Drilling the deep lithology column using PDC bits in the Obayied field of Egypt's Western Desert has been extremely difficult. The field's lithology column represents an amplification of all of the typical lithology characteristics in the Western Desert. The highly interbedded sandstone, siltstone, and shale—along with the variance of such interbedding across the field—has been a significant challenge for well planners and has adversely affected cost per foot. The application is characterized as predominantly abrasive and impact-intensive in the same section, hence challenging for PDC bit durability. To efficiently drill the 8½-in interval, a fundamental change in PDC bit design is required.

Considering these formidable challenges, service providers had to evolve PDC bits to meet the constant demand of improving performance and reducing costs. Focus was concentrated on balancing new technology developments and the willingness to invest on field trials. To accomplish these objectives in the Obayied field, the operator and the service provider identified two main problems—developing an in-depth understanding of rock strength characteristics of each individual formation in the deep rock column and its variance across the field, and developing PDC bits that can survive such a challenging rock column with improved durability and ROP.

Recently, a novel conical diamond element (CDE) with extreme impact- and abrasion-resistant characteristics has been developed. The CDE has been incorporated at bit center in a new and innovative PDC design, solving the traditional challenge of the inefficient characteristic of PDC bit central area. In addition, a field-wide rock strength study based on sonic and gamma rays logs provided the transparency required for better planning and risk management to resolve the operational inefficiencies traditionally seen in the Obayied field.

The new PDC bits utilizing the CDE technology has been deployed in Obayied and has reduced consumption to just 3–4 bits per section in 2014, whereas that number was 8–10 bits per section averaged in 2006. The new bit has also reduced the average number of days to drill the section from as low as 6 days to reach TD instead of 20 days. Performance gains were achieved both in ROP and footage totals in the most challenging formations, including Alam Al Buwaib, Upper Safa, and Lower Safa. The authors will discuss the benefits of this industry collaboration that achieved exceptional performance improvement leading to dramatic cost savings in the Obayied field.
Learnings from Cementing the Deepest Expandable Casing under HP/HT Conditions in Mediterranean Offshore Egypt
Authors: Bhaisora Devesh , Mohamed Sherif , Awad Ahmed Fathy , Fayed Mohamed Idris , Mehdiyev Akshin , Geldof Wilco , Hollman Landon
Published: September 2015

The adequate cementation of an expandable tubular can be challenging but is essential for long-term casing integrity. Such cementing jobs are especially crucial under high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) conditions for many reasons, including but not limited to rigorous HP/HT laboratory testing schedules, selection of proper cement volume and fluid density, etc. A failed cement job in expandable casing does not allow for a remedial cement job and thus can jeopardize the entire well.

An operator in Egypt required running and cementing a 9 5/8-in. expandable casing at 5625 m inside a 12.25-in. open hole (OH). The length of the expandable tubular was approximately 850 m, which corresponds to an expansion time of 8 1/2 to 9 1/2 hr. Accordingly, an adequate cement slurry would require a minimum of 13 to 14 hr of thickening time, with a very long zero gel time. As no centralizers were run, homogenous slurry distribution was also one of the main concerns for this job. Another potential issue for the slurry design was the presence of a possible gas zone in this section, which could cause flow and create a permanent channel in unset cement during casing expansion.

An 18.5-lbm/gal anti-gas-migration slurry was designed and tested under 16,300-psi bottomhole pressure (BHP) and at 315°F bottomhole static temperature (BHST) to meet the job requirements. Various numerical simulators were run to calculate hydraulics and displacement efficiency to achieve the zonal isolation objectives and optimum cement sheath around the casing. A specially designed casing shoe was also used to accommodate a foam ball, which acted as a bottom plug to help minimize cement slurry contamination while pumping.

This paper describes the challenges, solutions, and lessons learned during the design and execution phase while cementing the deepest expandable casing in Mediterranean offshore Egypt.
Structural Interpretation of High Resolution Images acquired in Foam Mud System: Geological Operations Insights from Kurdistan Region (Iraq)
Authors: Alward Wassem M. , Emam Mahmoud , Baldi Jorge , Erakay Hakan , Muñoz José María
Published: September 2015

Dipmeter & image logging tools had gained wide acceptance in petroleum industry as a mean to define subsurface sedimentary structures and to detect geologic signatures of tectonic events. The advantage of dipmeter & image logging, over seismic is that they rely on their ability to provides accurate information's near the well bore and detect structural features beyond seismic resolution.

Dipmeter & Imaging information in frontier areas with poor seismic imaging (scattered 2D seismic data over thrust & belt regime) is paramount from wildcat spud, mainly to initially correlate with surface geological data, later on constantly update the geological model and, of course, to visualize expected geological prognosis for the undrilled section. In the Kurdistan region (Iraq) usually the surface sections are drilled with air/foam air due to existing drilling risks. An operational imposed mud system that triggers several limitation from the data acquisition point of view. In this case the Joint Venture (Repsol Exploration as an Operator and Maersk as a partner) decided to use a High Definition Formation Micro Imager as a challenge against the lack of other wireline logging reliable tools (Sonic, etc…). Initially this High Definition Formation Micro Imager with its high vertical resolution of 0.2”, was designed electronically for greater reliability and clearer images in extreme conditions, could provide an excellent image in Air/Foam mud. This tool data revealed that the dip patterns over the intervals suffer from increasing and decreasing of dips downward with repeated azimuth directions (generally from NE to SW). These changes were not accompanied by any fracture displacement (faulting). These zones were interpreted due to the presence of series of recumbent and overturned folding, where the direction of dip decreases till the axial plane of the structure, then increasing again towards the opposite flank with different azimuth direction. This interpretation helped matching the updated geological model (unexpected recumbent & overturned folding) with the surface geology, and determined a startup (geological prognosis) for the undrilled section.

This paper documents that a High Definition Formation Micro Imager can be successfully acquired in such tough Air/Foam mud conditions. It also provided reliable downhole information for surface section project decision. This data proved to be very important to update the geological model and provide a required geological prognosis.
Multi-objective Well Placement Optimization Considering Energy Sustainability Along With Economical Gains
Authors: Siddiqui Mohammed Abdul , Khan Rizwan Ahmed , Jamal Md Sarim
Published: September 2015

Determining the optimum well locations while developing a field contributes significantly to efficient reservoir management. Most optimization problems have focused on maximizing the Net Present Value (NPV) of the project. However, the ultimate aim of projects differs between international and national oil companies. The primary aim of international oil companies (IOCs) is to maximize its profit (NPV). As far as a national oil company is concerned, apart from maximizing NPV one of its main objective is to sustain its resources for as long as possible by delaying abandonment i.e., national oil companies (NOCs) aim to increase the field recovery factor (RF) by maintaining a long period of plateau production.

Therefore, a multi-objective approach is presented which incorporates both NPV and RF as objective functions in well placement and rate optimization of Brugge field. The technique of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) was used to solve the optimization problem. The search for optimum well locations was conducted in three stages. In the first stage, only NPV was used as the objective function while in the second stage it was only RF. In the third stage, objective function was a weighted sum of NPV and RF in which a set of three weights was used to describe the relative importance of NPV and RF. A comparison of how these weights affect the optimized NPV and RF values is presented.

The approach quantitatively clearly differentiates between the operating strategies of NoCs and IoCs and shows how to balance between maximizing profitability and keeping RF as stable as possible. The method takes care for both IoCs and NoCs to optimize the financial aspect (NPV) and the energy sustainability aspect (RF) of field development projects. This technique presents a realistic NPV estimation while keeping a balance in RF for both companies.
Conical Diamond Element Bit Sets New Performance Benchmarks Drilling Hard and Abrasive Formations, Offshore Netherlands
Authors: Van Heekeren H.. , Storm R.. , Kraan A. v. , Caycedo A.. , Maliekkal H.. , Azar M. G. , White A..
Published: September 2015

In The Netherlands the operator drilling in the Southern North Sea area had to drill through Germanic Trias super group sequences to the reservoir sections in Buntsandstein formations of lower Triassic series at a depth of about 9,800-ft TVD that are highly abrasive and hard sandstone formations. These formations are overlaid by middle and upper Triassic clay stones interbedded with hard dolomite stringers. The compressive strength of these formations ranges from 5,000–15,000 psi in the upper clay stones and from 15,000–30,000 psi in the Buntsandstein group.

Drilling the build and turn wellbore profiles using a directional BHA with roller cone and/or PDC has been challenging. In offsets, these bit types produced slow ROP and short run lengths, requiring multiple bit trips to complete the hole section. In many cases, the bits were pulled in poor dull condition with severe cutting structure damage. In some cases, the operator was forced to use diamond-impregnated bits on turbine to TD the section.

To drill the section in one run and at higher ROP, the provider recommended a new-style conical diamond element bit that uses multiple conical shaped diamond elements (CDEs) positioned from bit center to gauge. The CDE's conical shape penetrates high-compressive-strength rock with a concentrated point loading that fails formation with a plowing mechanism. Design engineers used a finite-element-analysis (FEA)-based modeling system to strategically place the CDEs based on specific drilling parameters and formation characteristics. Recent R&D tests confirm the hybrid PDC bit drills with 25% less torque compared with conventional PDC cutters, providing increased directional control and smoother toolface response. The result is higher build rates that achieve directional objectives in less time. The new 513 design also included a centrally located CDE to enhance bit stability and mitigate shock and vibration.

The bit was run on an RSS BHA and drilled 1,279 ft of difficult claystone and anhydrite/dolomite with silt/sandstone stringers at an average ROP of 31.04 ft/hr, 200% faster compared to the closest offsets in the reservoir sand. The bit also set a new single-run footage benchmark for this section in Block P15. The RSS BHA efficiently delivered all directional wellbore requirements, building inclination from 26° to 39° with a DLS of 3.42°/100 ft and 6.09°/100 ft in Sidetrack 1. As a result, the operator saved one day of rig time and a bit trip for a total savings of approximately USD 635,000.
Effective Implementation of a Transportation Management System (HSE Integrated Approach)
Authors: Tawfik Mohamed
Published: September 2015

Over the past decade, system management approach has been evolving into a core business practice in government and industry. This approach is helping in the coordination of the efforts of people to accomplish goals and objectives using available resources efficiently and effectively, especially in the oil &gas sector. This report introduces this management approach when it was effectively implemented in Weatherford Egypt since 2008.

The report discusses the system's purpose as well as the application of the conventional management system's functionalities, planning and execution and follow-up and measurement, on the transportation sector of WFT*. This was achieved when In-vehicle monitoring system was introduced thoroughly in the transportation business to ensure full compliance with the safety measures. Journey management process was also applied to every trip. All dispatching safety measures such as load securing / handling were taken; customer complaints were reduced by 94%, accordingly. Also, this report illustrates the management's commitment in topics such as driver's safety, qualifications, trainings, and performance awarding. This transportation paradigm resulted in achieving and maintaining a zero accidents record for more than 6 years. Also, reduction in the rig non-productive time caused by company transportation issues was achieved by 97% and reduction in the wrong tools / equipment delivery was achieved by 100%.
Use of Retrievable Bridge Plugs with Service Packer in One String Saves Significant Rig Time
Authors: Deif-Allah Yehia Ahmed
Published: September 2015

The objective of the proposed system is to save runs, thus saving valuable rig time, when attempting to locate casing leaks, squeeze off a casing leak, or performing an acid job.

Contrary to the use of conventional methods of permanent drillable bridge plugs, and a Cement Retainer/Service Packer to squeeze cement inside a casing leak, or an undesired perforation; Using the proposed system can save up multiple runs, and valuable rig time. The system also protects the bottom formation/perforation from falling debris, and junk from drilling the drillable bridge plug after the cementing operation.

By using a conjunction of Left, and Right hand set, Retrievable Bridge Plug, and a Service Packer; we can mount them both on the same string and work on locating the exact depth of the top and the bottom of the leak. Or if the depth of an undesired perforation is already known, using the proposed system will allow for setting the Bridge Plug, somewhere below the bottom of the undesired leak/perfs, and the Retrievable Service Packer above it, and then squeeze cement, acidize, or frac the zone, and then retrieve the Plug, and the Packer in one run, in acidizing, or stimulating jobs, and a significant decreased number of runs in cementing applications.

Comparing using the proposed system with the conventional system, of running a conventional bridge plug, and a packer to locate casing leaks, or straddle existing perforations in a minimum of two runs, at least to identify and straddle the perforation or casing leak, can be replaced by using the proposed system to save up to 50 % of rig time in acidizing, and stimulation applications, and 30 % of rig time in normal perforation cementing applications, and at least 50 % in locating casing leaks, and cementing applications.

This paper will benefit practicing engineers, and entities in utilizing the proposed system which will provide them with rig time saving, which will result in significant money saving, especially in offshore applications.
National Malaria Strategy: Paradigm Shift from Control to Elimination in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Be-Nazir
Published: September 2015

Abstract not availableAnwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 6, No. 1: January 2015, Pages 4
Primary Cutaneous Actinomycosis of Lower Extremity: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Ismail , Khan AKM Shahabuddin
Published: September 2015

Actinomycosis is a chronic, suppurative, and granulomatous process caused by actinomycetes, saprophytic bacteria normally residing in the oral cavity. There are a few cases of primary actinomycosis described in the literature where it can involve any organ. Primary cutaneous actinomycosis of the lower extremity is very uncommon and can easily be regarded as ordinary soft tissue infection. Herein, a case of 45-year-old diabetic man with primary cutaneous actinomycosis at his lower extremity, over the lateral aspect of left lateral maleolus, probably after direct inoculation of the microorganism from his saliva into a preceding wound in extremity, was reported. He was treated successfully with surgical excision combined with extended period of antimicrobial treatment.Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 6, No. 1: January 2015, Pages 55-57
Temperature-dependent breakdown of hydrogen peroxide-treated ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticle agglomerates
Authors: Sabuncu Sinan , Çulha Mustafa
Published: September 2015

Metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) are used in a variety of applications including drug formulations, paint, sensors and biomedical devices due to their unique physicochemical properties. One of the major problems with their widespread implementation is their uncontrolled agglomeration. One approach to reduce agglomeration is to alter their surface chemistry with a proper functionality in an environmentally friendly way. In this study, the influence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment on the dispersion of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticle (NP) agglomerates as a function of temperature is studied. The H2O2 treatment of the MONPs increases the density of hydroxyl (–OH) groups on the NP surface, as verified with FTIR spectroscopy. The influence of heating on the dispersion of H2O2-treated ZnO and TiO2 NPs is investigated using dynamic light scattering. The untreated and H2O2-treated ZnO and TiO2 NP suspensions were heated from 30 °C to 90 °C at 5 °C intervals to monitor the breakdown of large aggregates into smaller aggregates and individual nanoparticles. It was shown that the combined effect of hydroxylation and heating enhances the dispersion of ZnO and TiO2 NPs in water.
The Role of Gamification and Evolutionary Computation in the Provision of Self-Guided Speech Therapy
Authors: Higgins Conor , Kearns Áine , Ryan Conor , Fernstrom Mikael
Published: September 2015

This chapter explores the potential for a combined gamification and evolutionary computation approach in facilitating continuous speech and language therapy. We present Ogma; a system intended to be primarily used by individuals with aphasia (the deterioration of an individual's expressive and or comprehensive abilities), though it could have wider applicability, given certain alterations. Ogma features an intuitive front-end word-finding game, the content for which is generated by a powerful offline genetic algorithm. A preliminary study of the front-end application's use by aphasic individuals is documented and discussed, while an early examination of the genetic algorithm's ability to discern the perceived complexity of individual words is presented.
Using Leap Motion and Gamification to Facilitate and Encourage Rehabilitation for Hand Injuries
Authors: Taylor Jamie , Curran Kevin
Published: September 2015

Injuries to the hand are more common than those of any other body region and can have considerable financial, time-measured and psychological impact on not only the victim but also the community as a whole. Hand rehabilitation aims to return people to their pre-injury roles and occupations and has proved largely successful in doing so with the potential for technology to improve these results further. However, most technology used in hand rehabilitation is based on expensive and non-durable glove-based systems and issues with accuracy are common among those that are not glove-based. This chapter proposes the use of accurate, affordable and portable solutions such as the Leap Motion as a tool for hand rehabilitation. User feedback can be provided primarily through an animated 3d hand model as the user performs rehabilitative exercises.
Making Exergames Appealing
Authors: Agu Emmanuel , Tulu Bengisu , Chokchaisiripakdee Amorn , Sujumnong Nuttaworn , Khachonkitkosol Latthapol
Published: September 2015

While exergames are becoming mainstream with increasing sales, fewer exergame units are still sold annually than non-exergame video games. For instance, in 2013 there was only one exergame (Just Dance 4) in the list of top 10 games sold. In this chapter, the authors attempt to determine (1) if a gap exists in appeal between exergames and non-exergame video games, (2) the factors that make video games more or less appealing to an audience, and (3) people's perceptions of whether playing exergames can help them become healthier. The authors reviewed literature, conducted reviews of top 10 video games, analyzed Amazon.com user comments on the top selling exergames, and conducted an online survey to understand gamer perceptions of exergames and non-exergame video games. Through this work, an evaluation tool that could be utilized by other researchers was developed. The recommendations at the end of this chapter could also help game designers in improving the appeal of exergames.
Design of a Multi-Modal Dexterity Training Interface for Medical and Biological Sciences
Authors: Payandeh Shahram
Published: September 2015

This chapter presents an overview of the design of an interactive medical/biological training environment using a multi-modal user interface. We describe the software architecture required to develop such environment. Then we introduce the physics-based models of the objects interacting in the virtual scenes. We discuss the implementation of the dexterity enhancing training tasks combined with the associated definitions of metrics which can be used as a part of score keeping operation. A virtual mentoring agent was used throughout the training tasks for guidance in terms of multi-modal feedback including graphics, haptic and audio feedback cues. A fuzzy logic based method was used to evaluate and compare the performance metrics of the trainee in relationship to both novice and expert user.
Finding a Smart Technical System for Mitigating the Elderly's Driving Accidents
Authors: Jung Sebin
Published: September 2015

Driving-related injuries associated with elderly drivers are on the rise although the overall rate of driving-related injuries has decreased. To determine the causes of this trend, this chapter introduces the characteristics of the elderly's aging health conditions and driving behaviours, and also explains existing vehicle systems that use different safety technologies to promote safe driving. This chapter will show that for the most part, current systems are not created by people with driving difficulties caused by health problems, which in turn often afflict the elderly. Moreover, based on an elderly focus group with declining body conditions, this chapter uses an interview to discover the problems they encounter while driving and demonstrates how new system concepts can be developed for the elderly. Finally, this chapter proposes adequate system concepts for the elderly as a solution that would improve driving safety and provide a more enjoyable driving environment for this population.
Hand Exercising Exoskeleton
Authors: Manna Soumya Kanti , Lenka Prasanna Kumar , Bhaumik Subhasis
Published: September 2015

Aging is a common stage of human life where people often face different problems related to physical and mental weakness which in turn make them feeble to do their daily activity. Despite of all the challenges, most aged people prefer to do their daily routine at their own. Assistive technology is used to support those people to get back into their normal life and enhance the independent living. Exoskeleton or wearable robots are people-oriented robots designed to be worn. These robots are designed around the function and shape of the human body and the human will be able to control the robotic limbs. This control can assist in walking, running, jumping higher or even lifting objects one would not normally be able to lift. A hand exercise device called “Exorn” which is user friendly, simple to use and easy to control is being focused in this chapter.
Computer Aided Diagnosis System for Breast Cancer Detection
Authors: Wadhwani Arun Kumar , Wadhwani Sulochana , Singh Tripty
Published: September 2015

Management of breast cancer in elder patients is challenging due to a lack of good quality evidence regarding the role of adjuvant chemotherapy. Mammograms can depict most of the significant changes of breast disease. The primary radiographic signs of breast cancer are masses (its density, site, shape, borders), spicular lesions and calcification content. The basic idea is to convert the mammogram image and convert into 3-D matrix. Obtained matrix is used to convert the mammogram into binary image. Several techniques like detecting cell, filling gaps, dilating gaps, removing border, smoothing the objects, finding structures & extracting large objects have been used. Finally finding the granulometry of tissues in an Image without explicitly segmenting (detecting) each object. Compared to existing multiscale enhancement approaches, images processed with this method appear more familiar to radiologists and naturally close to the original mammogram.
Dispersants for Dual Binding System Kaolin - Calcium Aluminate Cement
Authors: Sokolař Radomír
Published: September 2015

Calcium aluminate cement CAC is able to increase strength of green body distintly. Influence of typical ceramic dispersants – sodium hexametaphosphate SHMP, sodium carbonate SC and sodium silicate (water glass) SWG – on the rheological properties (viscosity) of calcium aluminate cement – kaolin slurries with different ratio between CAC and kaolin was determined. In all cases sodium carbonate is the most effective dispersant but deflocculation is not very intensive – decrease of torque during the rotational viscometer test was not higher than 15 % (from 68,8 N.mm to 58.3 N.mm for ratio 1:1 of CAC:kaolin suspension when 0,06 %-wt of sodium carbonate was used).
Freeze-Thaw Resistance with Sodium Chloride Solution of Fly-Ash Concrete Mixtures
Authors: Váchal Tomáš , Šulc Rostislav , Svoboda Pavel
Published: September 2015

This paper describes freeze-thaw resistance with sodium chloride solution of concrete mixtures based on alkali-activated fly ash. There are shown relationships between freeze-thaw resistance with sodium chloride solution and air content in fresh alkali-activated concrete and relationship between freeze-thaw resistance with sodium chloride solution and spacing factor of alkali-activated concrete. Also there is described relationship between air content in fresh mixture and compressive strength of alkali-activated concrete.
Influence of Grinding Processes on Gypsum Microstructure
Authors: Hájková Iveta , Dvořák Karel , Dolak Dusan , Fridrichová Marcela
Published: September 2015

The research work was focussed on grinding processes of beta gypsum using Pulverisette 6 planetary mill in order to obtain best technological properties. Sulphur binders originate by burnout of calcium sulphate dihydrate at different temperatures. All types are classified in air mortars therefore they can solidify, harden and remain stable only on air. Laboratory processed beta gypsum prepared from Pregips calcium sulphate characterised with high purity and relatively low moisture from Precheza a.s. Přerov chemical works was selected as basic material. The microstructure was monitored using MIRA 3 scanning electron microscope.
Stress Distribution in Joints in Panel Structures
Authors: Svoboda Pavel , Winter Karl Heinz
Published: September 2015

Reinforced and pre-stressed concrete have been used increasingly for various kinds of complex structures in the past decades. The structures assembled from panels belong into this group. The current design methods rely on linear elastic analyses based on empirically derived material laws assuming homogeneous and isotropic material. Practical experience and various investigations however have indicated that majority of structures and structural elements are in fact stressed beyond the range of linear elastic behavior. In addition, long term effects may have a significant influence on the structural behavior of this category of structures and structural members.