bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Coupled Model for Predicting Flowing Temperature and Pressure Distribution in Drilling Ultra-Short Radius Radial Wells
Authors: Li Xiaojiang , Li Gensheng , Wang Haizhu , Lu Peiqing , Tian Shouceng , Yang Ruiyue , Wang Meng
Published: August 2016

Ultra-short radius radial well (URRW) drilling is one of the crucial ways to improve the recovery efficiency and rejuvenate mature oilfields. However, due to the lagging development in drilling theory and related facilities, the technology is still encountering various bottlenecks such as high pressure loss, low rock breaking efficiency and low penetration rate, etc. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) jet has a low specific energy and high rock breaking efficiency when is used in drilling. Besides, the hydraulic power can be lowered due to its lower threshold pressure and viscosity compared with water. Thus it can be used in URRW underbalanced drilling and is expected to solve problems above. But properties of CO2, such as density and viscosity, are very sensitive to temperature and pressure, which makes prediction of flowing temperature and pressure distribution in wellbore very complicated.

In this paper, a theoretical temperature and pressure prediction model was developed based on conservation laws of mass, momentum and energy balance. The state-of-the-art equation of state for carbon dioxide proposed by Span and Wagner (1996) was adopted to calculate the in-situ density and isobaric specific heat for a certain segment of wellbore. Besides, the model of Vesovic et al. (1990) was adopted to calculate the viscosity and thermal conductivity of SC-CO2. Temperature and pressure were coupled during calculation by using an iteration scheme.

The results indicate that supercritical state of carbon dioxide, that is SC-CO2, can be reached at a relatively shallow depth. The temperature and pressure distributions of URRW drilling are quite different from those of conventional drilling. And temperature and pressure change dramatically due to the special structure of drillstring and narrow radial laterals. Finally, parameter analysis was conducted by calculating the influences of circulation rate, inlet fluid temperature, casing pressure and circulation time, well depth and borehole geometry on temperature and pressure of drilling fluid.

The novelty of this research is that the flowing temperature and pressure distribution in wellbore during drilling a URRW is studied accurately for the first time. Besides, the feasibility of drilling a URRW with SC-CO2 is validated from the aspect of temperature and pressure. This calculation model can be used to help design wellbore structure and operation parameters.
New Concentric Dual Diameter Fixed Cutter Technology Bit Drills 100% Faster and Saves Operator Drilling Time Through Challenging Abrasive Sandstone in One of the Largest Reservoirs in the Middle East
Authors: Al-Ajmi Khaled , Al-Hamadi Ebrahim , Baqer Yousef , Al-Suliman Mishari , Al-Mutairi Abdulwahab , Singh Anilkumar , Al-Sarraf Abdullah Baqer , Al-Sairafi Fatma Abdulatif , Fayed Moustafa , Khalil Karim , Khalil Ahmed
Published: August 2016

This paper will discuss the deployment of the concentric dual diameter fixed cutter bit technology which was introduced in January 2015. The bit was deployed and tested four times in a vertical application and S-shape wells in Burgan Field, South of Kuwait and achieved the fastest penetration rate in the application.

The concentric dual diameter bit is composed of a smaller pilot and a larger reamer section, where the reamer section dictates the final drill size. Conventional fixed cutter bits take very little advantage of stress relieving the rock, as it only affects the borehole wall. Concentric dual diameter technology bits are able to initially drill with a leading smaller pilot section efficiently to relieve the stress of the rocks. Subsequently, the reamer section removes the stress relieved rock with lower mechanical specific energy compared to regular fixed cutter bits, giving it the advantage to generate higher penetration rates. Another advantage of the concentric dual diameter technology bits is the stability of the bit, since two gauge sections are available to be in constant contact with the borehole while drilling.

The first 12 ¼ in. concentric dual diameter technology bit in conjunction with a packed rotary BHA was tested in a vertical application in the Burgan Field, South of Kuwait. The bit was able to deliver improved performance by drilling two wells from shoe-to-shoe to section TD of 1372 ft with an ROP of 152.4 ft/hr where the lithology consisted of shale and sandstone.

The performance capability was confirmed when the second bit drilled two wells shoe-to-shoe to sections to a TD of 2263 ft with ROP of 161.6 ft/hr. and achieved top record runs in south Kuwait for vertical applications and S-shape wells and consisted of similar lithology of shale and sandstone.

The 12 ¼ in. concentric dual diameter was able to surpass the average rate of penetration for the same application in the Burgan Field by 100% saving the operator drilling time and making the concentric dual diameter bit design the top performing drill bit in the field.
Implementation of an Engineered, Fiber-Based Spacer Solution for Improved Mud Removal -Thailand Case History
Authors: Olutimehin K. , Taoutaou S. , Pasteris M. , Wuttikamonchai P. , Vargas Bermea J. A. , Ashraf S. , Kaotun K. K , Phonpuntin V.
Published: August 2016

The optimization of spacer fluid properties is very critical for achieving good mud removal in primary cementing. A new, laminar spacer fluid formulation using surfactant/solvents based on engineered-chemistry approach and incorporating high-temperature mud removal (HTMR) fibers was introduced to improve cementing placement results for a major operator in the Gulf of Thailand. The successful implementation of this technology has been accomplished in the field through the application of the Design-Execution-Evaluation workflow best practices.

The team carried out extensive laboratory testing to validate placement efficiency at conditions representative of high-temperature production tubing jobs. A detailed analysis was carried out to compare performance (with fibers) with the legacy system (without fibers) from the same field. The testing results showed significant improvement in the stability of the new system at high temperature and a much higher cleaning efficiency attained using a proprietary test method. Repeat tests were conducted in different laboratories to ensure reliability and robustness against minor changes in downhole temperature.

In order to achieve complete tubing annulus integrity the design workflow required mandatory mitigations for 4 main phenomena (i.e. microannulus, channeling, gas migration and set cement delamination) which, based on detailed analysis of actual data from treated wells, were the main risk factors that could cause integrity issues. This thesis is consistent with indepth analysis of previous wells and therefore supported the introduction of a more technically robust spacer in the production string cementation fluids train to eliminate the risk of channeling.

Prior to actual field implementation of the system on the first well, a dummy "yard" test was carried out onshore to validate mixability and pumpability under simulated field conditions. For operation integrity, a pre-job quality checklist system plus technical co-ordination was implemented between operator fluids team, service company technical engineers and rig-based personnel - this included use of standardized peer review, risk assessments, materials preparation & logistics workflows, plus the application of ISO-certified quality assurance procedures. Three case histories from numerous successful jobs will be presented in this paper.
Cementing Across 30 Varying Pressure Zones: A Case History of Overcoming Engineering Challenges
Authors: Saeed Y. , El-Sayed I. Fouad
Published: August 2016

After drilling a 3,200-m exploration well, an operator in the United Arab Emirates faced a considerable cementing challenge: 30 producing reservoirs with multiple different pressure properties. For example, several injector wells surround the new well, which created a highpressure zone with an equivalent pore pressure of 11.97 ppg. A nearby zone, however, had an overbalance of 2,448 psi and a high potential for significant losses.

The pressure conditions left almost no room between equivalent circulating density and the fracture pressure, so the spacer and lead cement were designed with the same density as the mud. To ensure good hole-cleaning without a clear density hierarchy, engineers analyzed the well conditions using a novel fluid displacement software model to assess effective laminar flow, a functional alternative to turbulent flow when properly implemented. Furthermore, a specialized lost-circulation spacer was designed to mitigate expected losses while cementing. Finally, gastight, lightweight lead cement with high-performance microspheres was designed to cover the upper section of the well, followed by a heavy expandable cement to ensure zonal isolation. The cementing operation was pumped successfully, with cement returns to surface after successful displacement. A successful Shoe Bond Test followed after 96 hours, and drilling resumed.

This paper will describe the technical evaluation, risk assessment, and operational execution of the job, with details of the lost-circulation spacer, as well as the lightweight lead and expandable tail slurries. Modeling simulation of the ECD, centralization, and fluid displacement will also be shared.
Numerical Analysis of Bottomhole Velocity and Pressure Distributions of High Pressure High Temperature Hydrothermal Jet
Authors: Hu Xiaodong , Song Xianzhi , Li Gensheng , Shen Zhonghou , Cui Liu , Lv Zehao , Shi Yu , Peng Chi
Published: August 2016

Hydrothermal spallation drilling (HSD) is a new method, especially suitable for drilling hard brittle rocks. HSD is promising for drilling deep hard formations. Recent studies of HSD have mainly focused on the effect of non-uniform thermal stresses during rock-breaking processes, with a nozzle exit velocity of usually less than 20 m/s. Inspired by high-pressure water jet technology, a new technology is proposed for HSD in this study. The technology, named hydrothermal jet spallation drilling (HJSD), which refers to a high-speed jet with high temperature at the nozzle outlet, should be more efficient for rock-breaking because the rock breaks due to not only thermal spallation but also the impact force of the jet. In this paper, numerical simulation of the high pressure high temperature jet in HJSD (hereafter referred to as the hydrothermal jet) is performed to analyze the distributions of impact pressure and cross-flow velocity of the bottom-hole flow field. The influence of the inlet temperature and pressure on the flow field is also analyzed. In addition, sensitivity analysis is performed to determine which parameter is more influential on the impact pressure and drag force. The results show that compared with the conventional water jet, under conditions of the same nozzle structure and pressure difference, the hydrothermal jet can generate higher impact velocity, cross-flow velocity and impact pressure; however, its attenuation is less obvious. Impact pressure, cross-flow velocity and drag force increase with the inlet pressure. With increasing temperature, the impact pressure and drag force remain almost constant, whereas the cross-flow velocity increases. In terms of the impact effect, a higher pressure in the chamber is preferred.
Successful PMCD Application Significantly Improved Drilling Efficiency on Carbonate Drilling
Authors: Houng N. H. , Rubianto I. , Abuelaish A. R. , Abdullah Mohd Aimran
Published: August 2016

Two offset wells were drilled in a field in East Malaysia, the original well and a sidetrack from the original well. Both wells experienced total lost circulation and Pressurized Mud Cap Drilling (PMCD) was attempted, but was not successful. A total of 55 days were spent drilling both offset wells, without achieving the primary well objectives.

After a 4-year gap, a re-drill well was planned and a specialist PMCD service provider was approached to drill the well. The PMCD team worked closely with the Operator's drilling team through the early stages of planning including well design, completions, fluids, logistics, BHA design, mud pit arrangements and drilling procedures. The lessons learnt from the previous wells were analyzed and precautionary steps were taken to avoid similar mistakes in the planned re-drill well. Field proven PMCD operational procedures were provided and experienced field personnel were assigned for on-site execution.

The re-drill well hit total losses and was converted to PMCD after evaluating the characteristics of the well. The section was drilled to the planned Total Depth (TD) in one run, a section length of 430m. A Composite Bridge Plug (CBP) was stripped in hole and set in the previous casing to isolate the carbonate section. The 7″ liner was made up with a drill shoe and run in hole, and the CBP was drilled out. The well went back on losses after drilling the CBP and PMCD mode was re-established and the 7″ liner was stripped in to TD. The liner was then set and cemented at the shoe.

The well primary objectives were achieved successfully. This paper elaborates on the planning, drilling and completion phases of a successful PMCD operation, with relevant lessons learned and recommendations for future solutions.
Experimental Investigation of Self-Repeating Effect of Different Nanoparticles on Internal Mud Cake Formation by Water-Based Drilling Fluid in Directional Wells
Authors: Sedaghatzadeh M. , Shahbazi K. , Ghazanfari M.H. , Zargar G.
Published: August 2016

In this paper, the impact of three parameters including nanoparticles geometry, particles aggregation and borehole inclination on induced formation damage from water based drilling fluids were investigated by means of experimental studies. Accordingly, we designed a dynamic filtration setup capable to rotate and change well inclination. Nano-based drilling fluids consisting of spherical, cubical and tubular shapes nanoparticles as fluid loss additives were used. Mud cake quality, core permeability impairment and degree of formation damage at various well inclinations were examined. The cluster structure of aggregated particles were determined using fractal theory and applying dynamic light scattering technique. For this purpose, drilling fluids were circulated at different well inclinations and at a constant differential pressure against a synthetic core. Field emission scanning electronic microscopy images taken from mud cakes confirmed the proposed cluster structures of nanoparticles. The experimental results show that the mud cake quality and degree of damage are functions of produced structure of aggregated particles. Moreover, by increasing the well inclination, the skin factor increases. However, this trend is intensively depended on particle geometry. Real time analysis of pore throat size to particle size ratio during mud circulation shows the tendency of particles to create external/internal filter cake is mainly related to well inclination and particle shape. The results can be used to optimize the size and shape of selected macro/nanoparticles as additives in drilling fluids to reduce formation damage in directional and horizontal wells during drilling operation.
Bespoke Fast-Track Training Program Proves Successful for Major Drilling Contractor in Singapore
Authors: Gibson Michael
Published: August 2016

This paper portrays the advantages of utilising an 18-month "Fast-track" or Accelerated Assistant Drilling's Program for young people new to the Industry employed by a major drilling company in South East Asia.

The challenge was to educate young people of different backgrounds, nationalities (Thai, Indonesian, Malaysian and Bruneian) whose practical and theoretical skill capabilities and language abilities in Tender Assist Drilling who have never come across such equipment before so that they clearly understood the design and functionality of their equipment on-board their specific rig.

Given that Drilling is not an easy subject for people to understand (especially those who are new to the Industry) the task of writing material especially suited for such people is not as easy as it may seem, since the bulk of material available on the subject is at too high and too complex a level. Also, there are very few books written specifically on the subject of Tender Assist Drilling as there are several units, which have to be addressed: – 1) The Tender and Anchor Winches; 2) The Umbilicals and Lines and 3) The Drilling Equipment Set mounted on the platform.

An 18-month E-Learning, Offshore and Classroom Training Program was considered the ideal solution for this training since, through being bespoke, it could be clearly and unambiguously written. It could also dove-tail perfectly with the new IADC "Wellsharp" and IWCF well control training programs and the OGP Report No.476, which recommends certain enhancements to well control training.

That every trainee scored high marks in the various sections both onshore and offshore is testimony to the fact that such a program is indeed the perfect training aide for young people coming into the industry for the first time. As a result, it is seen as an ideal cost-effective method for future training courses.
Well Side-Track Optimization Using Electromagnetic and Ultrasonic Measurements Across Dual Strings for Well Integrity Assurance
Authors: Al-Saadi Dhari M. , Yateem Yousef A. , Omani Shaikhah S. , Al-Ajmi Mohammad B. , AlMahdy Mohamed , Abugreen Yosra
Published: August 2016

This paper describes the application of a combined answer from Electromagnetic and Ultrasonic imaging measurements to assess the well integrity prior to well side track and Whip-Stock setting. This solution was applied in a very old well in Raudhatain field in Kuwait that was completed since 1959.

To optimize the cut depth for the side track across the single string, it was essential to identify an accurate depth of the external casing shoe, in addition to evaluation of both internal and external casings integrity and the cement bond quality for zonal isolation assurance. Data was acquired in September 2015 where the Electromagnetic log along with Ultrasonic images have been utilized with the advantage to provide answer in sections completed with dual strings for well integrity assessment.

The log results could detect the external casing shoe at the depth 7170-ft, presented good pipe integrity for the internal casing, and indicated good pipe condition with minor metal loss in the external casing across the double strings interval. The measured outer casing shoe was found 21-ft deeper than the theoretical from the old well sketch data, hence the depth of the well side track and Whip-Stock setting were optimized accordingly.

Failing to confirm the actual depth of the external casing shoe could have unintentionally led into drilling the side track across the double casing section resulting in undesirable workover operations and rig cost. Drilling a side track in dual pipe completed interval would also result-in damaging the outer casing and high remedial cost that cannot be predicted.

The operator "Kuwait Oil Company" has achieved their objective to side-track the well across single casing string without taking any risk and avoiding any implications through wireline technology and solutions.
Samarang Well Intervention Performance Evaluation for Production Enhancement Portfolio
Authors: Setiawan Toto , Ghazali Rohaizat B , Granados Leidy Pitre , Sepulveda Willem , Chandrakalatharan Jayasharadha , Zubbir Ahmad Uzair , Hanafi Muhammad Mukrim , Vaca Juan Cortez , Yildiz Rasim
Published: August 2016

Since 2010, Samarang Alliance, a partnership between Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd and Schlumberger SPM, has been redeveloping the offshore Samarang oil field. The objective of the Alliance is to maximize asset value through implementation of technology, processes and practices that enable infill drilling, reservoir management, EOR, Integrated Operations (IO) and production enhancement activities.

One of the focus areas upon resource extraction initiatives of Samarang Alliance is through rigless intervention activities for production enhancement. The dynamics of Production Enhancement (PE) portfolio in Samarang requires the use of engineering and statistical tools to track their efficiency to be able to channel and strategize resources aiming for the highest return on investment (ROI).

The Samarang Well Intervention Performance Evaluation (WIPE) methodology enables the user to assess the profitability of a given well intervention activity over time. Productive layers, time and job type are plotted which helps to triangulate the best avenues for investment. Incremental production is specifically calculated for different time-lines. "Budget Cycle" (Calendar year) to evaluate the efficacy of the current year planned work budget. "PE Cycle" when referring to the duration encompassing one year (12 months) to compare similar PEs irrespective of the month of execution. "PE Life" for the entire duration that the well production will be impacted by the PE. Additionally the calculation of Unit Enhancement Cost (UEC) for the different time-lines is considered, which provides a numerical estimate of the economic value of each PE.

Superimposed with intervention history and reserve estimation, WIPE plots enables the user to find a specific profitable intervention solution to declining production. The "Opportunity Cost" can be calculated to a degree of high accuracy which supports the selection of new candidates and fulfills the requirements of a Signature Field like Samarang. Supported on available medium like Microsoft Excel, this powerful tool improves the decision making and planning processes for Brown Field redevelopment.
Socioeconomic and religious differentials in marital fertility during the fertility transition: A micro-level study from Western Hungary, 1850–1939
Authors: Pakot Levente , Őri Péter
Published: August 2016

The analysis of fertility decline and its socioeconomic and cultural determinants during the demographic transition is a topic that is rarely researched in Hungary. So far, the question has been examined only at country and regional levels, with the help of aggregate data. Much like the international research on historical demography, little attention has been paid to non-aggregate data and to the micro level. Previous family reconstitution studies, which can be regarded as the most feasible and  prevalent method for micro-level analysis in Hungary, focused only on the analysis of pre-transitional fertility. We know, however, that on the one hand, in many communities irreversible fertility decline did not start before World War I, and on the other hand, the analysis of the transitional period offers more opportunities to better understand the background of changing fertility behaviour.The aim of the present paper is to investigate the socioeconomic and denominational differentials in marital fertility in a rapidly industrializing Western Transdanubian community, which was heterogeneous in these respects. The analysis covers the pre-transitional period and the fertility transition, mainly from the second part of the 19th century up to World War II. This period of the Hungarian demographic transition has never been examined at micro level. According to the results, the upper groups of the local society had higher fertility compared to others prior to the transition, but the socioeconomic patterns of childbearing changed during the 1870s–1880s. First, local elite groups began to decrease their family size. They were followed later by local craftsmen and skilled workers, then by smallholders, and finally by semi-skilled and unskilled workers. The fertility of Lutherans was slightly lower than that of Roman Catholics, but this can be explained by the different demographic and socioeconomic composition of these denominational groups. Fertility transition on the spot meant not only parity-specific birth control, but also increasing birth intervals, which was particularly significant in the period of the Great Depression (1929–1933).
A realistic dynamic blower energy consumption model for wastewater applications
Authors: Amerlinck Y. , De Keyser W. , Urchegui G. , Nopens I.
Published: August 2016

At wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) aeration is the largest energy consumer. This high energy consumption requires an accurate assessment in view of plant optimization. Despite the ever increasing detail in process models, models for energy production still lack detail to enable a global optimization of WWTPs. A new dynamic model for a more accurate prediction of aeration energy costs in activated sludge systems, equipped with submerged air distributing diffusers (producing coarse or fine bubbles) connected via piping to blowers, has been developed and demonstrated. This paper addresses the model structure, its calibration and application to the WWTP of Mekolalde (Spain). The new model proved to give an accurate prediction of the real energy consumption by the blowers and captures the trends better than the constant average power consumption models currently being used. This enhanced prediction of energy peak demand, which dominates the price setting of energy, illustrates that the dynamic model is preferably used in multi-criteria optimization exercises for minimizing the energy consumption.
The Natural History of Hepatit is C Viral Infection: Clinical Evaluation and Monitoring
Authors: Chin Matthew , Hogan Christopher , Nguyen Douglas
Published: August 2016

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease in the world and represents a substantial burden on global health systems and individual patient wellbeing. Routine screening for HCV in certain high-risk populations is appropriate. HCV can cause both an acute and chronic hepatitis, and manifests as a variety of hepatic and extrahepatic symptoms, largely influenced by a combination of host and viral factors. It can be difficult to predict clinical outcomes in individual cases. In those who suffer a chronic infection, progression to cirrhosis carries the risk of decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma. The natural history of HCV infection and our understanding of risk factors that are predictive of disease progression are discussed.
Structural Insights into the Molecular Design of HER2 Inhibitors
Authors: Tripathi Avinash C. , Sonar Pankaj Kumar , Rathore Ravindranath , Saraf Shailendra K.
Published: August 2016

Background:

The present study was aimed at designing some potential candidates as HER2 inhibitors used in breast cancer.

Methods:

An energy optimized pharmacophore (E-pharmacophore) model was developed and used to screen the molecular databases (such as ASINEX and NCI databases) against a six site (ADHRRR) hypothesis. The shape similarity of the retrieved hits was calculated and then filtered applying ADME and Lipinski’s filters. Further, these hits were docked into the crystal structure of HER2 protein (3W32) using Glide XP protocol to obtain the docking poses and XP gscores. The performance of the virtual screening (VS) methods was evaluated using Schrödinger’s decoy set of 1000 molecules. Ranking of the actives in the VS protocol was assessed by a variety of well-established methods including the average rank of actives, EF, ROC, BEDROC, AUAC, and the RIE. The retrieved hits were submitted to Canvas for generating binary fingerprints (dendritic) to identify structural diversity among the hits and clustered on the basis of Tanimoto coefficient using hierarchical clustering.

Results:

Seven structurally diverse clusters were selected applying above protocol, having XP gscores >-10, and fitness scores > 1, considering top scoring cluster representative from each cluster. The best scoring hit 355682-ASINEX was submitted to Combiglide to discover some better candidates with improved scores. Finally, structural interaction fingerprint (SIFT) analysis was employed to study the binding interaction, which showed H-bond interaction with Met793, Gln791 and Thr854 residues of HER2 protein.

Conclusion:

The applied methodology and the retrieved hits could be useful in the design of potent inhibitors of HER2 proteins, commonly found to be expressed in the breast cancer patients.
The Influence of Textured Surfaces of Cosmetic Packaging on Consumers' Feelings
Authors: Ritnamkam Siripuk , Chavalkul Yada
Published: August 2016

This study investigated what consumers' feelings were evoked when they touched different textured surfaces of 20 compact powder cases. Without seeing them, fifty respondents with and without an art-and-design-based background were asked to describe their feelings in their words as they touched the cases as well as explain them by provided words. The results show that different surface textures did evoke different respondents' feelings of which those familiar with the design were able to express a wider range. All participants were able to describe both the initial sense of physicality and complex feelings toward every textured surface investigated.
A Review of the Restorative Environment Research in the Mainland of China
Authors: Ruoxi Meng , Leiqing Xu
Published: August 2016

More and more Chinese experts focus on the research field of the restorative environment and public health. We reorganized the theories of restorative environment and proposed a theory framework which consists of Attention Restorative Theory(ART) and psycho-evolutionary theory and other three auxiliary hypothesis included Biophilia Theory, Prospect-Refuge Theory and Stress: The "fight or flight" response We classified the experiments methods into three types; the psychological, subjective evaluation, physiological objective indicators, and behavior improvements .We could figure out some shared questions at the current research in mainland China, such as limited research methods, limited senses used in the current research.
Environmental Barriers Faced by Caregivers Caring for Adults with Terminal Illnesses
Authors: Ahmad Ainuddin Husna , Ab Ghani Siti Norehan , Dahlan Akehsan , Murad Mohd Suleiman
Published: August 2016

Caring for a patient at the end of their life can be highly demanding and becomes a challenge for caregivers. The participants were recruited using a convenience sampling of ten caregivers who provided the most care to an adult with a terminal illness. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the six steps of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The findings showed that the environmental barriers caregivers had recognized were transportation, insufficient material resources, and remote home facilities. By acknowledging these barriers, healthcare professionals can design and implement therapeutic environments that are clinically relevant toward those most in need.
A Stakeholder Analysis of the KLIA2 Airport Terminal Project
Authors: Mohd Isa Nor Azlina , Abdul Hamid Norlida , Leong Tan Peck
Published: August 2016

Managing an airport terminal project is complex, due to a large number of stakeholders involved. Airport stakeholders include many organisations and individuals, making it a collaborative service environment. Stakeholder theory denotes that organisation should strive to create value for all its stakeholders without the need to trade off. The purpose of this study is to identify the respondents to measure the collective perspectives of the KLIA2 airport terminal project. This is an overview of the literature relating to the stakeholder theory and identification of the stakeholders for an airport terminal project in general and specifically for the KLIA2 terminal.
Jurisprudência como fonte de direito na teoria de sistemas sociais autopoiéticos
Authors: Guerra Filho Willis Santiago
Published: August 2016

A teoria dos modelos, proposta por Miguel Reale para substituir com vantagens a vetusta doutrina das fontes, foi incorporada à perspectiva sistêmica luhmanniana. Para atender à condição cognitiva necessária à autorreflexão e à autoprodução do Direito, porém, os modelos jurídicos devem ser concebidos como modelos internos do sistema, isto é, construtores de uma realidade especificamente jurídica, com o que não se coaduna a distinção feita por Reale entre “modelos jurídicos” e “modelos dogmáticos”, onde estes últimos seriam modelos “criados” pela teoria do direito, enquanto aqueles seriam propriamente normativos. A autonomia do Direito, portanto, resulta não apenas da autoprodução de suas normas, mas também da autoconstituição de figuras jurídico-dogmáticas, que permitam reformular, em termos especificamente jurídicos, a percepção de uma problemática extrajurídica (econômica, política, moral etc.).
Inclusión del "modelo complejo" en la sociología jurídica reflexiva
Authors: Gerlero Mario S.
Published: August 2016

A entrada de novos atores sociais, como fenômeno cultural relevante, transforma o campo legal, ampliando o leque de direitos, dentre os quais se destaca a igualdade plena. Para analisar as múltiplas dimensões dos fenômenos sociais, neste contexto, faz-se necessário trabalhar com diversos modelos, metodologias e variáveis múltiplas, resgatando-se a reflexão crítica no campo legal. Novas concepções metodológicas geram espa- ços abertos de análise teórica da realidade social, permitindo conclusões mais simples de situa- ções obscuras e complexas. Com isto, é possível refletir sobre o campo legal, especulando novas questões e respostas diferentes, em face das relações sociais emergentes. A criação de espaços alternativos de análise acadêmica no campo jurídico possibilita a construção de novos sentidos em face da complexa rede de subjetividades que se apresenta, gerando análises críticas do mundo sócio-legal, para o qual a coesão social era o centro de estudo empírico, limitando a emergente “cidadania-plena”. Assim, a partir de um conceito multidimensional de análise, a sociologia reflexiva colocou em crise a ideia de instituições jurídicas uniformes. Abordagens multidimensionais produzem um senso coletivo de como são limitadas as instituições existentes, ineficientes no tratamento de novas questões, esquecidas ou não amparadas pelo campo legal.
Fertility of Herbivores Consuming Phytoestrogen-containing Medicago and Trifolium Species
Authors: Reed K.
Published: August 2016

Despite their unrivalled value in livestock systems, certain temperate, pasture, legume species and varieties may contain phytoestrogens which can lower flock/herd fertility. Such compounds, whose chemical structure and biological activity resembles that of estradiol-17α, include the isoflavones that have caused devastating effects (some of them permanent) on the fertility of many Australian sheep flocks. While the persistence of old ‘oestrogenic’ ecotypes of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) in pasture remains a risk, genetic improvement has been most effective in lowering isoflavone production in Trifolium species; infertility due to ‘clover disease’ has been greatly reduced. Coumestans, which can be produced in Medicago species responding to stress, remain a potential risk in cultivars susceptible to, for example, foliar diseases. In the field, coumestrol is often not detected in healthy vegetative Medicago species. Wide variation in its concentration is influenced by environmental factors and stage of growth. Biotic stress is the most studied environmental factor and, in lucerne/alfalfa (Medicago sativa), it is the major determinant of oestrogenicity. Concentrations up to 90 mg coumestrol/kg (all concentrations expressed as DM) have been recorded for lucerne damaged by aphids and up to 600 mg/kg for lucerne stressed by foliar disease(s). Other significant coumestans, e.g., 4’-methoxy-coumestrol, are usually present at the same time. Concentrations exceeding 2000 mg coumestrol/kg have been recorded in diseased, annual species of Medicago. Oestrogenicity of some Medicago species is also influenced by maturity and senescence. Studies in Israel, North America, Europe, New Zealand and Australia have confirmed that coumestans in lucerne, represent an acute or sub-acute loss of reproductive efficiency in herbivores, e.g., sheep, cattle, and possibly horses. When sufficiently exposed peri-conception, coumestrol, sometimes present in lucerne, be it as pasture, hay, silage, pellets, meal, and sprouts, is associated with what can be an insidious, asymptomatic, infertility syndrome. Most livestock research with oestrogenic lucerne has been conducted with sheep. Ewes may be at risk when the coumestrol concentration in their diet exceeds 25 mg/kg. In studies where lambing was compared for lucerne and a phytoestrogen-free treatment, the mean decrease in lambs born/ewe was 13%; ewes on lucerne, exhibited a lower frequency of multiple births.
A Mark along the Way: Schematic Rock Art and Communication Routes
Authors: Collado Giraldo Hipólito
Published: August 2016

On the Iberian Peninsula, during the Neolithic age, there was a new cycle of post-Palaeolithic rock art: schematic rock art. This rock art style is said to date from the 6th millennium BCE until the end of the Bronze Age (around the transition between the 2nd and 1st millennium BCE). Schematic rock art has been interpreted from different approaches (religious, semiological, social) according to the different lines of research followed in Spain for more than 100 years. In this article, based on the studies linked to “landscape archeology”, we are proposing an interpretative approach of schematic rock art. For us, this rock art style would have a functional character, landscape marker, reflecting close connections between the places chosen as a support for schematic depictions and ones with survival resources or communication routes between territories.
Scalar Aharonov–Bohm Phase in Ramsey Atom Interferometry under Time-Varying Potential
Authors: Morinaga Atsuo , Murakami Motoyuki , Nakamura Keisuke , Imai Hiromitsu
Published: August 2016

In a Ramsey atom interferometer excited by two electromagnetic fields, if atoms are under a time-varying scalar potential during the interrogation time, the phase of the Ramsey fringes shifts owing to the scalar Aharonov–Bohm effect. The phase shift was precisely examined using a Ramsey atom interferometer with a two-photon Raman transition under the second-order Zeeman potential, and a formula for the phase shift was derived. Using the derived formula, the frequency shift due to the scalar Aharonov–Bohm effect in the frequency standards utilizing the Ramsey atom interferometer was discussed.
Microstructure Investigation on Metal Hydride Alloys by Electron Backscatter Diffraction Technique
Authors: Liu Yi , Young Kwo-Hsiung
Published: August 2016

The microstructures of two metal hydride (MH) alloys, a Zr7Ni10 based Ti15Zr26Ni59 and a C14 Laves phase based Ti12Zr21.5V10Ni36.2Cr4.5Mn13.6Sn0.3Co2.0Al0.4, were studied using the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technique. The first alloy was found to be composed of completely aligned Zr7Ni10 grains with a ZrO2 secondary phase randomly scattered throughout and a C15 secondary phase precipitated along the grain boundary. Two sets of orientation alignments were found between the Zr7Ni10 grains and the C15 phase: (001)Zr7Ni10A//(110)C15 and [100]Zr7Ni10A//[0 1 ¯ 1]C15, and (01 1 ¯ )Zr7Ni10B//( 1 ¯ 00)C15 and [100]Zr7Ni10B//[313]C15. The grain growth direction is close to [313]Zr7Ni10B//[ 1 ¯ 11]C15. The second alloy is predominated by a C14 phase, as observed from X-ray diffraction analysis. Both the matrix and dendrite seen through a scanning electron microscope arise from the same C14 structure with a similar chemical composition, but different orientations, as the matrix with the secondary phases in the form of intervening Zr7Ni10/Zr9Ni11/(Zr,Ni)Ti needle-like phase coated with a thin layer of C15 phase. The crystallographic orientation of the C15 phase is in alignment with the neighboring C14 phase, with the following relationships: (111)C15//(0001)C14 and [1 1 ¯ 0]C15//[11 2 ¯ 0]C14. The alignments in crystallographic orientations among the phases in these two multi-phase MH alloys confirm the cleanliness of the interface (free of amorphous region), which is necessary for the hydrogen-storage synergetic effects in both gaseous phase reaction and electrochemistry.
Functional Consequences of Differential O-glycosylation of MUC1, MUC4, and MUC16 (Downstream Effects on Signaling)
Authors: Hanson Ryan , Hollingsworth Michael
Published: August 2016

Glycosylation is one of the most abundant post-translational modifications that occur within the cell. Under normal physiological conditions, O-linked glycosylation of extracellular proteins is critical for both structure and function. During the progression of cancer, however, the expression of aberrant and truncated glycans is commonly observed. Mucins are high molecular weight glycoproteins that contain numerous sites of O-glycosylation within their extracellular domains. Transmembrane mucins also play a functional role in monitoring the surrounding microenvironment and transducing these signals into the cell. In cancer, these mucins often take on an oncogenic role and promote a number of pro-tumorigenic effects, including pro-survival, migratory, and invasive behaviors. Within this review, we highlight both the processes involved in the expression of aberrant glycan structures on mucins, as well as the potential downstream impacts on cellular signaling.
Electrochemical, Electrochemiluminescence, and Photoelectrochemical Aptamer-Based Nanostructured Sensors for Biomarker Analysis
Authors: Ravalli Andrea , Voccia Diego , Palchetti Ilaria , Marrazza Giovanna
Published: August 2016

Aptamer-based sensors have been intensively investigated as potential analytical tools in clinical analysis providing the desired portability, fast response, sensitivity, and specificity, in addition to lower cost and simplicity versus conventional methods. The aim of this review, without pretending to be exhaustive, is to give the readers an overview of recent important achievements about electrochemical, electrochemiluminescence, and photoelectrochemical aptasensors for the protein biomarker determination, mainly cancer related biomarkers, by selected recent publications. Special emphasis is placed on nanostructured-based aptasensors, which show a substantial improvement of the analytical performances.
Developmental Drift and the Role of Wnt Signaling in Aging
Authors: Gruber Jan , Yee Zhuangli , Tolwinski Nicholas
Published: August 2016

Population aging is a public health problem affecting the majority of the developed world. As populations age, the incidence of degenerative diseases increases exponentially, leading to large increases in public spending on healthcare. Here we summarize recent findings on the developmental drift theory of aging, and the links that have been established between aging and the Wnt signaling pathways. We focus on insights derived from model organisms connecting the evolutionary basis of aging and the link to developmental programming.
Covalent Immobilization of Candida rugosa Lipase at Alkaline pH and Their Application in the Regioselective Deprotection of Per-O-acetylated Thymidine
Authors: Rivero Cintia , Palomo Jose
Published: August 2016

Lipase from Candida rugosa (CRL) was stabilized at alkaline pH to overcome the inactivation problem and was immobilized for the first time by multipoint covalent attachment on different aldehyde-activated matrices. PEG was used as a stabilizing agent on the activity of CRL. At these conditions, CRL maintained 50% activity at pH 10 after 17 h incubation in the presence of 40% (w/v) of PEG, whereas the enzyme without additive was instantaneously inactive after incubation at pH 10. Thus, this enzyme was covalently immobilized at alkaline pH on three aldehyde-activated supports: aldehyde-activated Sepharose, aldehyde-activated Lewatit105 and heterofunctional aldehyde-activated EDA-Sepharose in high overall yields. Heterogeneous stable CRL catalysts at high temperature and solvent were obtained. The aldehyde-activated Sepharose-CRL preparation maintained 70% activity at 50 °C or 30% (v/v) acetonitrile after 22 h and exhibited high regioselectivity in the deprotection process of per-O-acetylated thymidine, producing the 3′-OH-5′-OAc-thymidine in 91% yield at pH 5.
Guanine Quadruplex Electrochemical Aptasensors
Authors: Chiorcea-Paquim Ana-Maria , Oliveira-Brett Ana
Published: August 2016

Guanine-rich nucleic acids are able to self-assemble into G-quadruplex four-stranded secondary structures, which are found at the level of telomeric regions of chromosomes, oncogene promoter sequences and other biologically-relevant regions of the genome. Due to their extraordinary stiffness and biological role, G-quadruples become relevant in areas ranging from structural biology to medicinal chemistry, supra-molecular chemistry, nanotechnology and biosensor technology. In addition to classical methodologies, such as circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance or crystallography, electrochemical methods have been successfully used for the rapid detection of the conformational changes from single-strand to G-quadruplex. This review presents recent advances on the G-quadruplex electrochemical characterization and on the design and applications of G-quadruplex electrochemical biosensors, with special emphasis on the G-quadruplex aptasensors and hemin/G-quadruplex peroxidase-mimicking DNAzyme biosensors.
An Ingested Orthodontic Wire Fragment: A Case Report
Authors: Puryer James , McNamara Catherine , Sandy Jonathan , Ireland Tony
Published: August 2016

Accidental ingestion or inhalation of foreign bodies has been widely documented, including incidents which occur whilst undertaking dental treatment. Most ingested objects pass through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) spontaneously, but approximately 10%–20% need to be removed endoscopically and 1% require surgery. This case reports a complication arising from the accidental loss of an archwire fragment during maxillary archwire placement. It describes the immediate and subsequent management, including the use of radiographs to track the passage of the fragment through the gastro-intestinal tract. This case stresses the vigilance that dentists must take to prevent inhalation or ingestion of foreign bodies and the consequences of time-delays when management decisions are needed.
Econometrics Best Paper Award 2016
Authors: Patterson Kerry
Published: August 2016

Econometrics has had a distinguished start publishing over 92 articles since 2013, with 76,475 downloads.[...]
Effectiveness of Using Phase Change Materials on Reducing Summer Overheating Issues in UK Residential Buildings with Identification of Influential Factors
Authors: Auzeby Marine , Wei Shen , Underwood Chris , Tindall Jess , Chen Chao , Ling Haoshu , Buswell Richard
Published: August 2016

The UK is currently suffering great overheating issues in summer, especially in residential buildings where no air-conditioning has been installed. This overheating will seriously affect people’s comfort and even health, especially for elderly people. Phase change materials (PCMs) have been considered as a useful passive method, which absorb excessive heat when the room is hot and release the stored heat when the room is cool. This research has adopted a simulation method in DesignBuilder to evaluate the effectiveness of using PCMs to reduce the overheating issues in UK residential applications and has analyzed potential factors that will influence the effectiveness of overheating. The factors include environment-related (location of the building, global warming/climate change) and construction-related (location of the PCM, insulation, heavyweight/lightweight construction). This research provides useful evidence about using PCMs in UK residential applications and the results are helpful for architects and engineers to decide when and where to use PCMs in buildings to maintain a low carbon lifestyle.