bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Validation Method for Annular Casing Packers
Authors: Stair Todd , Makowiecki Gary
Published: January 2016

To mitigate annular flow during primary cementing operations, a packer can be used to create a high-pressure seal between casing strings. Operating conditions, such as run-in-hole (RIH) speeds, circulating rates, hydrostatic pressure, static and circulating temperature, fluid type, and debris, should be considered when qualifying a product for commercial use. This paper details an improved validation method for new annular casing packer designs used in cementing applications and discusses why current industry standards for packer validation are not entirely applicable.

When designing a new annular casing packer, unprecedented qualification testing was performed, combining full-scale function testing with a high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) gas test. The packer was run and set as though it were an actual operation in a well. Remaining in the set condition, the tool was then withdrawn back to surface and inserted into a test cell at 300°F. After reviewing current industry standards, applicable portions of the standards were used to perform a bidirectional pressure test on the packer with nitrogen as the test medium.

At the conclusion of the combined testing effort, the packer traveled 7,400 ft at speeds up to 5 ft/sec. It was circulated past at 17 bbl/min for more than three hours. It was functioned using simulated real-world methods and procedures at a depth of 2,200 ft with 2,800 ft of casing hung below it. It was then retrieved and pressure tested bi-directionally at 11,500 psi with nitrogen at 300°F. The fluid in the test well was a 14 to 14.5-lbm/gal water-based drilling mud. This combined testing subjected the tool to harsher than real-world conditions successfully, thus demonstrating its ability to operate properly in the well with a high level of confidence.
Operational Benefits of Designing Acid-Soluble Drilling Fluids for Horizontal Wells in HTHP Conditions
Authors: Wagle Vikrant , Al-Yami Abdullah S. , AlAbdullatif Ziad , Bubshait Abdulaziz S. , AlSafran Ali
Published: January 2016

Issues associated with stuck pipe result in huge losses in the world oil industry. Historically, horizontal wells drilled in Saudi Arabia have been known to present severe stuck-pipe challenges. Thus to mitigate the problems arising due to stuck-pipe issues, a new drilling fluid has been designed which employs a combination of two different weighting agents viz. barite and manganese tetroxide (Mn3O4). The use of such a combination as a weighting material in a drilling fluid provides both operational and monetary benefits.

Manganese tetroxide is spherical in nature and has a small particle size (D50=1 µm) as compared to barite (D50=20 µm) Moreover, Mn3O4 also has a higher specific gravity (4.95 g/cm3) as compared to barite (SG= 4.20 and). This high specific gravity of manganese tetroxide makes it a good weighting material to reduce solids loading and settling in drilling fluids as compared to the conventionally used barite. Another advantage of Mn3O4 is that it is acid-soluble. This acid solubility of Mn3O4 provides more operational benefits when a fluid with a combination of barite and Mn3O4 is used as weighting agent. The acid solubility of Mn3O4 makes the use of acids or acid precursors possible in partially dissolving Mn3O4-barite based filter-cakes. This partial breakage of the filter cake is expected to free the pipe thereby mitigating the problems associated with stuck pipe incidents. Another benefit of using a combination of barite and Mn3O4 would involve reduced fluid cost as compared to a fluid formulated with Mn3O4 alone as the weighting agent.

Thus, this paper presents a solution in mitigating stuck pipe issues and showcases the benefits of using such a combination of barite and manganese tetroxide as weighting materials in 100pcf, 120pcf and 150pcf drilling fluids hot rolled at 270°F /250°F/300°F respectively. The experimental work in this paper involves measuring rheological properties, HTHP filtration and static sagging resistance of the fluid at the specified temperature. The paper also describes the results of using different organic acid based filter-cake breaker fluids for the partial dissolution of manganese tetroxide based filter cake. Comparative studies of fluids formulated with 100% barite and a blend of manganese tetroxide and barite show that fluids formulated with a combination of barite and Mn3O4 provides increased sag resistance as compared to a drilling fluid formulated with barite alone as the weighting agent.
A New Class of 125 ksi SMYS Sour Service Drillpipe Offers Improved Capabilities for Drilling in Sour Gas Environments
Authors: Hehn Lucien , Uttecht Amie , Jellison Michael , Sanclemente Leianne , Delahoussaye Mike
Published: January 2016

Sour gas constitutes 60% of the Middle East natural gas reserves (Nersesian 2015). The term "sour" is used to refer to environments containing hydrogen sulfide (H2S). In sour wells, H2S causes sulfide stress cracking (SSC) in carbon low-alloy steels under tensile stress. A form of hydrogen embrittlement, SSC causes sudden, brittle fracture in drillpipe. To combat the effects of H2S exposure, sour service drillpipe has been manufactured to meet IRP Volume 1 - Critical Sour Drilling specifications. IRP requires SS75 ksi, SS95 ksi, or SS105 ksi specified minimum yield strength (SMYS) tubes with all three grades using 110 ksi SMYS tool joints for use in sour operations. However, these lower yield strength IRP grades have limited load capacity which restricts drilling parameters such as total depth (TD) and margin of overpull.

The next higher yield stress grade available is the API S135 grade. This grade is a non-sour service grade with SSC-resistance limitations due to its higher hardness and higher yield strength values. The SSC-resistance of S135 in an H2S drilling environment is dependent on using drilling muds with pH control (above 10.0), H2S inhibitors, and H2S scavengers. Therefore, a grade of SSC-resistant drill pipe is needed to bridge the gap between the fully SSC-resistant SS105 grade and limited SSC-resistant S135 grade.

Using advanced steel heat treatment methods, a 125 ksi SMYS grade sour service drillpipe has been developed. The 125 ksi tube is mechanically incompatible with the standard 110 ksi IRP sour service grade tool joint because of the large difference in yield strength between the two components. Therefore, a new class of sour service tool joint with an SMYS of 120 ksi was required for the 125 ksi sour service tube. This new higher yield strength tool joint needs to meet the same level of SSC-resistance as the 110 ksi IRP tool joint, i.e., pass testing in solution A method A of NACE TM0177 (100% H2S @pH = 2.7, 720 hour test) at a testing stress of 65% of SMYS. Like the high yield strength 125 ksi tube, advanced heat treatment methods were required to achieve SSC-resistance in the higher yield strength tool joint.

This paper introduces an SSC-resistant 125 ksi drillpipe with SSC-resistant 120 ksi tool joints and presents the results of NACE TM0177 testing of this new technology. The new 125 ksi drillpipe will allow for increased load capacity over IRP SS105 grade drillpipe in drilling environments with moderate to low concentrations of H2S. In addition, it can serve as an improved substitute over S135, a non-sour service grade drillpipe.
Background to the Development of a Remote Controlled Drilling Blowout Preventer (BOP) Activation Technology for Surface BOP Applications
Authors: Affleck Michael , Gilleland Monty
Published: January 2016

Introducing a new technology that reduces uncertainty and therefore risk of harmful, unplanned hydrocarbon release during drilling operations by providing additional secondary well control functionality in the event of rig evacuation. In most well control events, rig personnel have sufficient time to secure the well by following recognized well control operating procedures, utilizing long established well control technology. On occasion, shut-in does not occur before evacuation of the Blowout Preventer (BOP) control panel locations or, post-evacuation it is uncertain if shut-in procedures have been followed successfully. For example, if evacuation was sudden and the well remains in an unknown condition, potentially releasing hazardous hydrocarbons and associated gases to the environment. The author will discuss in detail the background and rationale to the new technology, including a review of well shut in potential versus time / incident severity and other human factors present at the moment of making the evacuation decision. The system design and intended operation will be explained including, specifically BOP function and monitoring when rig evacuation is occurring or has occurred. Several real-life scenarios will also be described for which the new technology could be operated. The system is designed to be deployed as an additional safety system, supplementing the rig's existing secondary well control technology or integrated with existing equipment to provide additional well control functionality. The novelty of the approach is that nothing is known to currently exist providing this functionality.
A New Approach to the Feasibility Design in Development Fields
Authors: Mukai Nobuaki , Fujita Kazuhiro , AL-Kasasbeh Ameen , Karrani Saud Mohamed , Al-Marzouqi Adel
Published: January 2016

Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (ADMA-OPCO) is increasing the rig activity and the well complexity in its development fields. The new feasibility design process involves, categorizing the analysis into three stages that includes difficulities during rig approach, recovering completions and drilling operations. The key aim is to utilize standardized criteria to develop well trajectories, offset well analysis, completion recovery procedures and drilling simulation models for hole cleaning, cementing, torque, drag, etc. Additionally, the new design process describes a detailed procedure and it has been established based on lesson learn and best practice in development fields and reviewed by well engineers. This process resulted in early identification of potential drilling risks, advanced preparation for mitigation plan, securing drilling equipment procurement time and optimization of rig selection and service company allocation. The new tracking sheet for feasibility summarizes the results of each well and supports comprehensive management decision-making. Additionally, the new process can also enhance the process assurance, of not only feasibility study but also that of Well Planning Process (WPP) and Well Delivery Process (WDP) phases. It can also be used as familiarization tool for new employees and trainees. These documents will help easy hand-over to other team even though rig allocation is changed and minimize duplicating review. It was observed that the well design concept is significantly associated with well requirements. In conclusion, there was significant improvement of feasibility study by utilized design concept and the feasibility design needs to be updated frequently, if there are new types of requirements such as multilateral tie back system.
Equipment Optimisation to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Well Delivery
Authors: Eddie John , Pinkston Nathan , Kilpatrick William
Published: January 2016

In the oilfield, a large array of equipment is required to plan, drill and complete a well. These pieces of equipment are made in manufacturing facilities, then transported by truck, ship and airfreight to the well site location, which can often be in the most remote locations in the world. The transport and logistical complexity for moving large heavy oilfield equipment around the globe has a huge effect on the carbon footprint.

Much of the equipment used in the oildfield is designed using traditional methods. A more modern approach is to run equipment through a design optimisation loop to determine the reduction in size and weight which can be achieved without compromising performance or safety. In other industries such as motorsport and aeronautics, design optimisation is an accepted and integrated feature of any product development cycle. Computational approaches have been heavily validated against test data and have been confirmed as valuable complementary approaches to physical tests. This has allowed the analysis approach to move into the mainstream market.

However in the oil and gas industry, design evolution is not as prevalent, and engineers tend to stick with designs which have worked previously. This single design, no generational development approach can potentially lead to equipment which is over engineered in places, increasing both manufacture cost and logistical carbon footprint.

This paper takes two common pieces of equipment which are routinely shipped to drill site and runs each piece through a set of design iterations using engineering analysis tools. It was found that an existing accommodation module designs' weight could be reduced by some 24% with the use of FEA and manual design iterations. A second example using a similar approach with a coupled CFD to FEA optimisation for a pressure vessel resulted in a weight reduction of 14%.

In the discussion it is pointed out that the weight reduction impacts on the manufacture side as well as the transportation side of the equipment journey to rig site. Emissions and overall costs can be reduced benefiting the company and the environment. It is however acknowledged that there is a place for tried and tested designs in such a performance demanding industry, and a balance must be struck between using existing design and using contemporary approaches.
Creating a Safety Culture: What it is and How to Get There
Authors: Wake Daryl
Published: January 2016

Safety culture can be distilled into nine characteristics predictive of safety outcomes. By tracking performance across these characteristics, companies can measure their performance against the world's most successful safety organizations, both within industry and without. More importantly, they can identify gaps in their culture and breakdowns in their safety performance, thereby establishing clear goals to overcoming them and achieving safety objectives.

To improve safety performance and create lasting change in organizational culture, leaders can focus on developing ten safety-specific leadership capabilities. These ten capabilities characterize great safety organizations and distinguish strong safety leaders.
Optimized Approach in Cementing Tophole Sections for Long-Term Zonal Isolation: Case Studies
Authors: Isgenderov Islam , Bogaerts Martijn , Kurawle Irfan , Osayande Victor
Published: January 2016

Shallow water flows pose a significant risk to wells drilled in offshore environments due to the risk of uncontrolled release of fluids and destabilization of seabed leading to potential subsidence, and potential loss of well or location in extreme cases. The flows are typically encountered just below the seabed in overpressured formations while drilling and cementing tophole sections and present additional complexity to the cement job design where the margin available between the pore and fracture gradients is narrow. Successful isolation and the ability to provide long-term integrity for subsequent structures is of paramount importance from a cementing perspective. For the slurry to be able to provide isolation, good transition time from liquid to solid phase and early compressive strength development with lightweight cement slurries are to be considered. Concerns about post placement cement sheath shrinkage providing a path for fluid migration to surface must also be addressed

The Caspian Sea is known to possess many geohazards, especially in the shallow formations close to the seabed, which can prove detrimental to the safety of the projects during the well construction phase and long-term well integrity during the life of the well. Furthermore, stringent well integrity and environmental standards require additional mitigations to be put in place to provide long-term solutions, thereby mitigating the potential for remediation work after primary cement job placement. Case studies illustrate the approach taken for surface casings cemented in the southern Caspian Sea with optimized slurry design used in conjunction with mechanical barriers to deliver success.
All-attitude Gyrocompass Tool Offers Significant Enhancement in Survey Accuracy over the Highest Performance MWD Magnetic Systems
Authors: Weston John , Ledroz Adrián
Published: January 2016

Modern extended reach, horizontal and multilateral wells are often drilled out of closely placed template slots. This situation has resulted in large numbers of wells drilled in close proximity in order to access oil and gas reserves and maximise production. An example of where this need is particularly evident is for the artificial islands project in the Upper Zakum field. With this type of scenario in mind, the demands for precision well positioning have become ever greater in order to enhance production through improved reservoir drainage, as well as increase safety through minimising the likelihood of collision with a producing well and so reduce the risk of a blowout leading to lost revenue and, most significantly, injury to operating personnel and loss of life.

The value in achieving the best possible trajectory information therefore becomes very clear. This paper examines two possible approaches to well positioning; the conventional approach based on magnetic MWD including in-field referencing aiding versus the relatively new all-attitude gyro. The paper highlights the key features of the newer all-attitude gyro technology which is described in SPE paper SPE-168052. Both methods are capable of providing survey data at any attitude, but each is subject to performance limitations resulting from a variety of causes.

Wellbore position uncertainty estimation (error modelling) is a key element in safe and cost effective drilling. The understanding of error modelling has improved greatly over the last 20 years largely through the publication of SPE papers like SPE-67616, 90408, 103734, 105558 and 140192. The principle sources of error associated with both the MWD and gyro survey systems are described in this paper; the resulting propagation of errors and the final positional uncertainty for each case is compared.

Some example case studies, relating to wells drilled in different parts of the world, are presented which illustrate the relative performance of the two approaches to surveying wells. The increase in well positioning accuracy achievable using the all-attitude gyro over MWD is illustrated, an improvement that is particularly evident when drilling high angle sections close to an easterly or westerly direction. A factor of two or more enhancement in accuracy is offered by the application of gyro technology in such cases.

Where well positioning accuracy is so vital to the financial success of an oil field and the safety of operating staff, this capability should not be ignored.
Dry Matter Accumulation, Partitioning, and Remobilization in High‐Yielding Wheat under Rice–Wheat Rotation in China
Authors: Ding Jinfeng , Zi Yan , Li Chunyan , Peng Yongxin , Zhu Xinkai , Guo Wenshan
Published: January 2016

A rice (Oryza sativa L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotation system is the primary cereal planting system in China, especially in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River (YR). Understanding dry matter (DM) accumulation, partitioning, and remobilization in high‐yielding wheat is essential to realize high and stable yield in this area. A field study was conducted by managing N with one high‐yielding variety (T. aestivum L.). The data on yield components and DM accumulation, partitioning, and remobilization were collected, and then were divided into two groups according to grain yield: <9 t ha−1 as medium yield (MY) and ≥9 t ha−1 as high yield (HY). Across the 2 yr, the average grain yield in the HY group was about 10% higher than in the MY group. An increased grain yield was primarily attributed to more kernels per spike. Compared with the MY group, the HY group showed more DM accumulation from booting to maturity and at maturity, higher DM partitioning in stems and spike vegetative components at anthesis, and lower DM remobilization from leaves. Significant correlations were found between DM accumulation from booting to anthesis and kernels per spike, between DM accumulation from anthesis to maturity and spike weight, and between DM partitioning in spike vegetative components at anthesis and kernels per spike. The present study indicates that appropriate DM accumulation and suitable DM partitioning in different organs at anthesis, and consistent increases in DM production after booting could be crucial for wheat grain yield improvements.
Application of the LBM with adaptive grid on water hammer simulation
Authors: Budinski Ljubomir
Published: January 2016

A lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is utilized to solve single-phase transient flow in pipes. In order to eliminate grid limitation related to the method of characteristics, governing equations are modified using appropriate coordinate transformation. The introduced modification removes connection between Courant number and spatial disposition of the computational nodes, forming a more flexible and robust mathematical base for numerical simulations. The computational grid is configured independently of the wave speed, significantly decreasing the demand for computational resources and maintaining the required accuracy of the method. Thereafter, the appropriate equilibrium distribution function for the D1Q3 lattice has been defined. In order to give a comprehensive base for modeling transient flow in complex pipeline systems, detailed elaboration of the corresponding boundary conditions has been given. Two benchmark problems with the corresponding error analysis are used to validate the proposed procedure.
Probabilistic prediction in ungauged basins (PUB) based on regional parameter estimation and Bayesian model averaging
Authors: Zhou Yanlai , Guo Shenglian , Xu Chong-Yu , Chen Hua , Guo Jiali , Lin Kairong
Published: January 2016

Predictions in ungauged basins (PUB) are widely considered to be one of the fundamentally challenging research topics in the hydrological sciences. This paper couples a regional parameter transfer module with a probabilistic prediction module in order to obtain probabilistic PUB. Steps in the proposed probabilistic PUB include: (1) variable infiltration capacity-three layers (VIC-3L) model description; (2) three regional parameter transfer schemes for ungauged basins, i.e., regression analysis, spatial proximity, and physical similarity; (3) probabilistic PUB using Bayesian model averaging (BMA); and (4) performance evaluation for probabilistic PUB. The study is performed on 12 sub-basins in the Hanjiang River basin, China. The results demonstrate that the mean prediction of BMA is much closer to the observed data compared with its associated individual parameter transfer scheme (physical similarity approach), and the probabilistic predictions of BMA can effectively reduce the uncertainty in runoff PUB better than any associated individual parameter transfer schemes for two ungauged sub-basins.
A SWAT modeling approach to assess the impact of climate change on consumptive water use in Lower Chenab Canal area of Indus basin
Authors: Awan Usman Khalid , Liaqat Umar Waqas , Choi Minha , Ismaeel Ali
Published: January 2016

Accurate assessment of spatio-temporal variations of consumptive water use (CWU) in large irrigation schemes is crucial for several hydrological applications. This study is designed to evaluate the impact of climate change on CWU in the Lower Chenab Canal (LCC) irrigation scheme of the Indus basin irrigation system of Pakistan. A distributed hydrological model, the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT), was spatially calibrated (2005–2009) and validated (2010–2012) for monthly CWU. The estimated CWU using the SWAT model showed promising results (the coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.87 ± 0.06, Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency (NSE) = 0.83 ± 0.06)) when compared with CWU determined by the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm (SEBAL) (R2 = 0.87 ± 0.06, NSE = 0.83 ± 0.06). Future evaluation, performed by considering the representative concentration pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 climate change scenarios, showed that changes in temperature and rainfall would significantly influence the CWU in the LCC scheme. Compared with the reference period, annual water consumption in the basin would increase overall by 7% and 11% at the end of 2020 with monthly variations of –40% to 60% and –17% to 80% under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 climate change scenarios, respectively. The water managers in the region have to consider this fluctuating consumptive use in water allocation plans due to climate change for better management of available water resources.
Improved water and household water purification practices among orphans and vulnerable children in a multi-sectoral empowerment program in Eastern province, Kenya
Authors: Goodman Michael , Elliott Aleisha , Gitari Stanley , Keiser Philip H. , Raimer-Goodman Lauren A.
Published: January 2016

Water quality is an important determinant of diarrheal illnesses, especially affecting children in sub-Saharan Africa. Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in sub-Saharan Africa are at increased risk of poor quality drinking water, and therefore of diarrheal illness. The present study assesses primary drinking water source and typical household water purification among OVC households involved in a multi-sectoral empowerment program in semi-rural Kenya. Findings show water purification practices, but not water source, significantly increase with more time in the program. Other factors associated with safer water include household income, orphan type, food consumption and security, school completion, psychological resilience, engaging in sexual intercourse with more than one partner in the past 12 months, and previous year's financial status. Incorporating water quality improvements in a community-based empowerment program such as the one described may be one method of improving water quality and decreasing diarrheal illnesses among OVCs in sub-Saharan Africa.
Dynamic simulation of water resource management focused on water allocation and water reclamation in Chinese mining cities
Authors: Ke Wenlan , Lei Yalin , Sha Jinghua , Zhang Guofeng , Yan Jingjing , Lin Xiaoyu , Pan Xiping
Published: January 2016

Mining cities have undergone the process of extensive exploitation, which always results in a series of water issues. Integrated water resource management is necessary in improving water supply, allocation and quality without damaging economic development. This article constructs a linear optimization model including a ‘Top-Down’ socio-economic mode, and ‘Bottom-Up’ water quality control and water supply–demand modes with integrated water resource management focused on water allocation and water reclamation. Based on computer simulation, the model can propose a water resource management under the constraints of water supply–demand and water quality control, and the model can precisely predict the influences of water resource management on economic development, water utilization and water quality. Taking Ordos, a Chinese national resource city, as a case study, this model addresses a detailed water resource management, including a water allocation plan among industries and water reclamation plan with technologies, selection, arrangement and subsidies. The implementation of water resource management can fulfill multiple objectives on water quantity, water quality and sustainable economic development. This study indicates that water resource management with a comprehensive dynamic model can be a maneuverable approach to realize the sustainable development of economic growth and water resource utilization, as well as formulate the regional development plan.
The characteristics of immobilized granular sludge in the laboratory-scale stable partial nitrification-Anammox aquaculture water reactors
Authors: Rong-rong Liu , Chun-du Wu , Xu-jie Lu
Published: January 2016

Immobilized granular sludge is of key importance for highly effective operation of partial nitrification and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (PN-Anammox) reactors. An observation and analysis on the composition of immobilized granular sludge in each reactor was conducted by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence in situ hybridization. It was indicated that the diversity of microbial composition was significant among the PN and Anammox reactor. The result shows that the understanding of microbiological characteristics of immobilized granular sludge in PN and Anammox reactors is helpful for cultivating granular sludge, which ensures the effective operation of the reactor.
Clay–starch combination for micropollutants removal from wastewater treatment plant effluent
Authors: Mohd Amin M. F. , Heijman S. G. J. , Rietveld L. C.
Published: January 2016

In this study, a new, more effective and cost-effective treatment alternative is investigated for the removal of pharmaceuticals from wastewater treatment plant effluent (WWTP-eff). The potential of combining clay with biodegradable polymeric flocculants is further highlighted. Flocculation is viewed as the best method to get the optimum outcome from clay. In addition, flocculation with cationic starch increases the biodegradability and cost of the treatment. Clay is naturally abundantly available and relatively inexpensive compared to conventional adsorbents. Experimental studies were carried out with existing naturally occurring pharmaceutical concentrations found and measured in WWTP-eff with atrazine spiking for comparison between the demineralised water and WWTP-eff matrix. Around 70% of the total measured pharmaceutical compounds were removable by the clay–starch combination. The effect of clay with and without starch addition was also highlighted.
A Feasibility Analysis Methodology for Decentralized Wastewater Systems – Energy‐Efficiency and Cost
Authors: Naik Kartiki S. , Stenstrom Michael K.
Published: January 2016

Centralized wastewater treatment, widely practiced in developed areas, involves transporting wastewater from large urban areas to a large capacity plant using a single network of sewers, whereas decentralization is the concept of wastewater collection, treatment and reuse at or near its point of generation. Smaller decentralized plants can achieve extensive reclamation and wastewater management with energy‐efficient reclaimed water pumping, modularized expansion and lower capital investment. We devised a methodology to preliminarily assess these alternatives using local constraints and conducted a feasibility analysis for each option. It addressed various scenarios using the pump‐back energy consumption, sewer and treatment plant construction and capacity expansion cost. We demonstrated this methodology by applying it to the Hollywood vicinity (California). In this study, the decentralized configuration was more economical and energy‐efficient than the centralized system. The pump‐back energy consumption was about 50% of the aeration energy consumption for the centralized option.
A methodology for determining the value generation mechanism and the improvement priorities of open government data systems
Authors: Alexopoulos Charalampos , Loukis Euripides , Charalabidis Yannis
Published: January 2016

Government agencies all over the world are making big investments for
developing information systems that open important data they possess to the
society, in order to be used for scientific, commercial and political
purposes. It is important to understand what value they create and how, and
at the same time - since this is a relatively new type of information systems
(IS) - to identify the main improvements they require. This paper contributes
in this direction by presenting a methodology for determining the value
generation mechanism of open government data (OGD) systems and also
priorities for their improvement. It is based on the estimation of a ?value
model? of the OGD system under evaluation from users? ratings, which consists
of several value dimensions and their corresponding value measures, organized
in three ?value layers?, and also the relations among them. The proposed
methodology has been successfully applied to an OGD system developed as part
of the European project ENGAGE (?An Infrastructure for Open, Linked
Governmental Data Provision towards Research Communities and Citizens?), and
provided interesting insights and improvement priorities. This first
application provides evidence that our methodology can be a useful decision
support tool for important ODG systems investment, management and improvement
decisions.
Erratum to: The use of ontologies in cadastral systems
Authors: Editorial E
Published: January 2016

This article (Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 1033-1053, 2015) was published with an error in the affiliations of the authors concerning the institution and email addresses of the authors. The correct affiliations are University of
Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Department of Computing and Control
Engineering, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 6, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia, {dudab,
sanjica, miro, dusanbuk, przulj}@uns.ac.rs, as shown in this erratum note.

 Link to the corrected article 10.2298/CSIS141031009S
Schiff base ligand derived from (±)trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamine and its Cu(II), Co(II), Zn(II) and Mn(II) complexes: Synthesis, characterization, styrene oxidation and hydrolysis study of the imine bond in Cu(II) Schiff base complex
Authors: Sarkheil Marzieh , Lashanizadegan Maryam
Published: January 2016

A Schiff base ligand (H2L) derived from 2?-hydroxypropiophenone and
(?)trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamine was synthesized. The reactions of MCl2.xH2O
(M =Cu(II), Co(II), Zn(II) and Mn(II))with the di-Schiff base ligand (H2L)
were studied. This ligand when stirred with 1 equivalent of CuCl2.2H2O in
the solution of ethanol and chloroform undergoes partial hydrolysis of the
imino bond and the resultant tridentate ligand (HL?)immediately forms
complex[CuL?Cl]?3/2CHCl3(1)with N2O coordination sphere. Under the same
condition, the reaction of H2L with MCl2.xH2O (M = Co(II) (3), Zn(II) (4)
and Mn(II) (5)) gave complexes[ML]?1/2CHCl3?3/2H2O (3-5)with N2O2
coordination sphere and no hydrolytic cleavage was occurred. Also, the
reaction of H2L with CuCl2.2H2O in THF gave the complex CuL (2)with N2O2
coordination sphere. The ligand and complexes were characterized by FTIR,
UV-Vis, 1H NMRand elemental analysis. The homogeneous catalytic activity of
the complexes1, 3 and 5wasevaluated for the oxidation of styrene using
tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidant. Finally, the copper(II)
complex(1)encapsulated in the nanopores of zeolite-Y by flexible ligand
method (CuL?-Y)and its encapsulation was ensured by different studies. The
catalytic performance of heterogeneous catalyst in the styrene oxidation
with TBHP was investigated. The catalytic tests showed that the homogenous
and heterogeneous catalysts were active in the oxidation of styrene.
Subcritical crack growth in oxide and non-oxide ceramics using the constant stress rate test
Authors: Wojteczko Agnieszka , Lach Radosław , Wojteczko Kamil , Rutkowski Paweł , Zientara Dariusz , Pędzich Zbigniew
Published: January 2016

Fracture toughness is one of the most important parameters for ceramics
description. In some cases, material failure occurs at lower stresses than
described by KIc parameter. In these terms, determination of fracture
toughness only, proves to be insufficient. This may be due to environmental
factors, such as humidity, which might cause subcritical crack propagation in
a material. Therefore, it is very important to estimate crack growth
velocities to predict lifetime of ceramics used under specific conditions.
Constant Stress Rate Test is an indirect method of subcritical crack growth
parameters estimation. Calculations are made by using strength data, thus
avoiding crack measurement. The expansion of flaws causes reduction of
material strength. If subcritical crack growth phenomenon occurs, critical
value of crack lengths increases with decreasing stress rate due to longer
time for flaw to grow before the critical crack propagation at KIc takes
place. Subcritical crack growth phenomenon is particularly dangerous for
oxide ceramics due to chemical interactions occurring as a result of exposure
to humidity. This paper presents results of Constant Stress Rate Test
performed for alumina, zirconia, silicon carbide and silicon nitride in order
to demonstrate the differences in subcritical crack propagation phenomenon
course.
Effects of Three Weeks of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Joint-Position Sense, Balance, and Gait in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Ko Myung-Sook , Sim Yon Ju , Kim Do Hyun , Jeon Hye-Seon
Published: January 2016

Purpose: To observe the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) training in conjunction with conventional physical therapy (PT) on joint-position sense (JPS), balance, and gait in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: In this randomized controlled study, 24 children with CP were randomly selected either to continue their conventional PT or to receive WBV in conjunction with their conventional PT programme. Exposure to the intervention was intermittent (3 min WBV, 3 min rest) for 20 minutes, twice weekly for 3 weeks. JPS, balance, and gait were evaluated before and after treatment. Results: Ankle JPS was improved after 3 weeks of WBV training (p=0.014). Participants in the WBV group showed greater improvements in speed (F1,21=5.221, p=0.035) and step width (F1,21=4.487, p=0.039) than participants in the conventional PT group. Conclusion: Three weeks of WBV training was effective in improving ankle JPS and gait variables in children with CP.
SenseWearMini and Actigraph GT3X Accelerometer Classification of Observed Sedentary and Light-Intensity Physical Activities in a Laboratory Setting
Authors: Feehan Lynne M. , Goldsmith Charles H. , Leung April Y. F. , Li Linda C.
Published: January 2016

Purpose: To compare the ability of SenseWear Mini (SWm) and Actigraph GT3X (AG3) accelerometers to differentiate between healthy adults' observed sedentary and light activities in a laboratory setting. Methods: The 22 participants (15 women, 7 men), ages 19 to 72 years, wore SWm and AG3 monitors and performed five sedentary and four light activities for 5 minutes each while observed in a laboratory setting. Performance was examined through comparisons of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios. Correct identification of both types of activities was examined using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: Both monitors demonstrated excellent ability to identify sedentary activities (sensitivity>0.89). The SWm monitor was better at identifying light activities (specificity 0.61–0.71) than the AG3 monitor (specificity 0.27–0.47) and thus also showed a greater ability to correctly identify both sedentary and light activities (SWm AUC 0.84; AG3 AUC 0.62–0.73). Conclusions: SWm may be a more suitable monitor for detecting time spent in sedentary and light-intensity activities. This finding has clinical and research relevance for evaluation of time spent in lower intensity physical activities by sedentary adults.
‘No memory, no desire’: Psychoanalysis in Brazil during Repressive Times
Authors: Rubin Aline , Mandelbaum Belinda , Frosh Stephen
Published: January 2016

Until recently, the growth and significance of Brazilian psychoanalysis has been neglected in histories of psychoanalysis. Not only is this history long and rich in its professional and cultural dimensions, but there was an especially important ‘event’ – the so-called ‘Cabernite-Lobo affair’ – that took place during the period of the military dictatorship, which can be seen as dramatizing some of the issues concerning the erasure of memory in psychoanalysis, especially in connection with political difficulties. In this paper, we provide an outline of the origins and dissemination of psychoanalysis in Brazil before looking again at the Cabernite-Lobo affair in order to examine in a situated way how psychoanalysis engages with political extremism, and particularly to explore the consequences of an unthinking generalization of the idea of ‘neutrality’ from the consulting room to the institutional setting. We draw especially on Brazilian papers in Portuguese, which have not been accessible in the English-language psychoanalytic literature.
Transient Mechanical Response of Lung Airway Tissue during Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Ibrahim Israr , Aghasafari Parya , Pidaparti Ramana
Published: January 2016

Patients with acute lung injury, airway and other pulmonary diseases often require Mechanical Ventilation (MV). Knowledge of the stress/strain environment in lung airway tissues is very important in order to avoid lung injuries for patients undergoing MV. Airway tissue strains responsible for stressing the lung’s fiber network and rupturing the lung due to compliant airways are very difficult to measure experimentally. Multi-level modeling is adopted to investigate the transient mechanical response of the tissue under MV. First, airflow through a lung airway bifurcation (Generation 4–6) is modeled using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to obtain air pressure during 2 seconds of MV breathing. Next, the transient air pressure was used in structural analysis to obtain mechanical strain experienced by the airway tissue wall. Structural analysis showed that airway tissue from Generation 5 in one bifurcation can stretch eight times that of airway tissue of the same generation number but with different bifurcation. The results suggest sensitivity of load to geometrical features. Furthermore, the results of strain levels obtained from the tissue analysis are very important because these strains at the cellular-level can create inflammatory responses, thus damaging the airway tissues.
Letter from the New Editor-in-Chief
Authors: Mok Samuel
Published: January 2016

Dear authors, reviewers, and readers of Cancers, It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the latest issue of Cancers, for which I now serve as Editor-in-Chief. First, thanks are due to my predecessor and the founding Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Robert Weiss. [...]
Effects of Dealumination and Desilication of Beta Zeolite on Catalytic Performance in n-Hexane Cracking
Authors: Wang Yong , Yokoi Toshiyuki , Namba Seitaro , Tatsumi Takashi
Published: January 2016

Catalytic cracking of n-hexane to selectively produce propylene on Beta zeolite was carried out. The H-Beta (HB) (Si/Al = 77) zeolite showed higher catalytic stability and propylene selectivity than the Al-rich HB (Si/Al = 12), due to its smaller number of acid sites, especially Lewis acid sites (LAS). However, catalytic stability and propylene selectivity in high n-hexane conversions were still not satisfactory. After dealumination with HNO3 treatment, catalytic stability was improved and propylene selectivity during high n-hexane conversions was increased. On the other hand, catalytic stability was not improved after desilication with NaOH treatment, although mesopores were formed. This may be related to the partially destroyed structure. However, propylene selectivity in high n-hexane conversions was increased after alkali treatment. We successfully found that the catalytic stability was improved and the propylene selectivity in high n-hexane conversions was further increased after the NaOH treatment followed by HNO3 treatment. This is due to the decrease in the number of acid sites and the increase in mesopores which are beneficial to the diffusion of coke precursor.
Impact of Irrigation Method on Water Use Efficiency and Productivity of Fodder Crops in Nepal
Authors: Jha Ajay , Malla Razan , Sharma Mohan , Panthi Jeeban , Lakhankar Tarendra , Krakauer Nir , Pradhanang Soni , Dahal Piyush , Shrestha Madan
Published: January 2016

Improved irrigation use efficiency is an important tool for intensifying and diversifying agriculture in Nepal, resulting in higher economic yield from irrigated farmlands with a minimum input of water. Research was conducted to evaluate the effect of irrigation method (furrow vs. drip) on the productivity of nutritious fodder species during off-monsoon dry periods in different elevation zones of central Nepal. A split-block factorial design was used. The factors considered were treatment location, fodder crop, and irrigation method. Commonly used local agronomical practices were followed in all respects except irrigation method. Results revealed that location effect was significant (p < 0.01) with highest fodder productivity seen for the middle elevation site, Syangja. Species effects were also significant, with teosinte (Euchlaena mexicana) having higher yield than cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). Irrigation method impacted green biomass yield (higher with furrow irrigation) but both methods yielded similar dry biomass, while water use was 73% less under drip irrigation. Our findings indicated that the controlled application of water through drip irrigation is able to produce acceptable yields of nutritionally dense fodder species during dry seasons, leading to more effective utilization and resource conservation of available land, fertilizer and water. Higher productivity of these nutritional fodders resulted in higher milk productivity for livestock smallholders. The ability to grow fodder crops year-round in lowland and hill regions of Nepal with limited water storages using low-cost, water-efficient drip irrigation may greatly increase livestock productivity and, hence, the economic security of smallholder farmers.
Enantiopure Radical Cation Salt Based on Tetramethyl-Bis(ethylenedithio)-Tetrathiafulvalene and Hexanuclear Rhenium Cluster
Authors: Pop Flavia , Batail Patrick , Avarvari Narcis
Published: January 2016

Electrocrystallization of the (S,S,S,S) enantiomer of tetramethyl-bis(ethylenedithio)-tetrathiafulvalene donor 1 in the presence of the dianionic hexanuclear rhenium (III) cluster [Re6S6Cl8]2− affords a crystalline radical cation salt formulated as [(S)-1]2·Re6S6Cl8, in which the methyl substituents of the donors adopt an unprecedented all-axial conformation. A complex set of intermolecular TTF···TTF and cluster···TTF interactions sustain an original tridimensional architecture.
Trusted Noise in Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution: A Threat and a Defense
Authors: Usenko Vladyslav , Filip Radim
Published: January 2016

We address the role of the phase-insensitive trusted preparation and detection noise in the security of a continuous-variable quantum key distribution, considering the Gaussian protocols on the basis of coherent and squeezed states and studying them in the conditions of Gaussian lossy and noisy channels. The influence of such a noise on the security of Gaussian quantum cryptography can be crucial, even despite the fact that a noise is trusted, due to a strongly nonlinear behavior of the quantum entropies involved in the security analysis. We recapitulate the known effect of the preparation noise in both direct and reverse-reconciliation protocols, as well as the detection noise in the reverse-reconciliation scenario. As a new result, we show the negative role of the trusted detection noise in the direct-reconciliation scheme. We also describe the role of the trusted preparation or detection noise added at the reference side of the protocols in improving the robustness of the protocols to the channel noise, confirming the positive effect for the coherent-state reverse-reconciliation protocol. Finally, we address the combined effect of trusted noise added both in the source and the detector.