bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost Effective Detection of H2S Release in Oil Well Locations
Authors: Jayapalan Gopalakrishnan , Konkati Sarath , Bangari Praveen
Published: November 2016

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas is one of most poisonous gas associated with oil and gas production. Gas release in wellhead and crude oil product transfer flow line has to be detected at the earliest to save human life and asset. When the oil wells are spread over hundreds square kilometers, it is not an easy task to monitor H2S release. H2S gas detection solution should be economical. In the desert, there will be hundreds of oil and gas wells exist; typically oil wells data is available in oil control room and gas wells data is available in gas control room. At present sharing of H2S detector status between these control rooms does not exist. All the sour gas wells are equipped with local H2S monitoring and well tripping mechanism on gas detection. Objective of this paper is to detect any H2S gas release in well heads and transfer lines in an economical way. The entire field mounted gas detectors status is collected in centralized control room and detector location mapping is done. Weather monitoring station information such as wind direction, wind speed, etc., is populated in the same page. In unrepresented vulnerable locations such as trunk roads, security check post, cattle firm, etc., standalone solar powered H2S detectors are installed and its signal is connected to RTU. RTU sends signal through GSM modem to Field Data Integration system; which facilitates centralized monitoring of available H2S detectors status. Field data integration system collects gas detectors status in oil control room and gas control room through OPC server and populates are the detectors status in single page; which facilitates emergency handling. This paper presents various types of H2S detection technology used in upstream oil industry and their response time. It also talks about recent technological advancement in H2S detection.
Implementing Fiber Optics Distributed Sensing as a Key Surveillance Tool
Authors: Al Shoaibi S. , Kechichian J. , Mjeni R. , Al Rajhi S. , Bakker G. G. , Hemink G. , Freeman F.
Published: November 2016

Fiber Optics Distributed sensing technologies are evolving in the petroleum industry with its potential applicability in many areas of surveillance. Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) is embarking upon the implementation of this technology in various assets including both Gas and Oil fields. The vision of the company is to have the Fiber Optics distributed sensing technology as a surveillance tool in the Well and Reservoir Management (WRFM) toolbox and to become, where appropriate, a key element of its cycle. In comparison to conventional surveillance, fiber optic distributed sensing requires no well intervention and thereby reducing HSSE exposure and production deferment. In addition, the installed fibers can be used for multiple applications, e.g. hydraulic fracture performance monitoring and inflow performance monitoring. Recently, PDO trialed Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) and Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) technologies utilizing both, dip-in surveys and permanent installation of fiber optics in the wells.

Fiber optic implementation in PDO included a polymer flooding trial in heavy oil, high permeability clastic reservoir with a strong bottom water aquifer drive. The objective was to monitor well conformance as the polymer injection progressed. The horizontal injectors were completed with pre-drilled liner and divided into four zones, each with an independent Inflow Control Valve (ICV). The well was completed with a multi-mode (MM) fiber pumped into control lines three injectors. Real time DTS data was acquired continuously in all three wells while DAS was acquired as per the injection program in one injector. DAS and DTS data were analyzed to quantify the changes in injection profile and rate in each ICV zone. This provided timely information needed for decisions related to manipulation of the ICV valves to ensure best utilization of the polymer.

Another example of fiber optics was a dip-in survey in a deep gas well with commingled production which covered stacked reservoirs. This was run in order to prove the concept of flow response on DAS/DTS signals in terms of gas flowing and liquid lifting detection. The acoustic signature observed was mainly due to gas entering the well through perforations. This was detected by DAS and DTS and allowed a qualitative inflow profile to be generated. The dip in survey proved the concept and allowed justification for the permanent installation of fiber optics behind casing. The objective of the permanent setup is to improve the sensitivity of the measurement and allow for better quantification of inflow per zone. In this paper, the approach of implementing fiber optic technologies in PDO is discussed with emphasis on value generation in the various assets. Additionally, the examples mentioned in this abstract are discussed in more details and based on the results, the way forward is described.
From Lab to Field: An Integrated Approach to Successfully Restore The Productivity of Damaged Wells with Organic Deposition
Authors: Al-Taq Ali A. , Alfakher Basil M. , Al-Muhaish Salah A. , Alrustum Abdulla A.
Published: November 2016

Asphaltene deposition is a major formation damage issue in production wells with asphaltene problematic oil. Asphaltene can precipitate within the reservoir or in production tubing, resulting in partial or total loss of well productivity. This is especially a large concern in reservoirs with high gas-oil ratio (GOR), as more gas can dissolve in the oil and strip out the asphaltene. This anticipated asphaltene precipitation mechanism might be responsible for several partially or totally damaged wells in Field-A with asphaltene precipitation.

An extensive laboratory study including solubility tests, saturate aromatic resin asphaltene (SARA) analysis, compatibility tests and coreflood experiments was performed in this study. Solubility tests were conducted at reservoir temperature (220 °F) and elevated pressures using asphaltene obtained from a bailer sample to determine the effectiveness of different solvent systems. SARA analysis was performed to assess the stability of the reservoir oil of interest. Compatibility tests and coreflood experiments at reservoir conditions were also conducted to assure solvent system compatibility with formation fluids. In addition, other factors including the overall cost and environmental impact were taken into account in choosing the most suitable solvent system.

Initial lab testing presented a number of candidate solvent systems with high asphaltene solvency power. Some solvent systems were ruled out because they were damaging to core permeability as indicated from the compatibility tests and coreflood experiments. A case study of two successful chemical treatments performed on Well-A with a time interval of more than two years is presented in the paper. The first treatment was successful in restoring productivity of Well-A while the second one was able to remove the partial organic deposition damage with a cost saving of 60%. Using the selected solvent system, a two-stage remediation procedure was implemented to dissolve the organic deposition in the horizontal open-hole section of this well. The first stage included bullheading the solvent, allowing it to soak for 24 hours to clean out the tubing. The second stage involved injecting the solvent in the open-hole section using coiled tubing (CT) with jetting/pulsing mechanism. Results showed an increase in the wellhead pressure by 40% and consequently well productivity, indicating the successful dissolving of the organic deposition.

This paper presents a new methodology in incorporating all the mentioned analytical techniques into choosing the most proper and cost effective asphaltene treatment solution for a specific reservoir to have a successful field treatment.
Cost Reduction and Still Fit for Purpose: A Sharing Economy Approach to Standardized Oil & Gas Plants
Authors: Hauwert Peter , van Reijzen Sander A. , Simons J. Richard
Published: November 2016

The cost of process equipment has exploded in recent decades. Enhanced document requirements and more strict environmental and safety requirements are facts. In practice, too much overdesign and an overload of technical specifications, which are in many cases contradictive, have created a substantial CAPEX increase. The big question nowadays is: "How to bring down the CAPEX of projects and create healthy and sustainable upstream projects for the coming future?" The industry calls for a cost reduction, which is often translated into a "standardized approach". But how should an operator approach standardized processes and equipment, while a fit-for-purpose design seems necessary to cope with different field conditions?

The present paper deals with these questions in order to investigate how to achieve substantial cost reductions without compromising safety, operability and efficiency. Based on projects for several operating companies, a study was performed to compare three built onshore, marginal gas plants with different design philosophies: Design fully according operator specifications;Design according reduced specifications by combined operator/suppliers team;Design according engineering practice standards.

All plants were normalized for comparison. The conclusion is that a cost reduction of nearly 50% for option c is proven, and that there is a method to achieve this for other projects.

Besides the influence of specifications, some critical aspects were identified which contribute in attaining low CAPEX projects: A real cooperation in small, focused teams of operators, contractors and suppliers. This should start in an early stage, to link conceptual selection to basic design and project execution.Use pre-designed standardized process building blocks that are proven in use to create a fit-for-purpose solution, while being flexible enough to allow the end user influence where necessary.Approach process packages as black boxes and rely on the experience of the supplier to design the most cost-effective solution.

These principles can be strengthened by a different contracting strategy and trust-based engineering. Although most applicable for smaller projects, the principles may be more broadly applicable. We present and discuss in detail the pathways to come to structural CAPEX reductions for oil & gas projects, thereby coming up to par with the 21st century.
An Integrated Workflow to Mitigate Drilling Vibrations and Increase Daily Footage
Authors: Bailey J. R. , Pastusek P. E. , Junaibi H. Al , Awadhi M. Al , Katheeri Y. Al , Niznik M. R. , Akyabi K. S. , Page C. G.
Published: November 2016

A workflow that combines optimization of the drill string and bottomhole assembly (BHA) design during well planning and then applies advanced surveillance tools to a well-trained drilling crew yields reduced vibrations, higher drilling rates, and less trouble cost. This methodology is based on the premise that an efficient drilling operation requires optimized tool designs, advanced diagnostics using real-time drilling parameters, and onsite training of efficient drilling practices and the proper use of rig control systems.

The use of efficient modeling procedures to compare alternative drill string and BHA designs provides valuable insights into the string and tool selection process. A method to select the optimal stabilizer contact locations for the BHA tools helps to avoid lateral vibration dysfunctions, and a torsional vibration model can quickly evaluate the resistance of alternative string designs to harmful torsional stick-slip vibrations. Provided the proper hardware, a well-trained driller can be more effective with automated drilling performance evaluation tools that provide real-time drilling parameter recommendations based on optimizing Mechanical Specific Energy (MSE), torsional vibration stick-slip severity, and Rate of Penetration (ROP).

BHA lateral vibrations modeling is field-proven and has been applied globally. One case study will show an application of the model to select a BHA design with specified rotary speed sweet spot. The torsional vibration model can be used in both a design process and in a real-time surveillance mode. In one case study, stick-slip vibrations were too severe to drill ahead with a tapered string design that was selected to lower the equivalent circulating density (ECD). The model helped identify the increase in stick-slip resistance obtained by substituting a portion of the smaller pipe with larger pipe. A real-time surveillance tool provides automated drilling performance analysis and makes recommendations to the driller on bit weight and rotary speed. The recommendations are based on the torsional vibration model results, operating in a surveillance mode, and the MSE and ROP. Rig control systems impact drilling dynamics and efficiency in ways that are not well understood by most drillers, and training on awareness and mitigation of these effects can avoid severe dysfunctions.
4D Processing Pilot over a Giant Carbonate field, Offshore UAE
Authors: Lafram Abderrahim , Francois Pierre , Hubans Christian , Saeed Al Kaabi Ahmed , Benson Marc
Published: November 2016

Time lapse seismic is a proven technology for reservoir monitoring. It allows accessing useful information about the fluid movement, pressure changes and so on. This technology, however, has still some limitations in term of area of application. Shallow marine Middle East carbonate reservoirs are one of them.

In order to test this limit, ADMA-OPCO performed a 4D pilot (OBC/OBC) over a giant carbonate field, where the 2013 monitor has repeated the geometry of the 1994 base (parallel shooting). In this paper, we describe the challenges of the 4D processing of this data, the applied solutions and some results.

The water bottom over the pilot area ranges from 15 to 25 m. The main challenges of this 4D processing are: –Geometry errors in the legacy OBC data: they have negligible impact in 3D but they increase the 4D noise. Significant time was spent correcting these errors.–Noise contamination: the 2C component over the area is highly contaminated by Scholte waves and guided waves. Additionally, the geophone of the monitor data was highly impacted by current noise. It was necessary to bring the hydrophone and geophone to a satisfactory S/N before summation, in order to derive reliable operator for PZ summation. One important point for this 4D project was to favor the less statistical and less adaptive process.–Multiple attenuation: in 4D, the multiple can be highly non repeatable because of changing sea water conditions. The area is known for its severe contamination of short period multiples due to shallow-marine, hard sea bottom environment. After PZ summation, an optimized 3D deconvolution was performed.–4D time and amplitude destriping: it was important to remove the distortion due to different acquisition conditions, coupling etc.

The data integrity analysis and correction, the optimal denoise and demultiple, the careful attention paid to the acquisition-related distortion removal as well as adapted 4D QCS allowed to obtain an interpretable 4D signal which gives useful information about the reservoirs.

These successful results were made possible by a careful control of the noise and multiple attenuation, favoring the use of the deterministic and constrained processes over the adaptive processes even if these latter may be superior in 3D processing; and a robust S/N separation in the 4D crossequalisation/parallel processing were designed and applied. These elements enabled to get an interpretable 4D signal under the very challenging conditions of the considered area and reservoirs.
Hydrate Management Analysis Applying MEG Injection for Gas and Condensate Fields: A Dynamic Approach
Authors: Scott D. W. , Villalobos A. , Kwok C. K. , Scott W. F.
Published: November 2016

As part of the sustainability and growth initiatives of all offshore operating companies to identify and prioritize optimum monoethylene glycol (MEG) injection rate in offshore operations, a hydrate management study was developed using dynamic simulation to optimize long-term planning of maintenance activities and to develop associated long-term maintenance budgets. This workflow includes a parametric study to understand and evaluate the impact of the insulation material as a mitigation measure where inhibitor injection is not possible.

An economic analysis was performed to compare a base case (constant MEG injection rate) with a different scenario of an optimum MEG injection and the introduction of an additional production platform in 2018, where some of the main economic premises that need to be considered are included. The analysis evaluated a gas and condensate offshore system, based on three platforms that send their production to a process facility that treats a production rate at export conditions. After treatment, the gas is separated in two export gas pipelines. A dynamic simulation was used to obtain the MEG injection rate considering a physical model and a fluid characterization that included hydrate curves and phase envelopes.

In addition to this study, pressure, temperature, holdup, and flow regime were calculated. It is not expected to have hydrate formation in the two export pipelines due to the insulation layer that allows an increase in fluid temperature. The insulation layer was obtained by performing a parametric study with the pipeline thickness. This is one of the suggested hydrate solutions from this study.

The proposed workflow addresses the challenges of hydrate analysis by using an efficient and fast tool that can model different dynamic flow behaviors by running fast sensitivity runs for multiple transient scenarios (what-if-scenarios). This solution provides effective and low-cost MEG inhibition by eliminating unnecessary injected volumes at certain times.
GUPCO Experience with Giant Fields: Case Studies from Egypt
Authors: Noureldien Darhim M. , Nabil Salah
Published: November 2016

GUPCO is one of the largest E&P Companies in Egypt and Middle East. It has a vast infrastructure with a large number of wells, platforms, pipelines and offshore facilities. GUPCO's peak production exceeded 600,000 BOPD in 1983 while it produces around 100,000 BOEPD today from more than ten geological formations in Gulf of Suez (GoS). GUPCO produced more than 4.6 billion STBO which represent more than 43% of Egypt's total cumulative oil to date. And in spite of that, we still have many opportunities and success yet to achieve.

As one of the petroleum industry leaders, GUPCO was and will always seek success and excellence in managing its assets. For more than fifty years, GUPCO used to follow the highest standards available in petroleum industry, and applied them in all areas to achieve that outstanding excellence. From day one, GUPCO realized that understanding subsurface features and optimizing recovery from different fields are the key areas among all. As a result, GUPCO had made concerted efforts in those areas in specific.

Managing giant fields is not an easy task; it requires special knowledge and experience to manage such critical asset since each 1% increment of oil recovery means tens of millions of oil barrels. And because GUPCO has four giant fields, it was serious for us to do our best to maximize their value. GUPCO started that early whilst exploration phase, appraisal, development and currently in maturity phase. Along these different phases, we utilized wide spectrum of tools starting from basic technical elements (e.g. flow equations, DCA, MBE, PTA… etc.) reaching to state-of-the-art techniques and technology available (e.g. Numerical Modeling, Artificial Intelligence and EOR) at which GUPCO uses numerical reservoir simulation extensively, utilizes neural network in different applications, and already applied TAP (Thermally-Activated Particles) technique which is called commercially BrightWater® to improve sweeping efficiency, and also studied feasibility of Low Salinity Waterflooding (LoSalTM) which is planned to be implemented in near future after upgrading water injection facilities.

In this paper, we are going to present various case studies with detailed elements GUPCO followed to accomplish that success in managing giant fields, and how such powerful techniques contributed in maximizing our asset value. We'll explain also what we did from day one highlighting different challenges we faced and how we managed to solve them, and more importantly, we'll elaborate our experience in dealing with giant fields under all levels of field's maturity, highlighting the importance of many tools we've utilized. And ultimately, proposing guidelines to be followed whilst applying Waterflooding for utmost benefit.
A Breakthrough Water Shutoff System for Super-K Zones in Carbonate Ghawwar Field: Adsorption and Polymer System
Authors: Al-Nakhli Ayman R , Bataweel Mohammed , Almohsin Ayman , Al-Badairy Hameed
Published: November 2016

The overall objective of the project is to develop a water shutoff chemical (Sealant), which can be used by Saudi Aramco to control excess water production in carbonate formations. Excessive water production from hydrocarbon-producing wells can adversely affect the economic life of the well. It was estimated that an average 2.8 barrels of water is produced for each barrel of oil worldwide.

A new water shutoff polymer system was developed for carbonate formations. The developed system can bond to carbonate and shows great stability. The major challenge of water control in carbonate reservoirs are polymer bonding to the rock surface. Most of the commercial products are designed for sandstone formations. Most polymers will not strongly adsorb to carbonate reservoirs particularly under high fluid flow or high salinity. The polymer system developed is designed to overcome this and chemically bond the polymers to the surface of the carbonate.

A well-defined polymer system with the ability to chemically bond to carbonate surfaces were also realized which represents the first example of an adsorption system for carbonate reservoirs and could have broad reaching applications.

This represents a significant breakthrough as this can overcome one of the key obstacles of water control in carbonate formations. This paper demonstrates the laboratory work carried out to develop and investigate the efficiency of Smart Sealant, compared with Organically cross linked polymer (OCP), in both Supper-K and fractured rocks. Core flow testes indicate significant drop in water production for both fractured and Supper-K formation. When chemical treatments were applied, the polymer system was able to withstand the differential pressures and did not allow the flow of water in both high permeability cores and fractures. Coreflood results indicate that OCP was unstable with carbonate core sample and leached out after 4 pore volume of brine injection. ESEM and EDS analysis confirmed that the Smart Sealant treatment of the core plug resulted in some of the used polymer product blocking fractures and pores. This finding confirms adsorption and stability of Smart Sealant polymer on the rock surface, blocking fractures and reducing permeability of fractured core samples.
The Application of Waste Solids Management Vertical Cuttings Dryers as an Integral Element of a Successful Solids Control System
Authors: Anderson Michael Rai
Published: November 2016

In Elgin's last White Paper, "Common Challenges Relative to the Use of Decanter Centrifuges for Barite Recovery in the Oil & Gas Industry," a detailed discussion was offered about the complexities involved in achieving effective solids control when deploying a dual-centrifuge "barite recovery" system. As noted in that report, when centrifuges are properly used, centrifuges enhance the drilling fluid properties, thereby improving rig performance. By maintaining the target properties of the drilling fluid, centrifuges also lower the volume of waste drilling fluid and reduce raw material additive costs.

Despite these achievements, the evolution of the drilling industry has resulted in the rapid deployment of centrifuge-based solids control systems that are unable to reach their full potential. This has been predominantly driven by the fact that the first line of defense, the shale shakers, tend to allow far too many fine solids into the active mud system and the second line of defense, solids control centrifuges, tend to process just 25% of the total mud system circulation rate. A concept that is later explored in greater detail.

Modern drilling rigs are continuing to set new standards by drilling deeper, faster, and longer. As such, the oil & gas industry has seen a substantial increase in the volume of waste solids and liquids being generated from the solids control system. There has never been a more critical time to manage drilling fluid and the associated wastes as an integral and inherently inseparable element of an effective solids control system. This is especially the case, when a properly deployed Vertical Cuttings Dryer ("VCD"), can significantly reduce waste disposal costs, dramatically lower whole mud loses within those wastes, and improve the overall quality of the drilling fluid by allowing the shale shakers and centrifuges to be used at their full operating potential. All of this can be done for about the same investment as a typical small-bowl decanter centrifuge system.
Rejuvenation of a Mature Field Through STOIIP Validation Using an Integrated 3D Geo-Cellular Dynamic Model for a Heterogeneous Multi Layered Reservoir
Authors: Ibrahim Mostafa M. , Abdulaziz Abdulaziz M. , Fattah Khaled A.
Published: November 2016

Stock Tank Oil Initially in Place (STOIIP) uncertainty have been raised recently as a major impact on development plans of mature oil fields under the current tough economic conditions. One of the most complex reservoirs in Gulf of Suez is the Nezzazat group that has a high degree of lateral and vertical heterogeneity. Reservoir productivity and injectivity of such heterogonous reservoir require a high quality 3D geo-cellular model and a robust dynamic history match. However, the intersected lobes of bars and channels of in such heterogeneous concealing underneath a thick salt succession are very difficult to interpret and therefore impose a profound integrated study. This involves petrophysical characterization of Nezzazat group into seven hydraulic flow units honoring the lithostratigraphy of the basin, Mattula, Wata and Raha formations. To enhance field development plan, the Big Loop simulation approach is applied to cover all the existing geological uncertainty. This model honors the available dynamic data including static reservoir pressure, repeat formation tester data, injection and production logs in both history matching and prediction phases.

The 3D dynamic simulation model achieved history match to the seven reservoir intervals using RFT pressure data and production logs on layer basis, showing a wide range of permeability and contribution. The history matched model has successfully proved that the dynamic STOIIP is higher than the previous volumetric STOIIP with additional ±7 MMBO. This opened a window towards drilling new well to increase the current recovery factor for the field and achieve the new ultimate recovery. Therefore, the proposed methodology not only checks the validity of volumetric STOIIP calculations but also helps understanding hydraulic flow units architecture under uncertainty to increase the ultimate recovery of the mature fields.
The Effect of Macrocyclic Lactones-Ivermectin Exposure on Egg Hatching and Larval Development of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Mariani Mohd Zain  , Zary Shariman Yahaya  , Nik Ahmad Irwan Izzauddin Nik Him
Published: November 2016

To date, the ivermectin resistance in nematode parasites has been reported and many studies are carried out to determine the causes of this problem. A free-living Caenorhabditis elegans is used as a model system for this study to investigate the response of C. elegans to ivermectin exposure by using larval development assay. Worms were exposed to ivermectin at concentration from 1 ng/mL to 10 ng/mL and dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) as a control. The developments of the worms were monitored for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours until the worms become adults. Results indicated that worms’ growth began to be affected by ivermectin at a concentration of 5 ng/mL, while at the concentration of 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 ng/mL, the growth of worms were inhibited compared to control worms. Further study of the protein expression in C. elegans should be done to investigate the up-regulated and down-regulated proteins involve in ivermectin resistance.
Assessment of Temperature Effects on Early Larval Development Survival of Hatchery-reared Tropical Oyster, Crassostrea iredalei
Authors: Teh Chiew Peng  , Thiyagarajan Vengatesen  , Aileen Tan Shau Hwai
Published: November 2016

The influence of the cool and warm temperatures on early life development and survival of tropical oyster, Crassostrea iredalei was studied. D-hinged larvae (day 1 larvae) were reared to three different temperatures (20°C, 27°C, and 34°C) for nine days. Oyster larvae reared in temperature 27°C, acted as control (ambient temperature). The highest survival rate occurred when the larvae were reared in 20°C and 27°C. Larvae reared at 34°C exhibited reduced survival but increase in the growth rate. The growth rate in larvae reared in high temperature (34°C) was significantly higher compared to larvae reared in 20°C and 27°C (p<0.05). The results from the present study indicated that tropical oyster larvae, C. iredalei had faster growth rate at the high temperature (34°C). However, the larval survival was decreasing according to days. There is no significant difference in the larval growth and survival in lower temperature (20°C) and control condition (27°C).
Oviposition Habitat Selection of Dengue Vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Response to Fish Predator
Authors: Wan Fatma Zuharah  , Nik Fadzly  , Wilson Ong Kang Wei  , Zarul Hazrin Hashim
Published: November 2016

To understand the effects of fish predator’s kairomones on Aedes mosquitoes’ oviposition, we established an experiment using gravid Aedes females. Kairomones concentrations were established using Hampala macrolepidota. One individual fish was placed inside containers with varying water levels (1 L, 5 L, and 10 L of water). The fish were kept in the containers for 24 hours and were removed immediately at the start of each trial in order to have the kairomones remnants. Twenty gravid adult females of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus were allowed to lay eggs on oviposition site with various treatments: (1) control without any kairomones; (2) kairomone remnant in 1 L of water; (3) kairomone remnant in 5 L of water; and (4) kairomone remnant in 10 L of water. There are significant differences between the numbers of eggs laid by both Aedes species for each different treatment (F = 9.131, df = 16, p<0.001). However, fewer eggs were laid by Ae. albopictus compared to Ae. aegypti in the presence of kairomone remnants. This suggested that Ae. albopictus are significantly affected by the kairomones itself and have ability to detect the residual kairomone presence from H. macrolepidota.
Establishment and Analysis of the 3-dimensional (3D) Spheroids Generated from the Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cell Line HK1
Authors: Kalaivani Muniandy  , Prabu Siva Sankar  , Benedict Lian Shi Xiang  , Alan Khoo Soo-Beng  , Venugopal Balakrishnan  , Nethia Mohana-Kumaran
Published: November 2016

Spheroids have been shown to recapitulate the tumour in vivo with properties such as the tumour microenvironment, concentration gradients, and tumour phenotype. As such, it can serve as a platform for determining the growth and invasion behaviour pattern of the cancer cells as well as be utilised for drug sensitivity assays; capable of exhibiting results that are closer to what is observed in vivo compared to two-dimensional (2D) cell culture assays. This study focused on establishing a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model using the Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) cell line, HK1 and analysing its growth and invasion phenotypes. The spheroids will also serve as a model to elucidate their sensitivity to the chemotherapeutic drug, Flavopiridol. The liquid overlay method was employed to generate the spheroids which was embedded in bovine collagen I matrix for growth and invasion phenotypes observation. The HK1 cells formed compact spheroids within 72 hours. Our observation from the 3 days experiments revealed that the spheroids gradually grew and invaded into the collagen matrix, showing that the HK1 spheroids are capable of growth and invasion. Progressing from these experiments, the HK1 spheroids were employed to perform a drug sensitivity assay using the chemotherapeutic drug, Flavopiridol. The drug had a dose-dependent inhibition on spheroid growth and invasion.
Effect of Soybean Flour on Physico-chemical, Functional, and Rheological Properties of Composite Flour from Rice, Sweet Potato, and Potato
Authors: Elisa Julianti  , Herla Rusmarilin  , Ridwansyah  , Era Yusraini
Published: November 2016

Three composite flours were prepared by combining rice flour, potato starch, sweet potato flour, soybean flour, and xanthan gum in the ratio of 30: 15: 50: 4.5: 0.5; 30: 15: 45: 9.5: 0.5; and 30: 15: 40: 14.5: 0.5, were analysed for selected physical, chemical, functional, and rheological properties. Fat, protein, ash, and crude fibre content were found to increase with increase in the ratio of soybean flour and decrease in the ratio of sweet potato flour in the mixture. The composite flours were not significantly different in water and oil absorption capacity, swelling power, and baking expansion. There was a tendency for the relative viscosities of the composite flours to increase significantly with increasing proportion of the soybean flour and decreasing proportion of sweet potato flour in the mixture. Pasting viscosity measurements of the composite flours gave maximum (peak) viscosity values ranging from 582.00–668.67 cP. The pasting analysis results indicated increased level of setback and final viscosity, pasting temperature, setback and stability ratio while peak viscosity decreased with increasing proportion of soybean flour and decreasing proportion of sweet potato flour in the mixture.
Environment and Host Affects Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi (AMF) Population
Authors: Norahizah Abd Rahim  , Hasnah Md Jais  , Hasnuri Mat Hassan
Published: November 2016

The association of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) and roots undoubtedly gives positive advantages to the host plant. However, heavily fertilised soil such as in oil palm plantation, inhibit the growth of mycorrhiza. Thus, the aim of this research is to distinguish and quantify the availability of AMF population and propagules at different sites of an oil palm plantation by Most Probable Number (MPN) assay. In addition, root infection method was employed to observe host compatibility through the propagation of AMF using two different types of hosts, monocotyledon (Echinochloa cruss-galli) and dicotyledon (Vigna radiata). Three different locations at an oil palm plantation were chosen for sampling. Each location was represented by a distinctive soil series, and were further divided into two sites, that is canopy and midway area. Midway site had a greater population of AMF compared to canopy. The result showed that different environments affect the availability of AMF in the soil. Higher number of AMF infection observed in monocotyledon host suggests that the fibrous root system provide a better association with mycorrhiza.
Psychrophilic Lipase from Arctic Bacterium
Authors: Zakiah Ramle  , Rashidah Abdul Rahim
Published: November 2016

A lipase producer psychrophilic microorganism isolated from Arctic sample was studied. The genomic DNA of the isolate was extracted using modified CTAB method. Identification of the isolate by morphological and 16S rRNA sequence analysis revealed that the isolate is closely related to Arthrobacter gangotriensis (97% similarity). A. gangotriensis was determined as positive lipase producer based on the plate screening using specific and sensitive plate assay of Rhodamine B. The PCR result using Arthrobacter sp.’s full lipase gene sequence as the template primers emphasised a possible lipase gene at 900 bp band size. The gene is further cloned in a suitable vector system for expression of lipase.
Effect of Salinity on Embryo and Larval Development of Oyster Crassostrea iredalei
Authors: Amelia Ng Phei Fang  , Teh Chiew Peng  , Poi Khoy Yen  , Zulfigar Yasin  , Aileen Tan Shau Hwai
Published: November 2016

The effects of salinity on the embryonic and larvae stage of Crassostrea iredalei were investigated. Fertilised eggs and one day old D-larvae were subjected to salinities ranging from 0 to 30 ppt at temperature of 30±2°C. At salinity lower than 10 ppt, 100% mortality was observed. For embryo development, the highest survival was observed at salinity 25 ppt with 80.9±2.2% survival with no significant difference compared to 15 and 30 ppt. Shell height and length were both greatest at salinity 30 ppt. Throughout the 11 days culture, the highest larval survival occurred at salinity 15 ppt with no significant difference compared to all other salinities except 10 ppt. Larval shell sizes showed no significant differences between salinities, except for 10 ppt. Optimum culture condition for larvae growth are salinities ranging from 15 to 30 ppt whereby the larval of this species can tolerate wider range of salinity compared to other oyster species and thus, making it a competitive species to be cultured.
Three New Records of Gammarid Amphipod in Songkhla Lake, Thailand
Authors: Kotchakorn Rattanama  , Manasawan Saengsakda Pattaratumrong  , Prawit Towatana  , Koraon Wongkamhaeng
Published: November 2016

Songkhla Lake is known as the most popular area for gammarid amphipod studies in the Gulf of Thailand. The first gammarid amphipod study was investigated in 1925 by Chilton. After that, there are various studies including diversity, ecology, and biology. In this study, gammarid amphipod in Songkhla Lake were collected from year 2010 to 2014. In this study, three newly recorded amphipods had been reported namely Hyale dollfusi Chevreux, 1911, Grandidierella megnae (Giles, 1888), and Hourstonius japonica (Hirayama, 1983) which had not been previously reported from the Thai waters. The gammarid amphipods had been catalogued. Their characteristics had been described and illustrated. All specimens were deposited at Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand.
Preliminary Assessment on Autecological Studies of Beardless Barb, Cyclocheilichthys apogon (Valenciennes, 1842) from Muda Reservoir of Kedah, Malaysia
Authors: Nor Aziella Mohd Rosli  , Khaironizam Md Zain
Published: November 2016

Like many other countries, reservoirs in Malaysia are primarily built for various functions such as hydroelectric power generation, drinking water supply, flood mitigation and irrigation for agricultural purposes. Artisanal fisheries activities were also performed in these reservoirs. The freshwater fish are a requisite source of protein for the rural population. Consequently, the fish resources in reservoirs should be carefully maintained at sustainable level. Present study elucidates the preliminary assessment on autecological studies of beardless barb, Cyclocheilichthys apogon as a model of fish biota in Muda Reservoir. This research investigates the growth pattern of C. apogon using length-weight relationship and their condition factor. A total of 307 specimens were captured using cast net for six consecutive months from March 2014 until August 2014. The growth coefficient (b) from the length-weight equation (W = aLb) for male and female of C. apogon were 3.150 and 3.185, respectively, indicating positive allometric growth. The condition factor values of male and female of C. apogon were 1.023 ± 0.111 and 1.026 ± 0.100, respectively, suggesting that C. apogon is in good condition in Muda Reservoir. The paucity of research on the autecological study in the Muda Reservoir contributes to the main reason of performing this research. The findings will serve as baseline information of this species in Muda Reservoir, as well as for comparative study in the future.
Changes in water demands under adaptation actions to climate change in an irrigation district
Authors: Ojeda-Bustamante Waldo , Ontiveros-Capurata Ronald E. , Flores-Velázquez Jorge , Iñiguez-Covarrubias Mauro
Published: November 2016

Climate change will affect the water balance of irrigated agriculture. Therefore, farmers and irrigation managers should consider adapting to new scenarios. Changes in water demands in a Mexican irrigation district were studied using an irrigation-scheduling model. The impact on water demands of two potential adaptation actions, adjusting planting season and using longer-season varieties (LV), was estimated and compared with a baseline scenario. Two cropping plans (wet and dry) for the last 15 water years were considered. Cumulative and daily irrigation demands were estimated for each agricultural season and each adaptation action. The reference period (1961–1990) and three future climate projections (2011–2040, 2041–2070, 2071–2098) under A1B scenario were used. Results indicated that without adaptation water demands will decrease as temperatures increase and season lengths will shorten. However, as farmers respond with adaptation actions to maintain actual yields, water demand can be higher than non-adaptation action. The impacts of climate change on water demands depend on the adopted adaptation actions and have a greater effect on peak and cumulative demands. The water demands increased by 2.4% when LV were used and 16.3% when this is combined with adjusting planting season. Thus, adaptation actions should be chosen carefully to minimize future agricultural risk.
Посилення антиоксидантного захисту та інгібування перекисного окислення ліпідів на тлі комплексного лікування дітей iз запальними захворюваннями слизової оболонки порожнини рота
Authors: Suerculov E.S. , Yuldasheva G.I. , Cholokova G.S. , Yuldashev I.M.
Published: November 2016

Автори наводять клініко-біохімічні результати визначення параметрів системи «перекисне окислення ліпідів — антиоксидантний захист» на тлі комплексного лікування дітей iз запальними захворюваннями слизової оболонки порожнини рота. Проведене лікування призводить до зниження токсичної дії перекисних радикалів і також може служити додатковим критерієм ефективності терапії.
Профілактика частих повторних захворювань носоглотки в дітей із гіперплазією лімфоглоткового кільця
Authors: Tkachenko V.Yu. , Ovcharenko L.S.
Published: November 2016

Актуальність. Лімфоїдна тканина носоглотки є одним із місць скупчення та зростання збудників респіраторної патології. Найбільш уразливими в цій ситуації опиняються діти дошкільного віку з гіперплазією лімфоглоткового кільця, у яких відзначається рекурентний перебіг захворювань верхніх відділів респіраторного тракту. Мета дослідження — оптимізація програми терапії гострих риносинуситів у дітей із гіперплазією лімфоглоткового кільця. Матеріали та методи. Під спостереженням перебувало 120 пацієнтів віком від 3 до 6 років, випадково розподілених у 2 групи по 60 дітей у кожну. Режим застосування: по одному впорскуванню в кожну ніздрю два рази на добу. Натрію хлорид 3% застосовувався у вигляді назальних іригацій у дітей першої групи чотири рази на добу. Натрію хлорид 0,9% застосовувався в дітей другої групи за тією ж схемою. Клінічний метод складався з оцінки даних анамнезу, клінічної картини, загальноклінічних методів дослідження. Брався мазок для цитоморфологічного аналізу слизової оболонки носа. Проводилися фарбування препаратів розведеним розчином Гімзи з подальшою мікроскопією, кількісне визначення секреторного sIgA в слині методом імуноферментного аналізу. Результати оброблялися за допомогою критеріїв Манна — Уїтні, Фішера. Результати. Застосування натрію хлориду 3% у вигляді назальних іригацій справляло статистично значущу регенеруючу та сануючу дію на слизову оболонку носа. Використання натрію хлориду 3% на відміну від застосування натрію хлориду 0,9% не супроводжується зниженням рівня секреторного sIgA в слині, а призводить до його деякого підвищення. Висновок. Використання препарату натрію хлориду 3% у вигляді назальних іригацій у програмі профілактики частих повторних захворювань носоглотки в дітей із гіперплазією лімфоглоткового кільця має більш комплексну дію порівняно із застосуванням натрію хлориду 0,9%.
A techno-typological analysis of fan (tabular) scrapers from Ein Zippori, Israel
Authors: Zutovski Katia , Yerkes Richard W. , Agam Aviad , Wilson Lucy , Getzov Nimrod , Milevski Ianir , Gopher Avi
Published: November 2016

Fan (or tabular) scrapers are a diagnostic  tool type in Chalcolithic Ghassulian and Early Bronze Age lithic assemblages from  the southern Levant. To date, only small numbers of fan scrapers have been reported from the Late Pottery Neolithic Wadi Rabah culture. In this paper we present a techno-typological analysis of a fair sample of fan scrapers and fan scrapers spalls from Wadi Rabah and Early Bronze Age layers at Ein Zippori, Lower Galilee, Israel. Techno-typological similarities and differences of Wadi Rabah, Chalcolithic Ghassulian and Early Bronze Age fan scrapers from Ein Zippori and other sites in the region are presented, trends of change along time are noted, and an updated definition is proposed. Our results indicate that fan scrapers are highly efficient tools for accurate and prolonged animal butchering and hide working. The main advantage of fan scrapers is their mostly flat, thin morphology and large size that permits the creation of several relatively long working edges, various retouched angles (from sharp to abrupt), extensive resharpening, and a comfortable grasp. While fan scrapers were products of a local trajectory in Late Pottery Neolithic Wadi Rabah lithic industries at Ein Zippori, a standardized, off-site manufacturing of fan scrapers is evident during the Early Bronze Age.
La catedral de Campeche.
Authors: García Preciat José
Published: November 2016

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Algunas Obras desconocidas de Manuel Tolsá
Authors: De la Maza Francisco
Published: November 2016

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Pinturas Coloniales Mexicanas en Davenport
Authors: Toussaint Manuel
Published: November 2016

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Bodegones y floreros en la Pintura Mexicana. Siglos XVIII y XIX
Authors: Romero de Terreros Manuel
Published: November 2016

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Ensayo sobre los planos de la Ciudad de Veracruz
Authors: Toussaint Manuel
Published: November 2016

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El pensamiento estético de Manuel Toussaint
Authors: Fernández Justino
Published: November 2016

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The Retables of Cádiz and Jerez in the 17th and 18th centuries
Authors: Baird Joseph A.
Published: November 2016

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Dos cuentos olvidados de Vicente Riva Palacio
Authors: Leal Luis
Published: November 2016

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Un libro raro, una extraña obra: Épilogue de la Divine Comédie
Authors: Rojas Garcidueñas José
Published: November 2016

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Declaraciones y ponencia, en torno al problema de la ampliación de las calles de Tacuba en la ciudad de México
Authors: Castro Leal Antonio
Published: November 2016

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Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz y don Carlos de Sigüenza y Góngora
Authors: Rojas Garcidueñas José
Published: November 2016

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La casa de los virreyes en Huehuetoca
Authors: Romero de Terreros Manuel
Published: November 2016

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El dios maya de la lluvia en el Códice de Dresde y los huesos esgrafiados de la tumba del Templo I de Tikal
Authors: Foncerrada de Molina Marta
Published: November 2016

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Las esculturas de Yaxchilán en el Museo de Antropología
Authors: De la Fuente Beatriz
Published: November 2016

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Sobre un relieve de Miguel Ángel "la lucha de los centauros con los lapitas"
Authors: De la Maza Francisco
Published: November 2016

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La fuente de Palacio Nacional
Authors: González Galván Manuel
Published: November 2016

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A Stylistic and Chronological Study of Monumental Olmec Sculpture, de C. W. Clewlow, Jr.
Authors: De la Fuente Beatriz
Published: November 2016

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La catedral de Zacatecas y el arte del virreinato
Authors: Toussaint Manuel
Published: November 2016

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Historia, Leyenda y Tradición, en una Serie Franciscana
Authors: Vargaslugo Elisa , Díaz Marco
Published: November 2016

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