bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation Damage in the Cavendish Gas Field - Causes, Treatment and Future Measures
Authors: Kersten Christoph , Schulze Kai , Schroers Florian , Mandiwall Darrell , Jeffs Paul
Published: June 2013

The Cavendish gas field is located off-shore in the Southern Gas Basin of the UK North Sea. The Westphalian and Namurian Fluvial Sandstones are at a depth of circa 11,500 ft (3,500 m). The wells showed an initial reservoir pressure of 6,100 psia (420 bara) and a temperature of 230 °F (110 °C). During gas production starting in 2007 the initial gas production rate of 60 to 70 MMscf/d per well decreased significantly after seven months of production. The condensate-gas-ratio was between 3.5 and 11.0 stb/MMscf for the two active producers. During a well work-over at the end of 2010, down-hole solids and liquid samples were taken for analysis to identify possible formation damage processes. The solids were identified by x-ray diffraction as rust and scale, mainly carbonate scale. The liquids were characterized by gas chromatography as hydrocarbon condensate, with no trace of residual drilling mud. Two formation damage or productivity impairment mechanisms were identified; scaling and hydrocarbon banking.

Scaling Carbonate scale was caused by the interaction of reservoir brine and the high concentration of carbonate ions in the high pH K-formate drilling fluid. Due to the comparatively long exposure times (ca. 16 days) and thermal degradation of the drilling fluid, hydrogen-carbonate ions were formed and because of the relatively high calcium content of the formation water and presence of ferroan dolomite as intergranular cement within the matrix, carbonate scale was precipitated. Hydrocarbon Banking Liquid hydrocarbons condensed as a result of the lean-retrograde gas condensate character of the reservoir fluids and reservoir pressure decreasing below the respective dew point pressures. This was confirmed by the interpretation of the PVT and fluid compositional analysis with computational software tools.

In order to restore productivity, the reservoir section of the two affected wells was milled and re-perforated. After this treatment their productivity was observed to increase significantly. A proactive scale inhibition treatment for the future was not regarded as necessary because all technical (non-formation) fluids were removed and the wells are not regarded as significantly self scaling. Alsothe reservoir pressure had decreased sufficiently to prevent any severe further retrograde hydrocarbon condensation in the wellbore area.
"Dope-Free" Tubulars in Petroleum Well Completions
Authors: Funes Alejandro , Figini Fernando , Goretta Emiliano Actis , de Franceschi Esteban , Benedetto Fabián , Castiñeiras Tomás , Economides Michael J.
Published: June 2013

"Dope", an inorganic compound, has been used routinely during well construction for both casing and tubing to lubricate, seal and protect against corrosion of segment-connecting threads. During the well tubular assembly a portion of the thread compound is exuded inside and outside the connection and gets access to the well fluids through the tubing and annular space. Studies presented here show that the dope forms a suspension which penetrates and damages the formation. The studies used standard fluid circulation velocities during typical completion operations. The formation damage is severe (more than 99 percent) and has been confirmed with a number of core-test experiments, presented in this work.

If the well is put on injection service and in the case of workovers such as matrix stimulation treatments, the formation damage caused by pipe dope will almost guarantee operational failure. For production the issue is different and will depend on the reservoir permeability and the ability or lack thereof of the dope compound to penetrate the rock matrix or whether it will form a removable filter cake.

Recent innovative technologies have allowed the introduction of dope-free connectivity by engineering the connections at the end of pipe sections. Avoiding the use of dope compounds has apparent benefits, one of which is the prevention of well damage. Another is the efficiency and reliability of the operation itself, removing a cumbersome, albeit routine job, a major advantage in the hectic time of a drilling rig's operation. An important side benefit are improvements in the Health & Safety indicators of the casing & tubing installation- as the number of operations to install these is significantly reduced and also on the Environmental side, as the dope-free connections produce zero effluents, the connections being "ready-to-run" from the factory.

We present here the clear benefits of using dope-free pipe connections by quantifying the negative effects of the alternative. Production equations using a dope-induced skin effect are presented, showing the detrimental impact on well performance.
An Environmentally Acceptable and Non-damaging Diversion System for High-Permeability Formations
Authors: Patnana Vijaya K , Karadkar Prasad B , Choudhary Yogesh Kumar
Published: June 2013

Uniform zonal coverage of the entire treatment interval is essential to the success of matrix stimulation treatments, especially for long intervals with high degrees of heterogeneity. In such cases, without effective diversion, the injected fluid will follow the path of least resistance, and very little treatment fluid will enter into low-permeability or highly damaged zones. However, effectively and economically diverting fluids from high-permeability zones to low-permeability zones has always been a challenge.

In this paper, a new non-damaging diversion or fluid-loss-control system is discussed that provides high differential pressure for the fluid flow by forming a low-permeability filter cake on the formation face or bridging the perforation tunnel, or by plugging pore throats, which helps divert fluid to other zones. The system consists of degradable polymer particulates and food-grade legume particulates whose particle size is relatively smaller than the polymer particulates. The laboratory test results show that the system provides good leakoff control and sustained a differential pressure as high as 2,300 psi. This system can be used in both non-acidic and acidic (up to 15% hydrochloric [HCl] acid) medium for temperatures up to 250°F. The effects of temperature and carrier fluid on the performance of this system are discussed.

The mixing procedure for preparing the blend, high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) filter-press experiment setup, test procedure, results of experiments, and degradation behavior of the materials used in the system are described. The newly proposed system is suitable for various applications, such as (1) diversion during matrix treatments of long intervals, (2) fluid-loss or lost-circulation control, and (3) plugging of natural fractures.
A Novel Water Injectivity Model and Experimental Validation using CT Scanned Core-floods
Authors: Yerramilli Ramesh Chandra , Zitha P. L. , Yerramilli Sanjay Surya , Bedrikovetsky Pavel
Published: June 2013

Injectivity decline is an issue during Produced Water Re-Injection (PWRI) for water disposal in aquifers, water flooding, chemical EOR and geothermal energy exploitation. A novel model for injectivity decline under flow conditions reminiscent of Produced Water Re-Injection (PWRI) was developed taking into account deep-bed filtration and build-up of external filter cake. A distinct feature of the model is that it describes particle retention kinetics responsible for internal filtration by an exponential decaying function of the retained particle concentration. The corresponding non-linear governing partial differential equations were solved numerically and coupled with a known analytical model for external filtration using the concept of transition time. Core-flood experiments consisting of the injection of brine containing suspended hematite particles (volume fractions in the range 1–5 ppm) were also performed. CT scans of the core were done to obtain deposition profiles along the core at different times. Effect of various parameters (particle concentration, number of grids) on injecitivty was investigated. From CT scans, Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) analyses and optical microscopy photographs, it was found that surface deposition in the porous medium and face plugging at the inlet of the core were responsible for decline in injectivity. A transition time from pure internal filtration and external filtration was accurately determined from the CT scan and pressure data. Newly proposed model and experiments were found to be in excellent agreement indicating that the adopted retention function is good heuristic description of particle retention.
Iron Sulfide Removal: A Nonacidic Alternative to Hydrochloric Acid Treatment
Authors: Wang Xiaolan , Qu Qi , Berry Sandra , Cutler Jennifer
Published: June 2013

Iron sulfide scale deposition is a common problem in sour oil and gas wells. Accumulation of iron sulfide in the production tubing causes reduction of well deliverability. Conventional chemical means to remove Iron sulfide scale usually involve hydrochloric acid and other mineral acids. The composition and crystalline structure of iron sulfide scales varies significantly. Although iron disulfide (FeS2), which is found in the minerals such as marcasite and pyrite, is not soluble in acid, pyrrhotite (Fe7S8) has a high solubility in hydrochloric acid. Therefore, although hydrochloric acid and other acids can be applied to remove iron sulfide scales, their effectiveness in different treatments could be quite different depending on the scale composition. Even in cases where hydrochloric acid could be applied for iron sulfide removal, the applied hydrochloric acid is very corrosive to downhole tubulars especially at high temperatures and high acid concentrations. In the meantime, the generated H2S poses a great threat because of its high toxicity and enhanced corrosion tendency due to the combination of hydrochloride acid and H2S.

To overcome the drawbacks of hydrochloric acid treatment, i.e., the risk of H2S evolution and the corrosion tendency in standard carbon steel, an alternative chemical treatment to hydrochloric acid treatment is preferred. This paper illustrates the development of a new chemical treatment solution for iron sulfide removal. This polymer-based system demonstrated high dissolving capacity for iron sulfide scales in neutral or nearly neutral pH environments. Testing related to its performance also has revealed advantages such as low corrosion rate, and low H2S evolution. Additionally, laboratory testing demonstrated this polymer-based system is an effective general purpose stimulation fluid to stimulate carbonate and dolomite formations.
Field Wide Implementation of Proppant-Based Scale Control Technology in the Bakken Field
Authors: Kalfayan Leonard J. , McAfee Clyde A. , Cenegy Lawrence M.
Published: June 2013

Bakken well activity and oil production has increased dramatically in recent years, largely because of technological advancements in drilling, completion, and hydraulic fracturing. For one North Dakota operator experiencing downhole calcium carbonate scaling in the pump and production tubing, an innovative inhibition program has been implemented and shown to reduce well scaling frequency. The new scale inhibition program utilizes a solid proppant-based additive from which the scale inhibitor gradually desorbs. With expansion of the development into new fields which exhibit lower scaling risk, the scale inhibition program was then limited to the higher scaling risk fields, reducing cost and simplifying operations.

Bakken wells are completed to vertical depths of approximately 10,000 feet with horizontal laterals up to 10,000 feet and produced via multi-zone completions. The operator initially applied high concentrations of liquid scale inhibitor as an additive to fracturing fluid; nevertheless scaling remained a recurring problem. A postmortem of the failed wells was conducted to eliminate failures not directly attributable to calcium carbonate scale and to identify the factors affecting the scale deposition. The postmortem considered the method of hydraulic fracturing, pump intake pressure, scale inhibitor residual, calcium carbonate scaling index, geographic failure concentration, production time to failure, and cumulative water production to failure. Results of this study are detailed in paper SPE 140977 (Cenegy et al. 2011).

This paper continues the study and describes the subsequent scale management program initiated. It details the technology implemented and results in effecting downhole failures due primarily to scale. The paper additionally discusses the solid scale inhibitor technology selection, the inhibitor placement process and the steps taken to further optimize and manage costs of the field-wide Bakken scale inhibition program.
A Heuristic Production Model for Cyclic Steam Stimulation in a Fractured Heavy Oil Carbonate Reservoir
Authors: Qin Kent , MacDonald Jeff
Published: June 2013

The Upper Devonian Grosmont formation is considered to be Canada's next largest unconventional oil resource play, with an estimated 406 billion barrels of heavy oil in place. A number of production pilots targeting the Grosmont formation have tested various thermal enhanced oil recovery techniques, which include steam flood, combustion, and cyclic steam stimulation (CSS). To date, the CSS process has demonstrated considerable promise based on performance from the Unocal Buffalo Creek Phase 2 pilot and through the application of C-SAGD, a CSS variant designed for the Grosmont, at the Laricina-Osum joint-venture pilot in Saleski. While the methodologies for forecasting CSS production profiles are well understood for clastic oil sands reservoirs, no direct analogue exists for carbonate reservoirs such as the Grosmont. The current profiling model for clastics appears to be suitable for matching and forecasting the production characteristics of CSS and the early cycles of C-SAGD in the Grosmont. However, a few extensions to the current profiling models are required to address differences in cycle length, bitumen ramp up, and oil cut characteristics. For instance, oil cuts are typically low initially and increase with time for the majority of cycles in clastic oil sands, whereas in the Grosmont, there is observed cycle-to-cycle variability. The first few cycles typically show high initial oil cuts, decreasing with time; in subsequent cycles, the oil cuts behave similarly to clastic reservoirs. These differences can be attributed to the presence of secondary porosity and permeability systems in the carbonate formation, such as vugs and fracture networks, and their interactions with the matrix. This paper will describe the modification to existing models for profiling production, based on field observations from the aforementioned pilots.
Implementing Swellable Packer Technology for Well Intervention in Steam Recovery Operations
Authors: Takhodinov S. F. , Ibragimov N. G. , Mitchell R. K. , Davis T. , Greenan I.
Published: June 2013

In the Tatarstan Republic of Russia approximately 1000km southeast of Moscow, there are large deposits of bitumen and heavy oil. These wells are shallow in heavy oil reservoirs with 100 meters TVD. A process similar to SAGD operations is used; however there are also some specialty injector/producer wells with two well heads, one vertical, and a slant at 45 degrees. Through the bitumen layer filters or screens are deployed at the top of the bitumen layer on each side a stage tool is installed with casing back to surface. It was determined from temperature surveys and observation wells that the stage tool in well Ashalchinskoye 241 was leaking on the slant side, potentially creating a surface event. The stage tool leak needed to be plugged off and eliminated.

The proposed solution was to pump thermally stable cement with accelerator in two stages to assist in zonal isolation across the stage tool. To prevent cement from falling down to the screens or filters downhole, an inflatable bridge plug (figure 5) was required to be set below the stage tool.. It was also decided to use a steam injection swellable packer set across the stage tool to provide additional assurance the leak was eliminated. After the cement was drilled out, the swell packer was run across the stage tool and allowed to swell for two days. Once confirmed it was anchored, the work string was retrieved by actuating the HR which is a hydraulic release tool that can be functioned with or without dropping a ball (see figure 4) and the inflatable plug retrieved.

The value created was in re-establishing well integrity, and made it possible to pump steam down both well heads, making steam injection more efficient, allowing maximized production. The well was returned to production and has been successfully operated for three years now.
Auditor Choice and Audit Fees in Family Firms: Evidence from the S&P 1500
Authors: Ho Joanna L. , Kang Fei
Published: June 2013

We examine auditor choice and audit fees in family firms using data from Standard & Poor's (S&P) 1500 firms. We find that, compared to non-family firms, family firms are less likely to hire top-tier auditors due to the less severe agency problems between owners and managers. Our results also show that family firms, on average, incur lower audit fees than non-family firms, which is driven by family firms' lower demand for external auditing services and auditors' perceived lower audit risk for family firms. Our additional analysis indicates that the tendency of family firms to hire non-top-tier auditors and to pay lower audit fees is stronger when family owners actively monitor their firms.
Comorbid Diabetes and COPD
Authors: Caughey Gillian E. , Preiss Adrian K. , Vitry Agnes I. , Gilbert Andrew L. , Roughead Elizabeth E.
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE

To identify if there is a dose-dependent risk of diabetes complications in patients treated with corticosteroids who have both diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective study of administrative claims data from the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs, from 1 July 2001 to 30 June 2008, of diabetes patients newly initiated on metformin or sulfonylurea. COPD was identified by dispensings of tiotropium or ipratropium in the 6 months preceding study entry. Total corticosteroid use (inhaled and systemic) in the 12 months after study entry was determined. The outcome was time to hospitalization for a diabetes-related complication. Competing risks and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were conducted with adjustment for a number of covariates.

RESULTS

A total of 18,226 subjects with diabetes were identified, of which 5.9% had COPD. Of those with COPD, 67.2% were dispensed corticosteroids in the 12 months from study entry. Stratification by dose of corticosteroids demonstrated a 94% increased likelihood of hospitalization for a diabetes complication for those who received a total defined daily dose (DDD) of corticosteroids ≥0.83/day (subhazard ratio 1.94 [95% CI 1.14–3.28], P = 0.014), by comparison with those who did not receive a corticosteroid. Lower doses of corticosteroid (<0.83 DDD/day) were not associated with an increased risk of diabetes-related hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with diabetes and COPD, an increased risk of diabetes-related hospitalizations was only evident with use of high doses of corticosteroids. This highlights the need for constant revision of corticosteroid dose in those with diabetes and COPD, to ensure that the minimally effective dose is used, together with review of appropriate response to therapy.
Insulin Resistance, Incident Cardiovascular Diseases, and Decreased Kidney Function Among Nondiabetic American Indians
Authors: Zhang Ying , Lee Elisa T. , Howard Barbara V. , Best Lyle G. , Umans Jason G. , Yeh Jeunliang , Wang Wenyu , Yeh Fawn , Ali Tauqeer , Devereux Richard B. , de Simone Giovanni
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE

Prevalence of insulin resistance is high in the American Indian population, likely as a result of the high prevalence of obesity. This condition may be influential for clinical outcomes such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and decreased kidney function.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Normal glucose tolerant (NGT) participants free of hypertension and CVD at the baseline examination (1989–1992) (N = 964) of the Strong Heart Study were selected to explore the cross-sectional association between insulin resistance quantified by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) and demographic, behavioral, and cardiometabolic variables. The longitudinal association between baseline HOMA-IR and the development of CVD was also explored. The longitudinal association between baseline HOMA-IR and the development of high urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio was explored among nondiabetic participants (N = 1,401).

RESULTS

Cross-sectionally, HOMA-IR was associated with sex, residence location, smoking, and high-risk cardiometabolic profile. Prospectively, insulin resistance is associated with the development of CVD and decreased kidney function in this population.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin resistance may have an important role in the pathogenesis of CVD and chronic kidney disease. Since obesity contributes to the development of insulin resistance, intervention focusing on modifiable factors such as physical activity and weight control may reduce the development of these diseases.
In Vitro Performance of Class I and II Composite Restorations: A Literature Review on Nondestructive Laboratory Trials—Part I
Authors: Dietschi D , Argente A , Krejci I , Mandikos M
Published: June 2013

Posterior adhesive restorations are a basic procedure in general dental practices, but their application remains poorly standardized as a result of the number of available options. An abundant number of study hypotheses corresponding to almost unlimited combinations of preparation techniques, adhesive procedures, restorative options, and materials have been described in the literature and submitted to various evaluation protocols. A literature review was thus conducted on adhesive Class I and II restorations and nondestructive in vitro tests using the PubMed/Medline database for the 1995-2010 period. The first part of this review discusses the selected literature related to photoelasticity, finite element analysis (FEM), and microleakage protocols. Based on the aforementioned evaluation methods, the following parameters proved influential: cavity dimensions and design, activation mode (light or chemical), type of curing light, layering technique, and composite structure or physical characteristics. Photoelasticity has various limitations and has been largely (and advantageously) replaced by the FEM technique. The results of microleakage studies proved to be highly inconsistent, and the further use of this technique should be strictly limited. Other study protocols for adhesive Class II restorations were also reviewed and will be addressed in part II of this article, together with a tentative relevance hierarchy of selected in vitro methods.
Fractional Maximal Functions in Metric Measure
Spaces
Authors: Heikkinen Toni , Lehrbäck Juha , Nuutinen Juho , Tuominen Heli
Published: June 2013

We study the mapping properties of fractional maximal operators
in Sobolev and Campanato spaces in metric measure
spaces. We show that, under certain restrictions on the underlying
metric measure space, fractional maximal operators
improve the Sobolev regularity of functions and map functions
in Campanato spaces to Hölder continuous functions. We
also give an example of a space where fractional maximal
function of a Lipschitz function fails to be continuous.
Analysis of Immersed Interface Difference Schemes for Reaction-diffusion Problems with Singular Own Sources
Authors: Kandilarov Juri D. , Vulkov Lubin G.
Published: June 2013

This paper analyzes immersed interface difference schemes for onedimensional reaction-diffusion equations with singular own linear and nonlinear sources.
Error bounds in the infinity norm based on the maximum principle are derived. Sharper bounds and a more detailed structure of the error are obtained using the asymptotic
error expansion analysis method. Numerical examples confirm the theoretical results.
Monotone and Economical Difference Schemes on Nonuniform Grids for a Multidimensional Parabolic Equation with Third Kind
Authors: Matus Piotr , Martsynkevich Grigorii
Published: June 2013

Monotone economical difference schemes of the second order of local
approximation with respect to space variables on nonuniform grids for the heat con-
duction equation with the boundary conditions of the third kind in a p-dimensional
parallelepiped are constructed. The a priori estimates of stability and convergence of
the difference solution in the norm C are obtained by means of the grid maximum
principle.
Solving Nonlinear Volterra | Fredholm Integro-differential Equations Using the Modified Adomian Decomposition Method
Authors: Araghi M. A. Fariborzi , Behzadi Sh. Sadigh
Published: June 2013

In this paper, a nonlinear Volterra | Fredholm integro-differential
equation is solved by using the modified Adomian decomposition method (MADM).
The approximate solution of this equation is calculated in the form of a series in which
its components are computed easily. The accuracy of the proposed numerical scheme
is examined by comparison with other analytical and numerical results. The existence,
uniqueness and convergence and an error bound of the proposed method are proved.
Some examples are presented to illustrate the efficiency and the performance of the
modified decomposition method.
Magma–sediment interaction during the emplacement of syn-sedimentary silicic and mafic intrusions and lavas into and onto Triassic strata (Circum-Rhodope Belt, northern Greece)
Authors: Asvesta Argyro , Dimitriadis Sarantis
Published: June 2013

Within the Circum-Rhodope Belt in northern Greece, Middle Triassic neritic carbonate metasediments are locally intercalated with quartz-feldspar-phyric metarhyolites. In the same belt, Upper Triassic pelagic lime-marl-layered metasediments are similarly intercalated with low-grade metamorphosed basalt, dolerite and minor andesite and trachydacite. We interpret these sequences as due to magmatism active during the rifting event that eventually led to the opening of the Vardar Ocean. Despite the overprint of Late Jurassic deformation and low greenschist metamorphism, peperitic textures produced by magma-wet sediment interaction are well preserved at the contacts between the silicic volcanic rocks and the originally wet unconsolidated neritic carbonate sediments, suggesting contemporaneous magmatism and sedimentation. The mafic and intermediate volcanic rocks lack peperitic textures at their contacts with the pelagic sedimentary rocks. Thin margin parallel banding in the sedimentary members of the sequence indicates thermally affected original contacts with the mafic volcanic rocks only locally and at a microscopic scale. The absence of peperite in this case is attributed to the consolidated state of the sediments at the time of the mafic magma emplacement.
Calpionellid distribution and microfacies across the Jurassic/ Cretaceous boundary in western Cuba (Sierra de los Órganos)
Authors: López-Martínez Rafael , Barragán Ricardo , Reháková Daniela , Cobiella-Reguera Jorge Luis
Published: June 2013

A detailed bed-by-bed sampled stratigraphic section of the Guasasa Formation in the Rancho San Vicente area of the “Sierra de los Órganos”, western Cuba, provides well-supported evidence about facies and calpionellid distribution across the Jurassic/Cretaceous boundary. These new data allowed the definition of an updated and sound calpionellid biozonation scheme for the section. In this scheme, the drowning event of a carbonate platform displayed by the facies of the San Vicente Member, the lowermost unit of the section, is dated as Late Tithonian, Boneti Subzone. The Jurassic/Cretaceous boundary was recognized within the facies of the overlying El Americano Member on the basis of the acme of Calpionella alpina Lorenz. The boundary is placed nearly six meters above the contact between the San Vicente and the El Americano Members, in a facies linked to a sea-level drop. The recorded calpionellid bioevents should allow correlations of the Cuban biozonation scheme herein proposed, with other previously published schemes from distant areas of the Tethyan Domain.
Organic-walled dinoflagellate cyst biostratigraphy of the Well Höflein 6 in the Cretaceous–Paleogene Rhenodanubian Flysch Zone (Vienna Basin, Austria)
Authors: Mohamed Omar , Wagreich Michael
Published: June 2013

Palynological analysis of the Rhenodanubian Flysch Zone section recovered from Well Höflein 6 north of Vienna allows the successful application of non-calcareous dinoflagellate biostratigraphy to the deep-water sediments of the Greifenstein Nappe. All 62 cuttings samples contained organic-walled dinoflagellate cysts (dinocysts) and some of them allow age-assessment. The results corroborated the presence of two thrust slices. The upper thrust unit A comprises a Campanian to Lower Eocene succession including, from old to young, the Röthenbach Subgroup, Perneck Formation, Altlengbach Formation and Greifenstein Formation. The lower thrust unit B contains in addition a pre- Campanian base, probably the Wolfpassing Formation of Early to mid-Cretaceous age.
Comb Construction and Brood Development on Beeswax Foundation Adulterated with Paraffin
Authors: Semkiw Piotr , Skubida Piotr
Published: June 2013

In 2010 - 2011 the influence of beeswax foundation adulterated with different percentages of paraffin, on comb construction, brood rearing and bee colonies development was evaluated. Beeswax foundation adulterated with different rate of paraffin (10%, 30%, 50%) was prepared. Each year of the study into 7 experimental bee colonies set in Dadant type bee-hives, the three-frames queen insulators were inserted. Every frame in the insulators had a half of the foundation made from pure beeswax (the control - 0% paraffin) and a second half made from wax adulterated with paraffin (experimental). As a result every colony had an insulator with 3 frames with beeswax foundation with different percentages of paraffin (10 and 0%, 30 and 0%, 50 and 0%). The queens were put in the insulators what stimulated bees to prepare a place for laying eggs, thus, to construct the combs on the foundation.

Paraffin used in our experiment had no negative impact on the bee colonies. Bees drew out the foundation properly, and no destruction was observed. The queens laid eggs on the systematically drawn out comb cells. Brood development was normal and its quality was suitable. The worker bees emerged after 21 days. No case of brood or emerging worker bees death was noted.

Because of the different chemical compositions and purities of the paraffin available on the domestic market, it is impossible to exclude the fact that such paraffin may cause harmful effects on bee colonies.
Exploitation of Rape Flow by Bee Colonies in Stationary and Migratory Apiary
Authors: Teper Dariusz , Skubida Piotr , Semkiw Piotr , Skowronek Wojciech
Published: June 2013

The aim of the study conducted in 2009 - 2011 was to estimate the differences in the nectar and pollen oilseed rape flow exploitation by bee colonies kept in the stationary apiary (permanently located on the rape field) and in the migratory apiary. The migratory apiary was transferred to the rape field at the appropriate time and situated on the same area as the stationary apiary. Every study year, 8 bee colonies per apiary, in two apiaries of different types (stationary and migratory apiary), were prepared. The colonies from the migratory apiary were placed on the rape field when about 10% of rape flowers were blooming. During that time, bottom pollen traps were inserted into the hives of both apiaries. The pollen loads were collected every day, separately from each colony. After the end of the flow season, honey was extracted separately from each colony. The honey was weighed and samples were taken for the palynological analysis. The weather conditions were monitored during the whole study period.

The average harvest of pollen loads from one bee colony during one day, was similar in both apiaries. The content of Brassica napus pollen was significantly higher in the pollen loads harvested from the migratory apiary. Despite the fact that the amounts of honey extracted from both apiaries were similar, the microscopic pollen analysis showed significantly higher percentage content of rape pollen in the honey from the migratory apiary. The results confirmed that placing the migratory apiary in the winter rape field at the time when about 10% of flowers were blooming resulted in a better exploitation of the rape flow by the bee colonies from this apiary in comparison to the colonies from the stationary apiary.
The Flowering, Pollen Production, and Insect Visitors in the Ornamental Shrub Potentilla Fruticosa L. (Rosaceae)
Authors: Denisow Bożena , Antoń Sebastian , Szymczak Grażyna
Published: June 2013

Urban areas have a specific ecological environment and may help to sustain local pollinator populations by the cultivation of different ornamental plants with entomophilous flowers. This yearlong study examined the flowering pattern, abundance of flowering, pollen production as well as insect visitation of two cultivars of the ornamental shrub Potentilla fruticosa L. (‘Maanleys’ and ‘Blink’), grown in Lublin; a city in south-eastern Poland. P. fruticosa ‘Maanleys’ bloomed from the middle of May to the first decade of September and P. fruticosa ‘Blink’ from June until October. The pattern of diurnal flowering was similar for both cultivars and showed plasticity in the season. Flowers opened most intensively in the morning hours, and 80 - 90% of the daily installment of newly opened flowers expanded by 8.00 h GMT +2h. A delay in the peak of diurnal flowering was noted between the spring/summer and summer/autumn periods. The most intense blooming fell in the 2nd month of flowering. The mass of pollen produced per flower depended on both the number of anthers and the efficiency of archesporial tissues. The pollen output varied from 1.4 to 7.2 mg per 10 flowers (‘Maanleys’) and from 2.6 to 4.5 mg per 10 flowers (‘Blink’). The mass of pollen produced per individual shrub was substantially related to the abundance of blooming. The average estimated pollen productivity in the full flowering phase was low; 1 g (‘Maanleys’) and 1.5 g (‘Blink’) per 10 m2 of shrub crown. The flowers of Potentilla fruticosa attracted numerous insects, mainly solitary bees (33 - 43%), dipterans (31 - 42%), lepidopterans (4 - 14%), bumblebees (3 - 15%), and honey bees (3 - 4%). The Potentilla fruticosa ‘Maanleys’ and ‘Blink’ are propagated for specific ornamental arrangements and due to a long flowering period may be used in small urban courtyards for both decorative value and as a pollen delivering plants.
The Amitraz Strips Efficacy in Control of Varroa Destructor After Many Years Application of Amitraz in Apiaries
Authors: Semkiw Piotr , Skubida Piotr , Pohorecka Krystyna
Published: June 2013

Amitraz is a varroacide used the longest (over thirty years) and most commonly by Polish beekeepers. This involves high risk of V. destructor developing amitraz resistance. Therefore it is necessary to monitor the effectiveness of treatments to ensure appropriate protection of the honeybee colonies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of amitraz used as the contact varroacide (Biowar 500 formulation) to control V. destructor in honeybee colonies. Field studies were conducted in 2011 and 2012. In both years, the amitraz treatments started in the last weeks of August. Two strips of Biowar 500 (500 mg of amitraz per strip) were inserted into each colony and removed after 8 weeks. The control colonies were left untreated for 8 weeks. After removing the strips the control therapy was conducted in all colonies. The average efficacy of amitraz (E%) calculated for the two years combined, after 6 and 8 weeks of treatment, amounted to 90.6% and 94.6%, respectively. As a result of the natural mortality in the control colonies, the population of parasites lowered only by 16.4% and 23.9% during 6 and 8 weeks. The efficacy of the strips was lower in colonies with larger amount of brood.
Apoptosis Regulation by Inhibitors of Programmed Cell Death
Authors: Marković Danica , Đorđević Vidosava
Published: June 2013

Apoptosis is a form of cell death which is important in many physiological processes. Four apoptotic mechanisms have been identified but two have been well examined: the intrinsic and the extrinsic mechanism. Due to many pro/antiapoptotic factors, these processes take place on a physiologically useful level. In cases of apoptosis dysregu lation, illnesses occur such as neurodegenerative diseases combined with an increased level of cell death or cancerogenesis associated with uncontrolled cell proliferation. Apoptosis can be triggered by the activation of the first caspase in a series and stopped by its deactivation, which represents a new challenge: determining the »point of no return«. Besides the antiapoptotic proteins (Bcl 2, Bcl XL), a family of proteins called the Inhibitors of Apoptosis Proteins (IAPs) play a key role in the regulation of apoptosis. Members of the IAP family are: cIAP1, cIAP2, XIAP, Survivin, Livin and TsIAP. Domain BIR is the most important in the IAP structure since it determines their specificity for caspases. The interaction of IAPs with caspases is complex and not completely understood, however, IAPs are considered to be important target proteins in the therapy of tumor and autoimmune diseases.
Modeling of HgCdTe LWIR detector for high operation temperature conditions
Authors: Martyniuk P. , Gawron W. , Madejczyk P. , Rogalski A. , Piotrowski J.
Published: June 2013

The paper reports on the photoelectrical performance of the long wavelength infrared (LWIR) HgCdTe high operating temperature (HOT) detector. The detector structure was simulated with commercially available software APSYS by Crosslight Inc. taking into account SRH, Auger and tunnelling currents. A detailed analysis of the detector performance such as dark current, detectivity, time response as a function of device architecture and applied bias is performed, pointing out optimal working conditions.
Enhanced Secure Key Exchange Systems Based on the Johnson- Noise Scheme
Authors: Kish Laszlo Bela
Published: June 2013

We introduce seven new versions of the Kirchhoff-Law-Johnson-(like)-Noise (KLJN) classical physical secure key exchange scheme and a new transient protocol for practically-perfect security. While these practical improvements offer progressively enhanced security and/or speed for non-ideal conditions, the fundamental physical laws providing the security remain the same.

In the "intelligent" KLJN (iKLJN) scheme, Alice and Bob utilize the fact that they exactly know not only their own resistor value but also the stochastic time function of their own noise, which they generate before feeding it into the loop. By using this extra information, they can reduce the duration of exchanging a single bit and in this way they achieve not only higher speed but also an enhanced security because Eve’s information will significantly be reduced due to smaller statistics.

In the "multiple" KLJN (MKLJN) system, Alice and Bob have publicly known identical sets of different resistors with a proper, publicly known truth table about the bit-interpretation of their combination. In this new situation, for Eve to succeed, it is not enough to find out which end has the higher resistor. Eve must exactly identify the actual resistor values at both sides.

In the "keyed" KLJN (KKLJN) system, by using secure communication with a formerly shared key, Alice and Bob share a proper time-dependent truth table for the bit-interpretation of the resistor situation for each secure bit exchange step during generating the next key. In this new situation, for Eve to succeed, it is not enough to find out the resistor values at the two ends. Eve must also know the former key.

The remaining four KLJN schemes are the combinations of the above protocols to synergically enhance the security properties. These are: the "intelligent-multiple" (iMKLJN), the "intelligent-keyed" (iKKLJN), the "keyed-multiple" (KMKLJN) and the "intelligent-keyed-multiple" (iKMKLJN) KLJN key exchange systems.

Finally, we introduce a new transient-protocol offering practically-perfect security without privacy amplification, which is not needed in practical applications but it is shown for the sake of ongoing discussions.
Measurements of Shielding Effectiveness of Textile Materials Containing Metal by the Free-Space Transmission Technique with Data Processing in the Time Domain
Authors: Dvurechenskaya Nadezhda , Bajurko Pawe R. , Zieliński Ryszard J. , Yashchyshyn Yevhen
Published: June 2013

The results of shielding effectiveness (SE) measurements of textile materials containing metal by the free-space transmission technique (FSTT) in the 1-26.5 GHz frequency range are presented in the paper. It is shown that experimental data processing using time-domain gating (TDG) makes it possible to effectively remove diffracted and reflected components from the desired signal. The comparison with the results obtained by other techniques, namely modified FSTT with TDG and coaxial line probe technique (ASTM D4935-99) is given. The comparison shows that the proposed technique gives more reasonable results while the measurement set-up is simpler in realization.
Bernard Shaw’s Admirable Bashville: Playwright and Prizefighter
Authors: Knijnik Jorge , Petersen Bob
Published: June 2013

Bernard Shaw’s little blank-verse play, The Admirable Bashville, or, Constancy Unrewarded is a play where two types of performance, sport and drama, interact on the stage. It was written in 1901 and it was performed three times in London under Shaw's auspices in 1901, in 1904, and in January-February 1909. Its next performance was in Vienna in 1924; then it was performed in Sydney in 1927. Shaw was an enthusiastic admirer of the bare - knuckled art of fighting, though he has written Bashville as a portrait of a period when this art was disapearing to be replaced by the noble art of boxing, under the new Queenberry’s rulling. This essay examines both the play itself, throwing new lights over obscur characters of the play, such as Cetewayo the Black African king, and even over Bashville, the prize-fighter. As copyrights laws of that period did not guarantee Shaw’s rights over his works, the paper shows Shaw’s attempts to keep the copyrights over his work, by performing the play as many times and under any conditions. Under copyright laws he could lose all his rights if the play were performed by other producers beforehand. The Admirable Bashville is a minor play by a major playwright, and Shaw never pretended it was anything more.
Cigarette Smoking: Nicotine, Carbon Monoxide, and the Physiological Effects on Exercise Responses
Authors: Hoyt George L.
Published: June 2013

Worldwide, tobacco use is considered the leading preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. The most common form of tobacco use is cigarette smoking. Smoking increases a person’s risk for diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Associated with these increased risks for disease is a shortened lifespan in smokers. Research has also shown that cigarette smoking alters the body’s response to exercise. Nicotine and carbon monoxide are two compounds in cigarette smoke that may affect cardiorespiratory function, thereby modifying the body’s exercise response. Additionally, research has shown that compared to nonsmokers, smokers demonstrate a greater reliance on glucose as a fuel source during exercise. A focus of this review is on the cigarette smoke compounds nicotine and carbon monoxide and the mechanisms by which these compounds affect the human body. Also addressed are the physiological effects of cigarette smoking on exercise tolerance, aerobic capacity, and substrate utilization.
Attitudes Toward Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids Among Non-competing Athletes in Various Types of Sports – A Cross-sectional Study –
Authors: Singhammer John
Published: June 2013

Methods

Aims: This study investigated the association between attitudes and intentions to use of anabolic - androgenic - steroids (AAS) between participants in various sports and within sports. Data were derived through a cross - sectional population based survey on 5,010 men and women aged 15 to 60 years. Response - rate was 34%. A combination of postal and web-based questionnaire was used. Data for the present study was restricted to 1,045 males. Results: Prevalence of AAS use was 23 (1.8 %), and 104 (5.3 %) of the respondents had considered AAS - use. On average, respondents that had considered using AAS held more positive attitudes toward AAS - use, compared to respondents without experienced within all types of sports. The biggest difference between considered and non - experienced was observed for Aerobics (1.09 CI, 0.76 - 1.41, R2 = 0.23, p = 0.000). No difference in attitudes to AAS - use between types of sports were observed. Conclusions: Attitudes toward AAS did not vary between types of sports and the level of acceptance was consistently higher among non - competing athletes with intentions to use AAS, regardless of the type of sport. The implication of the observations suggests that preventive actions against AAS use should revolve around individuals suggesting interest in AAS regardless of type of sport.
Success of Mixed Martial Arts Video Topics on YouTube
Authors: Zembura Paweł
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this study was to identify if the YouTube viewership is related to a subject of mixed martial arts (MMA) videos. To do so passive and active viewership were featured, based on Checchinato, Disegna & Gazolla (2009) work. Content analysis was used as the method and the sample consisted of 200 most popular videos gathered from supreme canals belonging to MMA organizations. Over half of the videos were classified into previews and whole fights categories. The robust least square regression explained 27% of passive viewership, and whole fights were the predictor of highest passive attention. Just two categories were found significant as the predictors of active viewership in the logit regression. Whole fights generated more active response in contrary to previews. Pure sport-related videos were generally found to generate higher interest among YouTube MMA spectators.
The perception of the European Union by the farmers of Lubelskie voivodeship: the results of survey-based research
Authors: Maj Hubert
Published: June 2013

The perception of the European Union by the farmers of Lubelskie voivodeship: the results of survey-based research

The paper presents the results of questionnaire surveys, which were conducted among farmers. Surveys were conducted from May to August 2007 in the eastern part of Poland, in Lubelskie voivodeship. This is the voivodeship, where an agriculture plays significant role in comparison with other regions of the country. Additionally, the lowest support to integration with European Union was noticed in the public referendum. However, according to the questionnaire surveys, the farmers gave bigger support for ratification the Treaty. The results of research answers the question how farmers in Lubelskie voivodeship perceive the European Union 3 years after the access. In addition, we could indicate, which factors cause increase and which one cause decrease in the support for the European Union.