bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Writing Reformist Histories
Authors: Aljunied Khairudin
Published: August 2015

This article argues that Southeast Asia is an illustrative yet much-neglected empirical terrain for the study of “outsider history-makers” and their vocations. Through an analysis of the writings of Hamka, a well-known Indonesian cleric, this article demonstrates that “outsider history-makers” in Southeast Asia have been engaged in the production of “reformist histories”—a genre of popular historical works written in an alluring and captivating way to foster a rethinking of commonplace assumptions about the evolution of religious communities, the roles of reformers in society, and the place of spirituality in human history.
New City Guides and Anachronic Public History
Authors: Romney Charles W.
Published: August 2015

A new group of urban field guides highlight novel strategies for interpreting cities with multiple scales of time. While these new city guides—printed and digital—reveal the range of options for understanding an urban space, they also let public historians reflect on the larger intellectual problem of selecting a historic context for a place. A single historical timeframe remains a simple and accessible way to connect places to history, but the new city guides demonstrate the complexities and opportunities of representing chronology.
Evidence of Extra Capacity in Conversion Reaction of Ruthenium Oxide: A Cyclic Voltammetry Study
Authors: Meda Lamartine , Douglas Lacey , Navulla Anantharamulu
Published: August 2015

Synthesis and understanding of metal oxide nanomaterials with improved electrochemical properties can play a big role in the development of high capacity electrochemical cells for application in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Metal oxide nanostructured materials have shown exceptional storage capabilities through conversion reaction. But, excess reversible capacity is usually observed in these systems. To understand the origin of the excess capacity, we have prepared nanostructured ruthenium oxide (RuO2) directly on stainless steel current collectors using low pressure chemical vapor deposition. The crystal structure of the as-prepared materials were examined by powder X-ray diffraction and indexed to the rutile structure. Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed 3D pyramidal shape architectures that self-assembled into columns creating high surface area. Galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements were performed versus Li/Li+ in the range of 4.0 to 0.1 V. We have observed a reversible capacity of 1150 mAh/g which is equivalent to 5.70 Li per mol of RuO2. The expected capacity of RuO2 is 806 mAh/g which is approximately 4 Li per mol of RuO2 based on this equation: RuO2 + Li + 4e- ↔ Ru0 + 2Li2O. The excess capacity is approximately 435 mAh/g. The origin of the excess capacity was investigated using cyclic voltammetry, which was performed at two different range of voltage.
The Competences of HR Managers and their Impact on the Organizational Success of MNCs’ Subsidiaries in the CEE Region
Authors: Poór József , Slavić Agneš , Berber Nemanja
Published: August 2015

N/A
Wettability and Oil Recovery by Polymer and Polymer Particles
Authors: Shiran Behruz Shaker , Skauge Arne
Published: August 2015

Wettability of the reservoir is a major parameter controlling the oil production profile during waterflooding, the breakthrough of injection water, the final oil recovery, and the residual oil saturation (Sor) trapped in the pore structure. Therefore identifying the wettability of the reservoir will lead to appropriate implementation of improved/enhanced oil recovery practices in order to improve the economy of the project.

The initial wettability state of the reservoir rock has crucial impact on the performance of polymer flooding process. Polymer flow behavior in the porous media including pressure build up, polymer retention due to adsorption mechanism, resistance factor, and residual resistance factor can be affected by wettability of the porous media. This, in turn, would affect the technical and economic success or failure of the polymer flooding project. Unfortunately, in the petroleum literature there is very little data regarding the effect of wettability on oil recovery by polymer flooding.

In this paper we investigate the propagation of polymer and polymer particles under different wettability states. The flow behavior of polymer solution including pressure build up, resistance factor (Fr), and residual resistance factor (Frr) are compared at different wettability states. Moreover the oil recovery efficiency by polymer flooding at different wettability states is presented in this paper.
An Evaluation on Strong Base ASP Flooding Efficiency of Multiple Layers
Authors: Rue Song , Dong Zhang , Cong Xue , Hong Chen , Fajiang Ran , Ji Li , Mingchuan Zhao , Bo Li , Chunhui Yu , Tianyi Wang , Xiwen Zuo , Jian Ding , Xin Zhang , Zigang Zhang
Published: August 2015

Strong base ASP flooding technology can improve swept volume, displacement efficiency and oil recovery greatly. It shows encouring prospects for sustainable development of the maturing oilfield. So In this paper, with the help of data from coring wells and newly-drilled wells after ASP flooding, we has strengthened understanding of the reservoir.By using numerical simulation, carrying out lab core displacement test, microscopic oil displacement test, and using techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance, electron microscopic detection and electrical logging curves of newly-drilled wells and so on, we have found out petrophysical changes in reservoirs after ASP, evaluated oil displacement efficiency of different locations, and systematically analyzed influcing factors on occurrence of displacement efficiency differences. The study results show that the oil displacing efficiency increased by 14.7% after strong alkali ASP flooding, and the thickness of heavy-water-flooded layer increasedby 26.0%. Chemical reactions and ion exchanges between ASP fluid, rock and clay minerals lead to changes of reservoir physical properties: Shale content increased; median grain diameter decreased; Permeability of intervals lowered and the wettability is converted to hydrophilicity. petrophysical changes of the reservoir is the main factor influencing oil displacement efficiency.The research result provides a guidance to explore potentialities of ASP flooding during the commercial popularization process and it is an important reference for further studies on enhancing oil recovery techniques after ASP flooding.
Overview of Advancement in Core Analysis and Its Importance in Reservoir Characterisation for Maximising Recovery
Authors: Gaafar Gamal R. , Tewari Raj Deo , Zain Zahidah Md
Published: August 2015

The expected worldwide average recovery factor is around 35% with current development strategies and practices in place. Recoveries in the offshore fields are much lower compared to onshore fields predominantly due to larger well spacing, inadequate reservoir characterisation and shorter life cycles. Efforts are in place to maximise recovery by applying Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques. Reservoir rocks saturated with hydrocarbons are complex in both a macroscopic and microscopic scale and this complexity controls the initial quantity and distribution of hydrocarbons and flow behaviour of fluids within the reservoir. Therefore, reservoir characterisation is of utmost importance for the evaluation process in EOR. Core and log analysis along with pressure-production data greatly assist in defining the reservoir and reducing the uncertainties associated with it.

This paper discusses the importance and criticality of core analysis starting from core acquisition, preservation, laboratory studies, analysis to the application of data. Discussions are conducted for the selection of the most appropriate coring technique while lab studies were carried out on cores for reservoir description, estimation of EOR incremental oil and formation damage during injection and production processes. Critical analysis is made to highlight the quality and quantity of core analysis data needed for petrophysical interpretation, understanding the storage and flow behavior during primary, secondary and tertiary recovery stages. Important guidelines are also provided for the selection of number of plug samples for studies, laboratory methodologies, their strengths and weaknesses, and Quality Control (QC)/Quality Assurance (QA) techniques.

The paper further elaborates the recent advances in EOR processes particularly on core analysis, in-situ saturation monitoring, and the interaction between injectants and rock-fluid along with mitigation experiments. Digital core/Pore network modeling is one such emerging technique utilised for the visualisation, characterisation and special core analysis (SCAL) measurements of reservoir rocks. It can provide routine and special core analysis measurements and petrographic analysis which can be used in the quick evaluation of static and dynamic petrophysical properties and flow behavior.
Adsorption Inhibitors: A New Route to Mitigate Adsorption in Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Tay A.. , Oukhemanou F.. , Wartenberg N.. , Moreau P.. , Guillon V.. , Delbos A.. , Tabary R..
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we present a new route to mitigate surfactant retention in chemical EOR projects. Surfactants retention, either through adsorption on reservoir rocks or phase trapping, is one of the main constraints to achieve high performance and economical chemical EOR. Specific injection strategies thus need to be developed to mitigate surfactants retention. The use of alkaline and/or salinity gradient approaches present the disadvantage of being restricted to very specific conditions. For example, in hard brine environments, alkalis cannot be used because they can cause scaling. In an offshore environment, as sea water is the only injection water available, water treatment is required in order to use alkali or to perform a salinity gradient.

The new route to mitigate adsorption proposed in this paper is based on the use of specific, cost effective, chemical additives which allow mimicking the effect of salinity gradient. The resulting processes, when properly optimized, can achieve very high performances in terms of oil recovery with a limited amount of injected chemicals. Final performance, at lab scale, is comparable to the highly performing ASP/ SP processes in soft brines with salinity gradient.
Evaluation of the First Cyclic Steam Pilot in Offshore Oilfield of China
Authors: Wang ShuTao , Li YunPeng , Ma KuiQian , Yang Jing , Zhang GuoHao
Published: August 2015

As a viscous offshore oilfield (600~2300 mPa·s at reservoir conditions), LD oilfield was developed by natural drive in early time. One well of the field initially produced around 20 m3/d with early water breakthrough until today. However, the production rate decline rapidly when the water production rate increased.

In order to improve the development effect, the cyclic steam pilot was founded. 12 horizontal wells were designed, two of which had been implemented. Through the comprehensive study, the injection parameters were optimized as follows: bottom hole temperature > 340°C, steam quality >0.4, injection rate equals 300 m3/d. The predicted oil recovery increases from 5% for cold production to 18% for cyclic steam injection.

In this paper we present the application and evaluation of the cyclic steam injection, which is a high quality steam injection with the miniaturization steam generator. For the evaluation of this thermal process for the first test well, an available history matched full field thermal model of the LD reservoir (Local refinement in space around the wells) was established.

Meanwhile, heat loss study of wellbore, decline rate analysis as well as suggestions about next well of this pilot project will be presented. The production effect of cyclic steam injection was compared with that of the cold production: peak oil production rate is 5.3 times and cycle oil productivity is 2.1 times of that for cold production; monthly decline rate is 23%;the valid time of first cycle is 200 days or more. The success of this pilot will provide technology and confidence for the better development of heavy oil in offshore oilfield of china.
Stabilization of Produced Crude Oil Emulsion in the Presence of ASP
Authors: Khan J. A. , Al-Kayiem H. H. , Aris M. S.
Published: August 2015

The contribution of alkaline/Surfactant/Polymer to the stability of produced crude oil emulsions is neither fully understood nor thoroughly investigated although there have been reports from previous projects that implicate risk produced water treatment. This study focuses on water in oil (w/o) emulsions imposed by ASP flooding for an EOR field in Malaysia to understand the stability of the emulsion layer under typical process conditions. A series of laboratory experiments was conducted to investigate the effects of different ASP concentration that is reported to break through into the separator feed and results in the growth of a rag layer. The samples in the experiments were prepared at 50 °C, 60 °C and 70 °C to represent the temperature range of actual field conditions. Emulsion stabilities were measured at different time from 30 minutes to 24 hours in different time step, depending upon the liberation of water volume fraction. The results demonstrated that ASP concentration plays a significant role in the stabilization of emulsion. The increase in the viscosity due to the presence of polymers, which decreased the rising velocity of oil droplets, and the presence of surfactants, reduced the coalescence of oil droplets. Emulsions were exceptionally stable at high polymer concentration compared with surfactants. However, emulsion stability decreased at low polymer concentrations even in combination with high surfactant concentrations. Among the three components in ASP, polymer induced a higher effect on the stabilization of the emulsion. Moreover, the temperature subsequently affected the instability of the emulsion, in which the destabilization of emulsion which had less amount of surfactant was higher at 70 °C compared with 50 °C and 60 °C. Surprisingly, it is found that increase in temperature had insignificantly affected the destabilization of emulsion containing high amount of surfactant, around 400ppm.
Brine Crude Oil Interactions at the Oil-Water Interface
Authors: Chakravarty Krishna Hara , Fosbøl Philip Loldrup , Thomsen Kaj
Published: August 2015

The impact of brine salinity and its ionic composition on oil displacement efficiency has been investigated extensively in recent years due to the potential of enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Wettability alterations through relative interactions at the mineral surface have been the basis of proposed mechanisms. The ion specific interaction between fines and polar fractions of crude oil at the oil-water interface has been less explored.

In this study the relative affinity between different ions and the oil surface was determined. The experiments prove the importance of Ca2+, SO42−, and HPO42− ions in enhancing oil emulsion formation by increasing interactions between polar acids and brine solutions. The results propose the potential use of HPO42− ions in reservoirs having inactive mineral surfaces.

The relative oil affinity of different ions including K+, Na+, Mg2+, andCa2+ (cations), and Cl−, SO42−, HPO42−, and HCO3− (anions), were studied through gas chromatographic analysis. Crude oil from the North Sea was doped with various fractions of organic acids to mimic different polar behavior. Increased brine concentration showed up to 15% upsurge of polar fractions on the oil-water emulsion formation. During emulsion formation the relative interactions at the oil-water interface are proved to follow the Hofmeister series: K+<Na+<Mg2+<Ca2+. Beyond CaCl2concentrations of 0.08mol/l no additionalacid participation in emulsion formation was observed. Among anions, SO42−and HPO42− showed optimum emulsion formation at 0.05mol/l. The amount of emulsion formation showed significant dependency on the type of acid doped in oil.

Experiments demonstrate that the brine solution can alter the micro forces at the oil-water interface, and this ion specific interaction leads to oil emulsion formation andthus reduces the interfacial viscoelasticity of the trapped oil. These resultsshow significant correlation between oil emulsion formation and increased oil recovery.
Reservoir Surveillance Pilot Study for Midland Basin Tight Oil Spacing Optimization
Authors: Tang Yula , Liang Baosheng
Published: August 2015

Chevron has performed surveillance, analysis and optimization (SA&O) pilot study in its Midland Basin Wolfcamp tight oil development area. In this paper, we will focus on the pilot overview, production logs, rate transient analysis (RTA), and multiple well interference pressure transient analysis (PTA).

The pilot area consists of a center 20-acre vertical well and four pressure monitoring wells in four directions with a distance of 460 ft to the center well. Production is commingled by 8 hydraulically fractured stages. Four-array downhole microseismic shows the shape of reservoir stimulation. Each vertical monitoring well is equipped with 8 permanent downhole gauges with packers isolating 8 layers, and the real-time data is acquired through SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system. Multiple production logs have been acquired in the center well during the earlier natural flow period.

RTA has been performed in the center well based on the production rate measured from a dedicated test separator, flowing bottomhole pressure from a downhole memory gauge, and zonal contributions from production logging (PLs). PLs show that fluid comes primarily from the Spraberry, secondly from the Lower Wolfcamp, and some from the Strawn and Atoka. The RTA shows that effective drainage area of the well is less than 20 acres. In addition, fracture half-length and effective permeability are degrading with time, which impacts the well's EUR. The acquired pressure responses in observation wells have been studied with non-linear numerical model in PTA to better characterize the fracture network and reservoir. It shows a high possibility of connecting with neighbor wells in certain formations and exhibiting characteristics of time-dependent fracture closing. Production performances with original 40-acre spacing wells and recently drilled 20-acre infilled wells are compared, indicating that 20-acre wells helps to improve oil recovery and economics. The center well was shut in for more than 9 months to get buildup data. During the 5 month post shutin production (PSP), the well had significantly higher oil rate and positive net oil recovery with decreased GOR and water-cut.

The pilot sheds light on first principles and tight oil development strategy. Accurate microseismic data, production logs, interference well testing, and rate transient analysis are powerful tools for unconventional studies.
Effectiveness of Simulations on Well Control During HPHT Well Drilling
Authors: Auwalu I. M. , Zahra I. Z. , Adamu M. B. , Usman A. L. , Sulaiman A. D.
Published: August 2015

The conventional methods of oil and gas wells drilling has been to keep drilling mud in the active mud pit at ambient temperature and pressure to drill oil and gas wells; despite the effect of temperature and pressure on mud properties at bottom hole condition. Although, this practice has proved to be adequate in shallow and conventional wells owing to relatively small difference in temperature between surface and bottom hole and the existence of sufficient margin between pore and fracture pressures. Conversely, lots of changes occur on mud properties especially in drilling High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) wells leading to increased incidences and serious well control situations.

One of the key characteristics of HPHT wells is the existence of small margin between pore pressure and fracture pressure as well as elevated bottom hole temperature. This property of the well (HPHT) presents series of challenges to both drilling fluid management at bottom hole condition and well control incidents. Literature survey puts well control incident rate for conventional wells at 4 to 5% whereas in non-conventional wells such as the HPHT wells, an alarming rate of 100 to 200% or even greater has been recorded. This represents at least one well control incident in every 20 to 25 wells drilled for conventional wells and at least one to two well control incidents for every non-conventional well like HPHT.

In this study, tier I HPHT well was examined to ascertain the severity of kick intensity and kick volume on well control using Drill Bench. Simulations were performed on 6.5bbls and 1bbls kick taken in 12¼” hole prior to reaching the next casing seat at 13780ft-ss TVD. The research presents results of delay in shut-in the well, kick volume and volume development during well control as well as gas migration. In addition, the study examined implication of well control methods and drilling fluid type on bottom hole pressures and timing to handle well control incident during HPHT well drilling.
Software for Reservoir Performance Prediction
Authors: Sylvester Okotie , M.O. Onyekonwu
Published: August 2015

Predicting the performance of reservoirs helps engineers to estimate reserve, development planning which requires detailed understanding of the reservoir characteristics and production operations optimization and more importantly, to develop a mathematical model that will adequately depict the physical processes occurring in the reservoir such that the outcome of any action can be predicted within reasonable tolerance of errors. In this paper, software “REPAT” was built based on material balance and an expansion of Tarner's method by incorporating water influx and time concept to the material balance equation. The history matching process consists of modifying the aquifer parameters until an acceptable match was obtained within engineering accuracy. Example 9.2 in L.P. Dake was used as a case study. A STOIIP value of 311.48 STB was obtained with an error of 0.00195 and R value of 0.99999 which is an indication of a good fit, while the STOIIP obtained from MBal gave an error of 0.00253. The reservoir is supported by a combination of water drive and fluid expansion drive and Hurst Van Everdingen radial aquifer model was selected as the most likely case. The parameters used to obtain the history match and the STOIIP compare favourably with the expected values from L.P Dake and MBal. A good pressure and historical production simulation match was obtained.
Developing and Applying Fluid Properties for the Wara Formation, Greater Burgan Field, Kuwait: A Supergiant Field With Variable API Oil Gravity
Authors: Al-Shammari Hana'a , Moon Mark S. , Pederson John M.
Published: August 2015

API gravity vs. Depth correlations were developed for the Greater Burgan Field. The results of this work dramatically changed the determination of fluid PVT properties for the field which were used in Build-up analysis, wellbore flow correlations, simulation model initialization and OOIP estimates. Past PVT studies based solely on fluid sample analyses failed to honor the heavy oil or tar near the oil-water contact. Additional API gravity Vs depth data available from core data, and initial production tests were incorporated into the analysis. As a result, new correlations were developed which recognized values down to 10° API near the original OWC. Previous correlations did not have oil gravity samples lower than 24° API gravity.
Effect of Selective Etch on the Bond Strength of Composite to Enamel Using a Silorane Adhesive
Authors: Bermudez L , Wajdowicz M , Ashcraft-Olmscheid D , Vandewalle K
Published: August 2015

An improvement in bond strength to enamel has been demonstrated with the use of phosphoric acid prior to bonding with self-etch methacrylate-based adhesive agents. No research has evaluated the effect of phosphoric-acid etching of enamel with a newer self-etch silorane adhesive. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shear-bond strength of composite to enamel using the self-etch silorane adhesive compared to other self-etching methacrylate-based adhesives, with or without a separate application of phosphoric acid. Bovine incisors were sectioned using a diamond saw and mounted in plastic pipe. The bonding agents were applied to flattened enamel surfaces with or without the application of 35% phosphoric acid. The bonded tooth specimens were inserted beneath a mold, and composite was placed incrementally and light cured. The specimens were stored for 24 hours and six months in water and tested in shear. Data were analyzed with a three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to evaluate the effects of surface treatment, adhesive agent, or time on the bond strength of composite to bovine enamel (α=0.05). Significant differences were found between the groups based on surface treatment (p<0.01) or adhesive agent (p<0.01), but not on time (p=0.19), with no significant interactions (p>0.14). Phosphoric-acid etching of bovine enamel significantly increased the bond strength of the self-etch methacrylate and the silorane adhesives. The methacrylate-based adhesives had significantly greater bond strength to enamel than the silorane adhesive.
Effect of Cr3C2 content on the microstructure and properties of Mo2NiB2-based cermets
Authors: Xie Lang , Li XiaoBo , Zhang Dan , Yang ChengMing , Yin FuCheng , Xiao YiFeng
Published: August 2015

Four series of Mo2NiB2-based cermets with Cr3C2 addition of between 0 and 7.5 wt.% in 2.5 wt.% increments were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffractometry. The transverse rupture strength and hardness were also measured. It was found that Cr3C2 completely dissolved in Mo2NiB2-based cermets. Cr3C2 addition improved the wettability of the Ni binder phase on the Mo2NiB2 hard phase, which resulted in a decrease in the porosity and an increase in the phase uniformity. The cermets with 2.5 wt.% Cr3C2 content showed relatively fine grains and almost full density. A high Cr3C2 content resulted in the formation of M
6C (M = Mo, Cr, Ni) phase. In addition, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy results showed that the content of Mo in the binder decreased with increasing Cr3C2 content. The cermets with 2.5 wt.% Cr3C2 addition exhibited the highest transverse rupture strength of 2210 MPa, whereas the cermets without Cr3C2 addition exhibited the highest hardness.
Evaluation and Management of Neurogenic Bladder: What Is New in China?
Authors: Liao Limin
Published: August 2015

Neurogenic bladder (NB) or neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD), a dysfunction of the urinary bladder and urethra due to disease of the central nervous system or peripheral nerves, is a major global medical and social problem. Numerous nervous system abnormalities, such as: stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, traumatic spinal cord injury, spinal cord tumors, congenital spina bifida, and diabetes, can cause NB/NLUTD. There are two major types of bladder control problems associated with NB/NLUTD: the bladder becomes either overactive or underactive depending on the nature, level, and extent of nerve damage. This review specifically focuses on the diagnosis and management of NB/NLUTD in China as well as on recent efforts to treat this disease.
A Unified Model for the Prediction of Yield Strength in Particulate-Reinforced Metal Matrix Nanocomposites
Authors: Mirza F. , Chen D.
Published: August 2015

Lightweighting in the transportation industry is today recognized as one of the most important strategies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce anthropogenic climate-changing, environment-damaging, and human death-causing emissions. However, the structural applications of lightweight alloys are often limited by some inherent deficiencies such as low stiffness, high wear rate and inferior strength. These properties could be effectively enhanced by the addition of stronger and stiffer reinforcements, especially nano-sized particles, into metal matrix to form composites. In most cases three common strengthening mechanisms (load-bearing effect, mismatch of coefficients of thermal expansion, and Orowan strengthening) have been considered to predict the yield strength of metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs). This study was aimed at developing a unified model by taking into account the matrix grain size and porosity (which is unavoidable in the materials processing such as casting and powder metallurgy) in the prediction of the yield strength of MMNCs. The Zener pinning effect of grain boundaries by the nano-sized particles has also been integrated. The model was validated using the experimental data of magnesium- and titanium-based nanocomposites containing different types of nano-sized particles (namely, Al2O3, Y2O3, and carbon nanotubes). The predicted results were observed to be in good agreement with the experimental data reported in the literature.
Correlations between Poor Micronutrition in Family Members and Potential Risk Factors for Poor Diet in Children and Adolescents Using Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data
Authors: Lee Hye , Park Hyesook
Published: August 2015

Based on data from the 2010–2011 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we investigated correlations between micronutrients in the diet of family members and the possible risk factors for children and adolescents consuming an inadequate diet. We examined two-generation households with children aged 2–18 years. The quality of the family diet with regard to the following nine nutrients (protein, calcium, phosphorous, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin, and vitamin C) was assessed based on the Index of Nutritional Quality. Correlations between quality of diet and selected variables were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis for Genetic Epidemiology software, and those between diet quality and potential risk factors for poor diet in offspring were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. Overall, calcium was the most commonly under-consumed micronutrient. More than half of sons and daughters showed insufficient vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron intake, and both mothers and fathers showed insufficiency with respect to vitamin A, vitamin B2, and vitamin C. The correlation between a poor diet in parents and that in offspring was 0.17 (p < 0.0001), and this correlation coefficient was higher between mothers and offspring than between fathers and offspring. Additionally, eating breakfast provided a significant protective effect against the risk of poor nutrition in offspring, even after adjusting for covariates. Our results add to evidence indicating that children should be encouraged to eat breakfast to improve the quality of their diet.
Postprandial Effect of a High-Fat Meal on Endotoxemia in Arab Women with and without Insulin-Resistance-Related Diseases
Authors: Al-Disi Dara , Al-Daghri Nasser , Khan Nasiruddin , Alfadda Assim , Sallam Reem , Alsaif Mohammed , Sabico Shaun , Tripathi Gyanendra , McTernan Philip
Published: August 2015

This study determined the effects of a high-fat meal on circulating endotoxin and cardiometabolic indices in adult Arab women. The cohort consisted of 92 consenting Saudi women (18 non-diabetic (ND)) control subjects; Age 24.4 ± 7.9 year; body mass index (BMI) 22.2 ± 2.2 Kg/m2), 24 overweight/obese (referred to as overweight-plus (overweight+)) subjects (Age 32.0 ± 7.8 year; BMI 28.5 ± 1.5 Kg/m2) and 50 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients (Age 41.5 ± 6.2 year; BMI 35.2 ± 7.7 Kg/m2). All were given a high-fat meal (standardized meal: 75 g fat, 5 g carbohydrate, 6 g protein) after an overnight fast of 12–14 h. Anthropometrics were obtained and fasting blood glucose, lipids, and endotoxin were serially measured for four consecutive postprandial hours. Endotoxin levels were significantly elevated prior to a high-fat meal in the overweight+ and T2DM than the controls (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the postprandial cardiometabolic changes led to a more detrimental risk profile in T2DM subjects than other groups, with serial changes most notable in glucose, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol), and insulin levels (p-values < 0.05). The same single meal given to subjects with different metabolic states had varying impacts on cardiometabolic health. Endotoxemia is exacerbated by a high-fat meal in Arab subjects with T2DM, accompanied by a parallel increase in cardiometabolic risk profile, suggesting disparity in disease pathogenesis of those with or without T2DM through the altered cardiometabolic risk profile rather than variance in metabolic endotoxinaemia with a high-fat meal.
Rice Bran Protein Hydrolysates Improve Insulin Resistance and Decrease Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Gene Expression in Rats Fed a High Carbohydrate-High Fat Diet
Authors: Boonloh Kampeebhorn , Kukongviriyapan Veerapol , Kongyingyoes Bunkerd , Kukongviriyapan Upa , Thawornchinsombut Supawan , Pannangpetch Patchareewan
Published: August 2015

A high carbohydrate-high fat (HCHF) diet causes insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MS). Rice bran has been demonstrated to have anti-dyslipidemic and anti-atherogenic properties in an obese mouse model. In the present study, we investigated the beneficial effects of rice bran protein hydrolysates (RBP) in HCHF-induced MS rats. After 12 weeks on this diet, the HCHF-fed group was divided into four subgroups, which were orally administered RBP 100 or 500 mg/kg, pioglitazone 10 mg/kg, or tap water for a further 6 weeks. Compared with normal diet control group, the MS rats had elevated levels of blood glucose, lipid, insulin, and HOMA-IR. Treatment with RBP significantly alleviated all those changes and restored insulin sensitivity. Additionally, RBP treatment increased adiponectin and suppressed leptin levels. Expression of Ppar-γ mRNA in adipose tissues was significantly increased whereas expression of lipogenic genes Srebf1 and Fasn was significantly decreased. Levels of mRNA of proinflammatory cytokines, Il-6, Tnf-α, Nos-2 and Mcp-1 were significantly decreased. In conclusion, the present findings support the consumption of RBP as a functional food to improve insulin resistance and to prevent the development of metabolic syndrome.
Neurosurgical Techniques for Disruption of the Blood–Brain Barrier for Glioblastoma Treatment
Authors: Rodriguez Analiz , Tatter Stephen , Debinski Waldemar
Published: August 2015

The blood–brain barrier remains a main hurdle to drug delivery to the brain. The prognosis of glioblastoma remains grim despite current multimodal medical management. We review neurosurgical technologies that disrupt the blood–brain barrier (BBB). We will review superselective intra-arterial mannitol infusion, focused ultrasound, laser interstitial thermotherapy, and non-thermal irreversible electroporation (NTIRE). These technologies can lead to transient BBB and blood–brain tumor barrier disruption and allow for the potential of more effective local drug delivery. Animal studies and preliminary clinical trials show promise for achieving this goal.
Influence of Differing Analgesic Formulations of Aspirin on Pharmacokinetic Parameters
Authors: Kanani Kunal , Gatoulis Sergio , Voelker Michael
Published: August 2015

Aspirin has been used therapeutically for over 100 years. As the originator and an important marketer of aspirin-containing products, Bayer’s clinical trial database contains numerous reports of the pharmacokinetics of various aspirin formulations. These include evaluations of plain tablets, effervescent tablets, granules, chewable tablets, and fast-release tablets. This publication seeks to expand upon the available pharmacokinetic information concerning aspirin formulations. In the pre-systemic circulation, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is rapidly converted into its main active metabolite, salicylic acid (SA). Therefore, both substances are measured in plasma and reported in the results. The 500 mg strength of each formulation was chosen for analysis as this is the most commonly used for analgesia. A total of 22 studies were included in the analysis. All formulations of 500 mg aspirin result in comparable plasma exposure to ASA and SA as evidenced by AUC. Tablets and dry granules provide a consistently lower Cmax compared to effervescent, granules in suspension and fast release tablets. Effervescent tablets, fast release tablets, and granules in suspension provide a consistently lower median Tmax compared to dry granules and tablets for both ASA and SA. This report reinforces the importance of formulation differences and their impact on pharmacokinetic parameters.
Meditation and Dance in Creative Society: Contemplative Consciousness in Daoism, Zen and Argentine Tango
Authors: Juzefovič Agnieška
Published: August 2015

This paper deals with the particularly relevant topic in the contemporary society – Asian meditative practices and methods of self-development. The first chapter deals with the notion of contemplative, enlightened consciousness in Daoism and Zen. The second chapter shows how meditative consciousness could be achieved through social tango. Six theses are argued as appropriate for both Daoism and Zen as well as tango: 1) contemplative, purified consciousness is empty of disturbing thoughts and focused toward the essence; 2) contemplative, purified consciousness is not only empty but also brimming full; 3) contemplative, purified consciousness is identical with everyday mind; 4) contemplative mind is functioning according to the principles of non-action and naturalness; 5) meditation leads toward the unity and integrity of consciousness and body, consciousness and outside world; 6) active meditation is an effective way to obtain aims mentioned above. The argumentation of such thesis helps to show that tango is akin to various meditative practices. So it could not only be successfully used as a form of entertainment but also as a meditative practice, leading toward aims, similar to those of Zen meditations.
Privacy Preserving Through Fireworks Algorithm Based Model for Image Perturbation in Big Data
Authors: Rahmani Amine , Amine Abdelmalek , Hamou Reda Mohamed , Rahmani Mohamed Elhadi , Bouarara Hadj Ahmed
Published: August 2015

Nowadays, Social networks and cloud services contain billions of users over the planet. Instagram, Facebook and other networks give the opportunity to share images. Users upload millions of pictures each day, including personal images. Another domain, which concerns medical studies, requires a highly sensitive medical images that retain personal details close to patients. Image perturbation have attracted a great deal of attention in the last few years. Many works concerning image ciphering and perturbing have been published. This paper deals with the problem of image perturbation for privacy preserving. The authors build three new systems that consist of hiding small details in pictures by rotating some pixels. Their models use two algorithms: the first one involves a simulation of the firework algorithm in which they place fireworks on selected pixels then represents sparks as rotation processes. The second system consists of a model of rotation based perturbation using iterated local search algorithm (ILS) with 2 optimization stages. Meanwhile, the third one consists of using the same principle of the previous system except by using the ILS algorithm with 3 optimization stages.
Neutron Spectrometry and Dosimetry Using CR-39 Detectors
Authors: Tripathy S.P.
Published: August 2015

Solid polymeric track detectors (SPTDs), due to their insensitivity to low LET radiations and integrating nature of signal registration, are found to be effective and convenient for neutron measurements, particularly in pulsed and mixed radiation fields such as in particle accelerator environments. This paper in addition to reviewing some of the existing methods of neutron spectrometry and dosimetry, explores new approaches on the use of SPTDs for neutron measurements, elaborates on the extended energy response and rapid etching techniques of SPTDs along with some new results. Microwave induced chemical etching (MICE) technique, recently introduced for rapid and efficient processing of track detectors is discussed in the paper.Contents of Paper
A Comparison of Preliminary Results of Indoor Radon Behaviour between one Occupied and one Unoccupied Dwelling in Madrid, Spain
Authors: García-Tobar J. , Mazadiego L.F. , Quindós-Poncela L.S.
Published: August 2015

The present paper studies the indoor radon variations in two similar dwellings, one of them occupied and the other unoccupied, from the same residential building. In particular, the research study was carried out in two new dwellings in Madrid. Radon concentration and ambient parameters were measured three-hourly from 11 May to 12 December 2014. Solid state detectors, Radon Scout, were used for the radon monitoring. Simultaneously, two atmospheric variables were acquired from NOAA Air Research Laboratory. The results show that radon level is slightly higher in the unoccupied dwelling than in the other one. From the analysis developed in this study, it is found that a specific seasonal pattern exists in the indoor radon concentration. Besides, the anthropogenic influence is also analysed. Nearly periodical patterns could be observed in specific periods whether dwelling is occupied or not.
Indoor Activity of Short-Lived Radon Progeny as Critical Parameter in Dose Assessment
Authors: Yuness Mostafa , Mohamed Amer , Abd El-Hady Moustafa , Moustafa Mona , Nazmy Hyam
Published: August 2015

Different measurements of equilibrium equivalent concentration of radon progeny (EECRn) were obtained over a period of one year in indoor air of Physics Department at Minia University, located in the Upper Egypt. A method based on an alpha spectroscopy was used. Sartorius membrane filters (1.2 μm pore size, 25 mm diameter and its efficiency about 100%) were used as a collection media. Alpha activities were measured during and after air sampling by using surface barrier detector. EECRnvaried between 1.26 and 19 Bq m-3with an average value of 5.2 ± 0.46 Bq m-3. Unattached fraction was determined using a single stainless steel-wire-mesh screen (50% penetration for 4 nm equivalent diameter). A mean unattached fraction (fb) of 0.08 was obtained. Based on the obtained measured data values (fband EECRn), dose conversion factors were compared to epidemiology based value of 4 mSv/WLM for indoor air.
Interpolation, Projection and Hierarchical Bases in Discontinuous Galerkin Methods
Authors: Angermann Lutz , Henke Christian
Published: August 2015

The paper presents results on piecewise polynomial approximations of tensor product type in Sobolev-Slobodecki spaces by various interpolation and projection techniques, on error estimates for quadrature rules and projection operators based on hierarchical bases, and on inverse inequalities.
Local Multilevel Method on Adaptively Refined Meshes for Elliptic Problems with Smooth Complex Coefficients
Authors: Li Shishun , Shao Xinping , Si Zhiyong
Published: August 2015

In this paper, a local multilevel algorithm is investigated for solving linear systems arising from adaptive finite element approximations of second order elliptic problems with smooth complex coefficients. It is shown that the abstract theory for local multilevel algorithm can also be applied to elliptic problems whose dominant coefficient is complex valued. Assuming that the coarsest mesh size is sufficiently small, we prove that this algorithm with Gauss-Seidel smoother is convergent and optimal on the adaptively refined meshes generated by the newest vertex bisection algorithm. Numerical experiments are reported to confirm the theoretical analysis.
A Standards-Based Architecture Proposal for Integrating Patient mHealth Apps to Electronic Health Record Systems
Authors: Fontelo P. , Rossi E. , Ackerman MJ , Marceglia S.
Published: August 2015

Summary Background: Mobile health Applications (mHealth Apps) are opening the way to patients’ responsible and active involvement with their own healthcare management. However, apart from Apps allowing patient’s access to their electronic health records (EHRs), mHealth Apps are currently developed as dedicated “island systems”.

Objective: Although much work has been done on patient’s access to EHRs, transfer of information from mHealth Apps to EHR systems is still low. This study proposes a standards-based architecture that can be adopted by mHealth Apps to exchange information with EHRs to support better quality of care.

Methods: Following the definition of requirements for the EHR/mHealth App information exchange recently proposed, and after reviewing current standards, we designed the architecture for EHR/mHealth App integration. Then, as a case study, we modeled a system based on the proposed architecture aimed to support home monitoring for congestive heart failure patients. We simulated such process using, on the EHR side, OpenMRS, an open source longitudinal EHR and, on the mHealth App side, the iOS platform.

Results: The integration architecture was based on the bi-directional exchange of standard documents (clinical document architecture rel2 – CDA2). In the process, the clinician “prescribes” the home monitoring procedures by creating a CDA2 prescription in the EHR that is sent, encrypted and de-identified, to the mHealth App to create the monitoring calendar. At the scheduled time, the App alerts the patient to start the monitoring. After the measurements are done, the App generates a structured CDA2-compliant monitoring report and sends it to the EHR, thus avoiding local storage.

Conclusions: The proposed architecture, even if validated only in a simulation environment, represents a step forward in the integration of personal mHealth Apps into the larger health-IT ecosystem, allowing the bi-directional data exchange between patients and healthcare professionals, supporting the patient’s engagement in self-management and self-care.

Citation: Marceglia S, Fontelo P, Rossi E, Ackerman MJ. A Standards-Based Architecture Proposal for Integrating Patient mHealth Apps to Electronic Health Record Systems. Appl Clin Inform 2015;6: 488–505

http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2014-12-RA-0115
Clean and Sustainable Fusion Energy for the Future
Authors: Adelerhof Jordan , Thoopal Mani Bhushan , Lee Daniel , Hardy Cameron
Published: August 2015

Nuclear Fusion energy is one promising source of energy currently in the developmental stages with the potential to solve the world’s energy crisis by providing a clean and almost limitless supply of energy for the entire planet. This meta-study analyses the heating systems, cooling systems, energy output, heating power input, plasma volume, economic impact, plasma temperature, plasma density, plasma confinement time and Lawson’s Triple Product with respect to a variety of different nuclear fusion systems including the Wendelstein 7-X, the Helically Symmetric Stellarator Experiment, the ITER project, Joint European Torus, TFTR, IGNITOR and general information on tokamaks, stellarators as well as magnetic confinement of plasmas. Nuclear fusion is then more generally compared with four non-fusion energy sources, solar energy, wind energy, coal and hydroelectricity in terms of their overall economic impact, energy efficiency and environmental impact. Current global energy sources such as coal, oil and natural gas are briefly discussed with focus on their remaining global supply as well as their impact on the environment; this is contrasted with the remaining fuel supplies for nuclear fusion and fusion’s environmental impact. The result of this meta-study was that we found that fusion power is a long term solution to the energy crisis and so more of a focus needs to be placed globally on working to expand the use of hydroelectric power.