bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avatar in the Amazon - Narratives of Cultural Conversion and Environmental Salvation between Cultural Theory and Popular Culture
Authors: Ødemark John
Published: October 2015

In 2010 the New York Times reported that ‘[t]ribes of Amazon Find an Ally Out of “Avatar”’, James Cameron. The alliance was against the building of Belo Monte, a hydroelectricdam in the Xingu River in Brazil. Cameron made a documentary about Belo Monte, A Message from Pandora. Here he states that Avatar becomes real in the struggle against the dam. This appears to confirm U. K. Heise’s observation that the ‘Amazon rainforest has long functioned as a complex symbol of exotic natural abundance, global ecological connectedness, and environmental crisis’. This construal, however, downplays the ‘symbols’ cultural components. In this article I show that the image of an ecological ‘rainforest Indian’ and a particular kind of culture constitutes a crucial part of the Amazon as ‘a complex’ cross-disciplinary ‘symbol’. Firstly, I examine how an Amazonian topology (closeness to nature, natural cultures) is both a product of an interdisciplinary history, and a place to speak from for ethno-political activist. Next I analyze how Amazonian cultures have been turned into ‘ethnological isolates’ representing a set of grand theoretical problems in anthropology, not least concerning the nature/culture-distinction, and how environmentalism has deployed the same topology. Finally I examine how Avatar and one of its cinematic intertexts, John Boorman’s The Emerald Forest, is used as a model to understand the struggle over the Belo Monte. In a paradoxical way the symbolic power of indigenous people in ecological matters here appears to be dependent upon a non-relation, and a reestablishment of clear cut cultural boundaries, where ‘the tribal’ is also associated with the human past. Disturbingly such symbolic exportation of solutions is consonant with current exportations of the solution of ecological problems to ‘other places’.
Spatial Associations Between Contaminated Land and Socio Demographics in Ghana
Authors: Dowling Russell , Ericson Bret , Caravanos Jack , Grigsby Patrick , Amoyaw-Osei Yaw
Published: October 2015

Associations between contaminated land and socio demographics are well documented in high-income countries. In low- and middle-income countries, however, little is known about the extent of contaminated land and possible demographic correlations. This is an important yet sparsely researched topic with potentially significant public health implications as exposure to pollution remains a leading source of morbidity and mortality in low-income countries. In this study, we review the associations between several socio demographic factors (population, population density, unemployment, education, and literacy) and contaminated sites in Ghana. Within this context, both correlation and association intend to show the relationship between two variables, namely contaminated sites and socio demographics. Aggregated district level 2010 census data from Ghana Statistical Service and contaminated site location data from Pure Earth’s Toxic Sites Identification Program (TSIP) were spatially evaluated using the number of sites per kilometer squared within districts as the unit of measurement. We found a low to medium positive correlation (ρ range: 0.285 to 0.478) between contaminated sites and the following socio demographics: higher population density, higher unemployment, greater education, and higher literacy rate. These results support previous studies and suggest that several socio demographic factors may be reasonably accurate predictors of contaminated site locations. More research and targeted data collection is needed to better understand these associations with the ultimate goal of developing a predictive model.
A Fast O(N log N) Finite Difference Method for the One-Dimensional Space-Fractional Diffusion Equation
Authors: Basu Treena
Published: October 2015

This paper proposes an approach for the space-fractional diffusion equation in one dimension. Since fractional differential operators are non-local, two main difficulties arise after discretization and solving using Gaussian elimination: how to handle the memory requirement of O(N2) for storing the dense or even full matrices that arise from application of numerical methods and how to manage the significant computational work count of O(N3) per time step, where N is the number of spatial grid points. In this paper, a fast iterative finite difference method is developed, which has a memory requirement of O(N) and a computational cost of O(N logN) per iteration. Finally, some numerical results are shown to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the new method.
A Simple, Effective, Green Method for the Regioselective 3-Acylation of Unprotected Indoles
Authors: Tran Phuong , Tran Hai , Hansen Poul , Do Mai , Le Thach
Published: October 2015

A fast and green method is developed for regioselective acylation of indoles in the 3-position without the need for protection of the NH position. The method is based on Friedel-Crafts acylation using acid anhydrides. The method has been optimized, and Y(OTf)3 in catalytic amounts is found to be the best catalyst together with the commercially available ionic liquid [BMI]BF4 (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoro-borate) as solvent. The reaction is completed in a very short time using monomode microwave irradiation. The catalyst can be reused up to four times without significant loss of activity. A range of substituted indoles are investigated as substrates, and thirteen new compounds have been synthesized.
The Use of Stereoscopic Satellite Images to Map Rills and Ephemeral Gullies
Authors: Fiorucci Federica , Ardizzone Francesca , Rossi Mauro , Torri Dino
Published: October 2015

Accurate mapping and measurement of erosion channels is necessary to accurately estimate the impact of channeled erosion in an area. Field surveys can provide optimal quantitative results, but they are only applicable to small areas. Recently, photogrammetric techniques have been applied to small format aerial photographs that were taken by UAVs. Few studies have applied photogrammetry for mapping and measuring single permanent gullies using very high resolution stereoscopic satellite images. We explore the use of such images to map rills and ephemeral gullies and to measure the length, width and depth of individual erosion channels to estimate the eroded volumes. The proposed methodology was applied to the Collazzone area of Central Italy. All of the channel characteristics were determined using GeoEye-1® panchromatic stereoscopic satellite images of the 48-km2 study area and a 3D floating cursor. We identified, mapped, and measured the lengths of 555 channel segments. The top width and depth could be measured in only a subset of the channel segments (the SMC subset). The SMC data were used to determine the coefficients of the power law relationship between the rill/gully volume and length (V = aLb) and the uncertainties due to the channel depth measurements and the cross-sectional shape. The field data of the rill and gully volumes were within the estimated uncertainty. We defined a decision rule to distinguish rills from gullies on the basis of the segment length and applied the corresponding power law relationship that was derived from the SMC subset to estimate the eroded volume of the entire dataset. The erosion values that were calculated at different scales (0.680 Mg∙ha−1 at the catchment scale, 28.4 Mg∙ha−1 on the parcels affected by erosion) are consistent with values found in the literature. Our results indicate that erosion at the catchment scale can be considered moderate, whereas the erosion at the field scale exceeds the tolerance limit, which is consistent with data that have been summarized and/or discussed by several authors.
Evaluation of Sensor Configurations for Robotic Surgical Instruments
Authors: Gómez-de-Gabriel Jesús , Harwin William
Published: October 2015

Designing surgical instruments for robotic-assisted minimally-invasive surgery (RAMIS) is challenging due to constraints on the number and type of sensors imposed by considerations such as space or the need for sterilization. A new method for evaluating the usability of virtual teleoperated surgical instruments based on virtual sensors is presented. This method uses virtual prototyping of the surgical instrument with a dual physical interaction, which allows testing of different sensor configurations in a real environment. Moreover, the proposed approach has been applied to the evaluation of prototypes of a two-finger grasper for lump detection by remote pinching. In this example, the usability of a set of five different sensor configurations, with a different number of force sensors, is evaluated in terms of quantitative and qualitative measures in clinical experiments with 23 volunteers. As a result, the smallest number of force sensors needed in the surgical instrument that ensures the usability of the device can be determined. The details of the experimental setup are also included.
A New Compton Camera Imaging Model to Mitigate the Finite Spatial Resolution of Detectors and New Camera Designs for Implementation
Authors: Smith Bruce
Published: October 2015

An intrinsic limitation of the accuracy that can be achieved with Compton cameras results from the inevitable fact that the detectors, which comprise the camera, cannot have infinitely-accurate spatial resolution. To mitigate this loss of accuracy, a new imaging model is proposed. The implementation of the new imaging model, however, requires new camera designs. The results of a computer simulation indicate that the new imaging model can produce reasonable images, at least when noiseless simulated data are used. In the future, more work is needed to determine if the use of the new imaging model will improve the imaging capabilities of Compton cameras despite the loss of sensitivity caused by the use of the new camera designs. Regardless of the outcome of this work, the results presented here illustrate that new models for imaging from Compton scatters are possible and motivate the development of further models that could be more advantageous than the ones already developed.
Quantitative Detection of Shiga Toxins Directly from Stool Specimens of Patients Associated with an Outbreak of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli in Japan—Quantitative Shiga toxin detection from stool during EHEC outbreak
Authors: Yamasaki Eiki , Watahiki Masanori , Isobe Junko , Sata Tetsutaro , Nair G. , Kurazono Hisao
Published: October 2015

Detection of Shiga toxins (Stx) is important for accurate diagnosis of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection. In this study, we quantitatively analyzed Stx protein in nine patients’ stool during an outbreak that occurred in Japan. Highly sensitive immunoassay (bead enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (bead-ELISA)) revealed that the concentrations of toxins in stool of patients ranged from 0.71 to 10.44 ng/mL for Stx1 and 2.75 to 51.61 ng/mL for Stx2. To our knowledge, this is the first report that reveals the range of Stx protein concentrations in human stools.
Synthesis of constrained analogues of tryptophan
Authors: Rossi Elisabetta , Pirovano Valentina , Negrato Marco , Abbiati Giorgio , Dell’Acqua Monica
Published: October 2015

A Lewis acid-catalysed diastereoselective [4 + 2] cycloaddition of vinylindoles and methyl 2-acetamidoacrylate, leading to methyl 3-acetamido-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocarbazole-3-carboxylate derivatives, is described. Treatment of the obtained cycloadducts under hydrolytic conditions results in the preparation of a small library of compounds bearing the free amino acid function at C-3 and pertaining to the class of constrained tryptophan analogues.
Chiral Cu(II)-catalyzed enantioselective β-borylation of α,β-unsaturated nitriles in water
Authors: Zhu Lei , Kitanosono Taku , Xu Pengyu , Kobayashi Shū
Published: October 2015

The promising performance of copper(II) complexes was demonstrated for asymmetric boron conjugate addition to α,β-unsaturated nitriles in water. The catalyst system, which consisted of Cu(OAc)2 and a chiral 2,2′-bipyridine ligand, enabled β-borylation and chiral induction in water. Subsequent protonation, which was accelerated in aqueous medium, led to high activity of this asymmetric catalysis. Both solid and liquid substrates were suitable despite being insoluble in water.
Œdipe féminin et destins de l’Œdipe féminin
Authors: Vivès Jean-Michel , Leroy-Viémon Brigitte
Published: October 2015

Dans son texte de 1931, « De la sexualité féminine », Freud souligne que l’attachement passionnel de la fille pour sa mère reste actif tout au long de la vie, ses motions pulsionnelles étant, dit-il, « incommensurables ». Freud compare ces deux temps de l’Œdipe féminin aux deux moments de l’histoire de l’Antiquité grecque : la culture mino-mycénienne venant être recouverte, en partie seulement, par la culture grecque. À partir de situations cliniques issues de cures et de personnages fictifs tels qu’Électre ou Salomé, les auteurs s’attachent à montrer comment ce premier attachement œdipien peut envahir le second temps, conduisant à obérer le devenir femme.
Le « continent noir ». La femme, la jouissance et la mort
Authors: Abelhauser Alain
Published: October 2015

Pour Freud, rappelons-le, la femme prend figure d’énigme tant du fait de ce qu’elle est censée désirer que par la façon dont elle s’inscrit dans la construction œdipienne. Pour Lacan, la femme correspond à une inexistence logique. Mais elle témoigne aussi de la manière (difficile) dont s’articulent en elle deux formes de jouissance – la « jouissance Une » et la « jouissance Autre ». Ce qui conduit à distinguer de facto deux modes de traitement de la jouissance : sa limitation par le phallus et son issue par l’amour. De nombreuses situations cliniques mettent en lumière tel ou tel aspect de ces traitements, ou de leur éventuelle inefficacité. Mais parmi elles, il est certains maux – anorexies dites « mentales », « pathologies factices » – montrant plus particulièrement comment quelques femmes s’arrangent de la jouissance qui les encombre en dupant l’autre et surtout en mettant à mal leur corps. Ce qui correspond jusqu’à un certain point aux processus de la perversion. À ceci près que là où celle-ci achoppe, ces femmes, elles, donnent à l’Autre sa pleine consistance en le faisant advenir sous la forme de la mort, et font ainsi preuve du « sérieux » dont le pervers ordinaire est, lui, si singulièrement dépourvu.
Présentation d'ouvrage
Authors: Ré Virginie
Published: October 2015

La réflexion sur les phénomènes « sectaires », généralement organisée autour de quelques notions qui présupposent le charlatanisme et l’escroquerie, échoue à saisir aussi bien les logiques qui animent ces mouvements que les questions qu’ils soulèvent quant à l’état du lien social dans nos démocraties libérales. Ce sont ces logiques que nous tenterons de discerner dans les linéaments du système délirant édifié par Claude Vorilhon, le leader du groupe. Nous découvrirons alors que ce mouvement, né d’un délire paranoïaque et situé à la croisée de la technoscience et du néolibéralisme, est en parfaite conformité avec les valeurs qui sous-tendent notre époque postmoderne.
Helping Individuals With Dementia Live More Fully Through Person-Centered Practices
Authors: Love Karen , Femia Elia
Published: October 2015

Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is a health condition saddled with social stigmas and is widely misunderstood. Person-centered care practices can positively improve the psychosocial experience of living with dementia and have become the gold standard for care because of the resulting beneficial outcomes. The purpose of the current article is to describe four person-centered principles that form the foundation for dementia care practice: (a) the idea that individuals can and do live fully with dementia; (b) quality of life depends not only on the care received but also on the value that others put on their abilities and life; (c) being meaningfully engaged and having purpose are vital to well-being; and (d) respect, dignity, and choice are not only foundational to person-centered care but for basic human rights. Although efforts have been made to mandate person-centered practices, challenges remain that can direct future research and practice efforts. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 41
(11), 9–14.]
Understanding Elderspeak from the Perspective of Certified Nursing Assistants
Authors: Grimme Tracy M. , Buchanan Jeffrey , Afflerbach Shelby
Published: October 2015

Elderspeak is a form of patronizing speech that is often used with older adults. The current study attempted to learn more about the conditions under which elderspeak is used as well as the intent behind using elderspeak. The sample comprised 26 certified nursing assistants (CNAs) working with older adults in long-term care facilities. Data were collected using semistructured interviews. Findings indicated that the intended purposes of elderspeak were to (a) make residents feel more comfortable, (b) make caregivers seem friendlier, (c) help residents better comprehend verbal communication, and (d) increase the likelihood that residents would cooperate during caregiving tasks. In addition, one half of the CNAs reported that elderspeak is more appropriate with individuals with dementia; many also believed that the use of elderspeak was always inappropriate. The current findings may have implications for improving training and education programs for CNAs and other professionals working in long-term care facilities. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 41
(11), 42–49.]
Motivational Interviewing Approach Used by a Community Mental Health Team
Authors: Tan Sharon Chay Huang , Lee Mindy Wen Hui , Lim Gentatsu Tan Xiong , Leong Joseph Jern-Yi , Lee Cheng
Published: October 2015

The current study aimed to (a) evaluate the effectiveness of motivational interviewing, as applied by a community mental health team (CMHT) based in Singapore; (b) reduce hospital admissions and length of hospital stay; and (c) improve global functioning and satisfaction of individuals with mental illness. The current study used a quasi-experimental method. A convenience sample of 120 participants was selected from the caseload of the CMHT. Participants received motivational interviewing sessions at least once every month for 1 year. Data on the number of hospital admissions, length of hospitalization, Global Assessment of Functioning, and patient satisfaction were collected at baseline and 6 and 12 months. Participants who underwent the CMHT services with motivational interviewing were more compliant to treatment, resulting in significant reduction in hospitalization and improvement in functionality. Motivational interviewing is effective in facilitating better illness management for patients in the community. Adoption of the motivational interviewing approach may potentially provide significant benefits for psychiatric support services in the community. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
,
53
(12), 28–37.]
Impacts of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining on Water Quality in Mozambique and Zimbabwe
Authors: Mujere Never , Isidro Manuel
Published: October 2015

Artisanal and small scale gold mining (ASGM) is an informal economic activity. ASGM is the process of extracting gold ore from the ground in the absence of land rights, mining license, exploration or mining mineral exploration permit or any legitimate document that allows the operation. Its haphazard nature, location close to and dependence on water have negative effects on the physical, chemical and biological composition of water. The socio-economic benefits of small scale mining, which include employment and income generation, are seriously outweighed by devastating environmental costs and impacts. The objective of this chapter is to examine effects of ASGM on water quality in Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Findings show that ASGM causes land disturbance, loss of biodiversity, deforestation and depletion of water resources, increased levels of siltation, turbidity and heavy metal content and the disturbance of aquatic life and its habitats. ASGM also negatively effects the health of people and animals. Based on the research findings, it is important to support and formalize, as much as possible, the mining operations so that it becomes environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Floodplain Infrastructure and the Toxic Tide
Authors: Bender Sanford R.
Published: October 2015

The human species is drawn to water. They are attracted by its dynamic flow and the promise of renewal that can lift their spirits up from the mundane. However, there is a growing awareness of how prior and current building practices continue to jeopardize environmentally sensitive wetlands, estuaries, bays, rivers, and coastal sand barriers. Constructing infrastructure in the floodplain causes erosion, pollution, habitat loss, invasive species, and increased vulnerability to hurricanes and other flooding disasters. This chapter will focus primarily on how building infrastructure located in the flood plain can affect the environment under the duress of catastrophic storm events. Reference is made to more far reaching phenomena global issues such as climate change, sea level rise, shifting continental fault lines, and other meteorological and geological changes that appear to be hastening the appearance of major disastrous events.
Design of the Education Campaign
Authors: Smith M. Chad
Published: October 2015

“Educating the public” is a phrase heard often between scientists when it comes to creating a motivated, environmentally concerned public. Scientists often take on the role as educator to administer environmental education through campaigns (i.e., classroom events, workshops). A successful campaign is dependent on the careful framework of planning, implementation, and evaluation. Cognitive and social development theories, including knowledge of various learning types, are important in finding target audiences. Bloom's Taxonomy assists educators in developing learning objectives by categorizing different levels of thinking. The Elaboration Likelihood Model of Persuasion uses two communication routes, central and peripheral, which are contingent to the cognitive abilities and motivation of the audience. The success of campaigns is not immediate, thus requiring different modes of evaluation. Challenges such as campaign longevity, changing population demographics, technology, and the “doom and gloom” mentality of audiences should be addressed to ensure campaign success.
Access to Safe Drinking Water
Authors: Willems Robert Cecil , MacDonald Steve A.
Published: October 2015

The focus of this chapter is to demonstrate that providing safe drinking water to communities in Majority World countries, specifically Kenya, Africa, is easily accomplished. Any water system, in order to be successfully constructed in impoverished Majority World communities, must be simple and inexpensive and the benefiting community must have a vested interest and ownership for the system to be effective. Establishing a vested interest by water recipients requires that the people providing the water purification technology understand the culture and worldview of the water system recipients. This approach is supported by literature review but more so by empirical evidence gathered by both authors.
Microstructure Investigation of Aluminide Coatings after Platinum Modification Deposited by CVD Method on Inconel 713 LC Ni-Base Superalloy
Authors: Yavorska M. , Sieniawski Jan , Filip Ryszard , Gancarczyk Tadeusz
Published: October 2015

In the present study, microstructure investigation of aluminide coatings after platinum modification deposited by CVD method on Inconel 713 LC Ni-base superalloys were performed. The platinum coatings 3 and 7 m thick were deposited by electroplating process. The diffusion treatment of platinum electroplating coatings at the temperature 1050 °C was carried out for 2h. The low-activity CVD aluminizing of heat treated coatings at the temperature 1050 °C was conducted for 8 h. On the grounds of the obtained results it was found that microstructure of diffusion treated platinum electroplating coatings 3 m and 7 m thick consisted of two phases: γ-Ni and (Al0.25Pt0.75)Ni3. The low activity CVD aluminizing of diffusion treated platinum electroplating coatings 3 and 7 m thick enables the diffusion coating obtaining. The main constituent of aluminide coatings was (Ni,Pt)Al phase.
Ce(1-x)MXO2, {M=Ru, In} Solid Solutions as Novel Gas Sensors for CO Detection
Authors: Rangel R. , Chávez Chávez L. , Meléndrez M. , Batolo-Pérez P. , Pérez-Tijerina Eduardo G. , García-Méndez Manuel
Published: October 2015

In the present work, the study of semiconducting Ce(1-x)MXO2 (M=Ru, In) solid-solutions nanostructures with application to gas sensors is addressed. Nanostructured powers were prepared by means of the sol-gel route. The electrical resistance of obtained materials under different conditions of time, concentration and temperature in CO presence was tested. These systems were characterized using x-ray diffraction, SEM microscopy and surface area measurements. The solid solutions demonstrated good sensorial response at low temperatures, as well as fast response as a function of time. Our results show that these novel materials can be potentially applied as gas sensors.
Thin Films of Kanthal and Aluminum for Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Leal Da Silva Samuel Machado , Ferreira Carlos Luiz
Published: October 2015

The miniaturization of electronic circuits and the scientific interest in the high frequency behavior of materials have led to extensive research on thin film conduction and loss mechanisms. With the purpose of studying the loss mechanisms and their relation to microstructure and thickness effects, Kanthal and aluminum thin films with thicknesses in the range of 5 200 nm were deposited by PVD in a polymeric unheated substrate. The experimental results showed that Kanthal films exhibit a maximum absorption of 48% for a thickness of 29 nm, while aluminum films have a maximum absorption of 25% for a thickness of 7.5 nm (for a deposition rate of 0.5 Å.s-1) and 23% for a thickness of 10.0 nm (for a deposition rate of 5 Å.s-1). The absorption of aluminum is only due to electric losses, while the absorption of Kanthal (an iron, copper and aluminum alloy) is attributed to electric and magnetic losses.
New Synthesis Method to Obtain Pd Nano-Crystals
Authors: Ugalde Magali , Chavira E. , Ochoa-Lara Martha T. , Quintanar Carlos
Published: October 2015

We report a new synthesis method to obtain palladium nano-crystals by sol-gel polymerized with acrylamide. From thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) studies, we found PdO and Pd compounds in the xerogel sample, at 550 °C, and over 900 °C we detected only metallic Pd. These results were corroborated by powder X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy (HRSEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). XRD studies exhibit the lines from the tetragonal structure (PDF 41-1107) of PdO compound and from the cubic structure (PDF 46-1043) of Pd metallic. HRSEM micrographs show morphologies from the sample very sensitive to heat treatment. Finally, TEM images show crystals of ~8 nm in diameter.
Composite Content Influence on Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes-SiO2 Film Humidity Sensors at AC Testing
Authors: Li Tuo , Liu Xiao Wei , Zhao Zhen Gang
Published: October 2015

MWNT –SiO2 composite film humidity sensors with different MWNTs proportions were fabricated and their performances under alternating current testing signals are investigated. Influence of MWNT content on humidity sensing characteristics of the sensors is explored and explained by vapor adsorption and capillary condensation effect. It is proved that 60% MWNT content sensors have humidity sensitivity of 1500% at 400 kHz testing frequency, much higher than those with other MWNT contents. In sensors’ sensitivity-frequency relation, maximum sensitivity comes from frequency section of 400kHz to 500kHz for sensors with higher MWNTs proportions.
LiuHua Oil/Gas Project: First Self-Developed Completion Campaign Using Subsea Horizontal Trees in South China Sea
Authors: Zhong Cheng , Xiaojun Mou , Zigang Sun , Kun Cheng , Wenyan Wu , Xiufu Yang
Published: October 2015

LiuHua4-1 &LiuHua19-5 oil/gas fields are the first batch of Chinese self-developed projects using subsea production system in the Pearl River Marine Basin (PRMB) of South China Sea. We installed 10 sub-sea horizontal trees by a single hull vessel "HYSY708" and a semi-submersible "NH5" in the block, the completion execution phase was performed on Moored Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU) with no prior experience in subsea completions from June 2011 to January 2014. Value creation activities were employed to raise the awareness and competence of the rig team to transform improvement opportunities into high performance goals.

This paper presents an integrated completion program developed and implemented for reservoir characterization and formation evaluation in South China Sea. Completion fluid and treatment fluid were carefully selected and tested for well-specific conditions. The program used a combination of various completion techniques such as material corrosion, hydrate prevention, subsea horizontal tree installation, work string design optimization, subsea canned dual ESP completion system, intelligent well completion, emergency response in complex condition, etc. The integrated completion programs were designed and modified to meet the project delivery timeline and cost constraints, while responding to the challenge of properly testing the oil/gas reservoir.

This paper also presents completion data analysis results and summarizes the encountered challenges and learned lessons from field operations. Specifically, we present field operation results and explain the key program elements.

The learned lessons and gained experiences from the field operation presented here provide valuable guidance for future deep-water oil /gas exploration and development operations.
From Design, Installation and Commissioning of an Electrically Trace Heated Integrated Production Bundle
Authors: Quenot C. , Carvalho C. , Hanonge D. , Fontes F. , Beça I. , Knapp S. , Condessa D. S. , Damno G. S. , Gonçalves W. P.
Published: October 2015

The Papa Terra oil field is located on the BC-20 Block in the Campos Basin - Brazil (110 kilometers away from Rio de Janeiro state coast) in a water depth of 1,200 meters.

The field is operated by Petrobras having Chevron as non-operator partner. Papa Terra has a crude oil with an API index between 14 and 17 degrees. The field is among one of the most complex subsea developments ever executed in Brazil with its first oil performed in 2013 and the production subsea facilities installation completed in 2014.

The proposed design for the subsea production system was the use of an Electrically Trace Heated Integrated Production Bundle (ETH-IPB), the 3rd generation of this field proven technology, which was successfully designed, manufactured and installed by Technip on previous West African projects. A total of 27 km of ETH-IPB riser and flowline as well as its own electrical and monitoring module have been designed, manufactured, installed and successfully commissioned for the Papa Terra project.

The core of the ETH-IPB is a 6" ID flexible pipe dedicated to production fluid. Around the core, the following components are distributed into a bundle layer:Heat tracing cables designed to provide active heating of the production fluid during warm up or after a shut-down.A Distributed Temperature Sensor (DTS) fiber optic system, deployed offshore into a stainless steel tube loop in order to provide temperature monitoring along the length of the riser and flowline system.Spacers, designed to protect the electrical cables and fiber optic tubes from mechanical loadings during installation and manufacturing.

The main aim of this paper is to describe the design of this production system, that was used for the first time in Brazil and which present a lot of innovations in several domains, due to overall length, thermal requirements, heating control and riser to flowline electrical connection on the seabed. Some results of the qualification program will be presented, in particular mechanical, bundle components, fatigue and thermal performance tests.

Finally, results of the field performance tests and operational feedback by Petrobras will be presented and discussed.
Productivity Index Dynamics: Coupling the Material Balance Equation With the Deconvolved Pressure Response
Authors: Kubota L.
Published: October 2015

The productivity index (PI) conveys information on the reservoir productive capacity and can be measured during well tests. It is defined as the ratio of the production flowrate q and the pressure drawdown. As a result, the PI dynamic behavior is dominated by a transient period (henceforth referred to as transient PI) which is followed by a pseudo-steady state regime. This works deals with the former, since the latter is rarely witnessed during well tests.

Usually, the pressure drawdown employed in PI calculations is measured as the difference between a constant reservoir pressureand the downhole flowing pressure pwf(t). In this paper, it is shown that, by coupling the under-saturated material balance equation with the deconvolved pressure response ?pDEC (t) and its associated flowrate qDEC, it is possible to account for a time-varying average pressure . The algorithm is valid for reservoirs whose behavior during a well test is modelled by a closed geometry, but has not yet reached the pseudo-steady state flow regime.

Subsequently, a comparison will be drawn regarding the transient PI evaluated under a constant average pressure against the transient PI evaluated with a decreasing average pressure. We will also study the conditions where the assumption of constant reservoir pressure will lead to a reliable estimate of the transient PI. The procedure will, then, be applied to a field case, where the constant pressure assumption leads to a significantly undervalued PI.
The Contribution from an Operator's Global Subsea Hardware Standardization Program to 10K Subsea Hardware and Controls on Parque das Conchas (BC-10)
Authors: Freire de Carvalho Thiago Palmeira , Olijnik Luiz , Broderick Richard John , Labes Alan
Published: October 2015

The Parque das Conchas field in Campos basin offshore Brasil is a phased ultra-deepwater heavy oil development tied to the Esp rito Santos floating, production, storage and offload (FPSO) vessel, moored at a water depth of 1,780-meters. The subsea system utilizes a subsea boosting and separation technology, enhanced recovery through water and gas injection, subsea sampling, enhanced vertical deepwater trees (EVDT), steel lazy wave catenary risers, and high voltage multiplexed electro-hydraulic steel tube umbilicals. During its nine year development since sanctioning, the professionals, installation contractors, commercial and contractual conditions have changed and played their role on the successful deployment of the subsea systems architecture. The project's successful track history to date is largely attributed to the development and consistent application of standardized subsea hardware throughout its three distinct and independently developed phases.

This paper addresses the standardized features applied to the 10,000-psi (10K) rated subsea system components at BC-10: EVDT systems and tooling, including the upper completion tools which allowed deployment through either a subsea or surface blow-out preventer; completion and intervention riser systems on the lower riser package; retrievable flow modules and flow meters; production and injection jumper kits; manifolds; subsea boosting and separation; subsea control modules; umbilicals and subsea distribution hardware. This paper also addresses how these features fit within the operator's global subsea hardware standardization program, and provides examples on how continuous improvement, lessons learned and innovations are implemented in that program.
Analysis of Moored Tankers as a Diesel Hub
Authors: Ferreira M. D. , Azevedo A.
Published: October 2015

Diesel oil provision to production and drilling offshore units employing the use of platform supply vessels (PSVs) raises some logistic difficulties regarding time spent in the available terminals by the PSVs during the diesel loading operation in order to access the terminal, follow the queue, load the diesel, and leave the terminal.

An alternative to this approach would be the mooring of a diesel tanker offshore and its use as a Hub, in order to dispatch oil to the PSV fleet. Following this new approach, Petrobras projected and installed some buoys, moored by a single line to a fixed point and capable of receiving available tankers with 16,000 ton of deadweight. It is desirable nowadays to improve the size of these ships, as there are larger ones available in the fleet to perform this job, or else they will be scrapped. The full scale and the numerical models of the behavior of these ships present fishtailing phenomenon, which gets worse when we increase the dimensions of the ships.

In order to model the behavior of these anchored tankers, the computer code Wamit was employed in the frequency domain, and through the use of impulse response functions, we accessed the ships behavior in waves in the time domain. The wind and current actions were represented by a Morison like formulation, using constant coefficients and assuming a force proportional to the relative velocity squared. The mooring lines were represented by a FEM truss model.

Results were obtained for three classes of ship: Petrobras Class 35, 43 and 47, which have 16,000, 38,000 and 40,000ton of deadweight capacity. The class 35 tankers are already being employed as a Diesel Hub for the PSVs. Based on the results presented herein a pilot test using a class 47 tanker is underway, with its position and motions fully monitored during the whole test, in order to compare its behavior with the numerical estimates.
A Case Study on the Implementation of an Acoustic Automatic Leak Detection Sonar (ALDS) in GoM and its Application to Current and Future Brazilian Fields
Authors: Brown G. , Fasham S. , Tomlinson P. , Crook R.
Published: October 2015

The authors have developed an active acoustic Automatic Leak Detection Sonar (ALDS) designed to detect hydrocarbon leaks (mono and multi-phase oil and gas) at significant ranges, allowing coverage of wide areas from a single sensor. The system's single subsea sensor offers 360 degree continuous coverage providing automatic, robust detection and localisation of any leak, followed by an alert within tens of seconds of a leak developing.

This paper provides a case study of an experimental programme where the system was trialled in deep water (2000 m) at the Thunderhorse field in the US Gulf of Mexico. We will describe the principles of operation and theoretical performance of the system and compare this to the actual performance in-situ where simulated oil and gas releases were used to identify the system performance limits. Results will be provided for a simulated single phase oil leak of approximately 100 barrels a day and gas detection leaks of as little as 1 litre per minute. The trials include detections with subsea infrastructure (wellheads, manifolds etc.) between the leak location and the sensing head.

The results demonstrate the efficacy of active acoustic leak detection over ranges in excess of 600 m from the sensing point, as well as good discrimination of leaks against other acoustic targets resulting in an exceptionally low false alarm rate.

Finally learning points from the trials regarding the CONcept of OPerationS (CONOPS) for permanently deployed leak detection systems will be discussed with a description of how an active acoustic leak detection system can best be implemented in a variety of scenarios during the life of a field, from exploratory drilling through to production and decommissioning. Particular reference will be made to how this applies to already producing and planned Brazilian field devlopments addressing retrofit and new build requirements.

ALDS can be used as a regulatory tool but can also bring value to operators by identifying and enabling early intervention on the small leaks which often prefigure large hydrocarbon releases, reducing the likelihood major environmental damage and protecting reputation.
Successful Application of Drilling Optimization Methodology and Integrated Solutions in a Pre-Salt Well
Authors: Pinheiro Marcus , Carneiro Rafael , Lima Angelo
Published: October 2015

Improvement to the efficiency of pre-salt well delivery was achieved by implementing detailed planning with cross discipline teams who developed a complete vibration mitigation program that became indispensable in critical wells, such as the ones in Ultra Deep Water Pre-Salt. For this study, it was analyzed a critical well that was drilled in a pre-salt field in Brazil, with 1700m of salt section.

This paper discusses the development and deployment of a successful drilling optimization methodology and the application of new technologies and solutions to improve the drilling efficiency in a critical presalt well. The ability to rapidly analyze conditions and respond effectively was based on multiple solutions such as: engineering simulators and workflows, vibration mitigation through surface and downhole measurements, optimization of specific energy, use of a bit reamer and an anti-stall tool on BHA to attenuate torsional vibrations, applied fluid optimization, salt creep control, real time monitoring and integrated services.

For vibration mitigation improvement it was used a specific tool to attenuate torsional vibration downhole and the fast Fourier transform software, that analyses surface parameters every second and identify the torsional vibration faster than the downhole sensors. The Mechanical Specific Energy (MSE) concept was extremely important to identify any excess of energy input that could cause damage to the downhole tools and drill string. This concept also helped to identify formation changes (anhydrite and halite), very important for casing point (geo-stopping at basal anhydrite). The use of bit reamer also showed to be a very helpful tool to keep the well in gauge and avoid salt creeping near the bit. The "Profibus" protocol was implemented to permit a real time monitoring of the pilot hole and riserless sections.

The successful implementation of this methodology depended on the integration of disciplines and professionals involved setting a common goal for all stakeholders. This resulted in the salt section being drilled with high penetration rates in only one run, identifying every formation change and responding appropriately and the ability to stop in the desired section at the top of reservoir. As a result of the drilling optimization, the total depth was reached 60 days ahead of the planned time establishing a new benchmark for the pre-salt field.
The Buoy Supporting Risers (BSR) System: A Novel Riser Solution for Ultra-Deep Water Subsea Developments in Harsh Environments
Authors: Cruz I. , Claro C. , Sahonero D. , Otani L. , Pagot J.
Published: October 2015

The Sapinhoá and Lula North-East oil fields were developed through pilot systems composed of satellite wells connected to spread moored FPSOs. Each of these developments needed to connect up to 45 lines coming from the wells to a single balcony at FPSO portside, not including gas export riser and its ESDV umbilical. It was expected variable levels of CO2 and H2S, posing the challenge to find a suitable solution that could endure the 27-year life of the fields in waters of 2140-meter depth and in the severe environmental conditions of the Santos Basin. To cope with these challenges, Petrobras and its partners (BG E&P Brazil and Repsol Sinopec Brazil, in Sapinhoá field, BG E&P Brazil and Petrogral Brazil, in Lula Field) decided to pursue a decoupled riser system solution, and to launch a "design competition" process, which ended up selecting the Buoy Supporting Risers (BSR) concept solution developed by Subsea 7.

This paper is divided in two main sections that represent the two main project phases. First, the Design phase where the BSR System is described, the need for careful physical and numerical modelling, the massive analysis of this complex new system is also presented. The second is the Installation phase, which was all backed up by a prototype tank testing performed in order to capture the in-place behaviour, and to generate the design input envelopes for all system components. It also describes the considerable installation engineering efforts led to solutions for the logistical problems associated with the sheer quantity, volume, size and weight of the foundations and top connector structures as well as for the installation itself in ultra-deep waters and in seas often characterised by bi-directional swells.

Design Phase
Ultrastructural analysis of different human mesenchymal stem cells after in vitro expansion: a technical review
Authors: Miko M. , Danisovic L. , Majidi A. , Varga I.
Published: October 2015

Transmission electron microscopy reveals ultrastructural details of cells, and it is a valuable method for studying cell organelles. That is why we used this method for detailed morphological description of different adult tissuederived stem cells, focusing on the morphological signs of their functions (proteosynthetic activity, exchange with external environment, etc.) and their comparison. Preparing a specimen from the cell culture suitable for transmission electron microscopy is, however, much more challenging than routine tissue processing for normal histological examination. There are several issues that need to be solved while working with cell pellets instead of solid tissue. Here we describe a simple protocol for the isolation and culture of mesenchymal stem cells from different adult tissues, with applications to stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. Since we are working with population of cells that was obtained after many days of passaging, very efficient and gentle procedures are highly necessary. We demonstrated that our semi-conservative approach regarding to histological techniques and processing of cells for transmission electron microscopy is a well reproducible procedure which results in quality pictures and images of cell populations with minimum distortions and artifacts. We also commented about riskiest steps and histochemical issues (e.g., precise pH, temperature) while preparing the specimen. We bring full and detailed procedures of fixation, post-fixation, infiltration, embedding, polymerization and contrasting of cell obtained from in vitro cell and tissue cultures, with modifications according to our experience. All this steps are essential for us to know more about adult stem cells derived from different sources or about other random cell populations. The knowledge about detailed ultra-structure of adult stem cells cultured in vitro are also essential for their using in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Mistletoe - From mythology to evidence-based medicine
Authors: Monti Manuela
Published: October 2015

This is the time of the precision medicine, as President Barak Obama addressed the Nation on January 20, 2015 in a State of the Union Address: Tonight, I'm launching a new Precision Medicine Initiative to bring us closer to curing diseases like cancer and diabetes â€” and to give all of us access to the personalized information we need to keep ourselves and our families healthier (Francis S. Collins and Harold Varmus, A New Initiative on Precision Medicine; N Engl J Med 2015;372:793-795). This new field already show several actors, not only the NIH but also private company like APPLE, MICROSOFT and others, investing a lot of many: all together already several billions, dollars or euro doesnâ€™t matter, a fact that testify how hot is becoming this new biomedical perspective....