bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achieving Zonal Isolation Using Automated Managed Pressure Cementing
Authors: Russell Evan , Katz Aaron , Pruett Bradley
Published: February 2016

With more wells drilled into hydrocarbon bearing formations, operators are forced to drill into challenging plays with narrow pressure margins. Successful drilling in depleted zones with isolated, high-pressured fractures is difficult and requires managed pressure drilling (MPD). Once the well is drilled, the operator should achieve zonal isolation by pumping cement across the zones of concern without inducing lost circulation or gains. Managed pressure cementing (MPC) pumps cement in a hydrostatically underbalanced environment with pressure applied at surface using an automated choke system (ACS) to maintain a target equivalent circulating density (ECD) between the highest pore pressure (PP) and the lowest fracture gradient (FG) of the well. Communication between cementing operations and MPD software allows automatic system adjustment without manual input. The MPD hydraulic model tracks multiple fluids with different densities, rates, and rheological properties throughout the wellbore. A rig pump diverter (RPD) allows for constant bottomhole pressure (BHP) by manipulating the surface choke pressure if unplanned shutdowns occur. Successful MPC operations have been conducted using the ACS in the Paradox Basin with narrow pressure windows and in the Piceance Basin with high reservoir pressure zones. The nature of cement operations can be unpredictable, but through the automatic managed pressure cementing (AMPC) process, a target ECD can be identified and constant BHP maintained to design and deliver dependable barriers tailored to minimize risk and maximize production.
Potential Impacts Of A US/Mexico Trans-boundary Oil Spill
Authors: Kelly Wilson
Published: February 2016

Potential impacts of a US/Mexico trans-boundary oil spill

Objectives

Discuss the plan and exercise developed by the US and Mexico to manage an oil spill that migrates across the international boundary and requires a responsible spiller to address the pollution from an un-controlled blowout in a coordinated and effective response.

Methods

The US Government and Mexico have cooperated for over a two decades to develop the MEXUS plan and exercise for a trans-boundary spill. The genesis is a result of the 1979 Ixtoc blowout and spill which originated in the Bay of Campeche and impacted the US. The plan was written based on near shore and shoreline response where critical response resources would need to transit the border and many responsible party management issues would challenge a response. This assumption has changed with the deep-water drilling and production in the Gulf of Mexico.

Results

The deep water oil and gas industry has moved into deeper water farther from shore and several operators are now just less than 50 miles from the international boarder but 200 + miles from the closest land. The MEXUS plan had not really contemplated an uncontrolled deep-water blowout in the central Gulf of Mexico such a short distance from the international boarder. Some of the alternative response technologies have a potential to impact the economic zone of either Mexico or the US. This poses major logistical and regulatory challenges that need to be worked before an incident occurs to make timely decisions during a response. Mexico and the US made a decision in 2014 to seek a responsible party with operations in the area described and conduct a multiyear planning and exercise process to answer many of these critical questions.

How this helps

Because of this work, coordination processes and industry continuity questions will be addressed and contingences are being developed to address many response questions.
High Precision Temperature – Spectral Noise Logging (HPT-SNL) at Well ‘X’ to Identify Zonal Contribution & Behind Casing Communication – A Case Study
Authors: Nadeem Amir , Stairs Michael , Ahmad Tofeeq , Hassan Syed Saadat , Ali Usman , Usman Munawar
Published: February 2016

Well ‘X’ was drilled in a gas condensate reservoir located in Kirthar fold belt with the primary target of P & R formations. During CIT of P formation in April 2012 the well was tested at 4.03 MMscfd gas, 1543 STB/day condensate & 1670 bbls/day water at a FWHP of 309 psi. Available production logging surveys with water & gas holdup tools were performed twice to identify the water producing zones; however the results were inconclusive as commonly used production logging tools are able to identify production contribution only across the perforated intervals and cannot detect behind casing communication and flow within reservoir.

The well had been shut-in as plant was not ready for tie-in, so opportunity was taken to conduct HPT-SNL suite (in memory mode with slickline) in August 2013 which resulted not only in identifying the water producing zones but also confirmed hydrocarbon influx zones above perforated interval and flow behind casing from above perforated interval. HPT is a high precision temperature tool with resolution of 0.003oC and response time less than 1 second to capture any small flow, whereas SNL is spectral noise logging tool which can scan noise spectrum through multiple barriers for evaluation of any cross flow behind casing and leakages.

Based on HPT-SNL results, water shut-off was performed which considerably reduced water production (from 1318 to 520 bbls/day), consequently reducing WGR (from 628 to 244 bbls/MMscf) with no change in gas rate whereas increase in condensate production was observed (from 330 to 855 STB/day).

This paper describes the complete case study of diagnostic logging followed by remedial work to optimize the producing asset value.
Flexural Attenuation With SLG (Solid Liquid Gas) Mapping – A New Technology to Evaluate Light and Contaminated Cements First Case Study in Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Atif , Khan Moin Raza , Gilani Rashid Hassan , Dar Usman , Mughal Muhammad Haroon , Khalid Arsalan , Javed Qasim
Published: February 2016

Hydraulic or zonal isolation behind pipe plays a vital role in the life of a well. It guarantees well control, production from hydrocarbon zones and preventing the production of unwanted fluids. Perforation zone’s selection and remedial jobs are based on cement integrity. Common challenges faced in cementing wells in Pakistan are presence of thief zones, water/gas invasion in cement and improper mud displacement resulting in cement channelling.

Cement evaluation is as crucial as the cementing job itself. It is done using conventional sonic tools (CBL-VDL) which provides information about cement integrity. Sonic tools provide a qualitative uni-directional measurement. Then we have ultrasonic technology which measures "Acoustic Impedance" (AI) of annulus material; gives 100% azimuthal coverage with much better vertical and radial resolution than sonic tools. However, for light cements; the above conventional cement evaluation techniques cannot be used due to its limitations like: Effect of liquid and gas micro-annuli and dual casingInability to resolve micro-debonded/contaminated class G cement due to its threshold principleLow acoustic impedance contrast between liquid and cement i.e. for liquid 1.4–2.6 MRayls and for light cement 1.5-3.6MRayls

To address the above limitations a novel measurement of "Flexural Attenuation" (FA) is combined with AI that classifies the annulus material into three distinct states Solid, Liquid and Gas (SLG). In flexure mode casing is vibrated at an angle and combined with AI (vibration in thickness mode); giving us a unique output of SLG map. AI stand alone cannot evaluate light cements and contaminated class G cements with certainty.

A case study is presented; where light cement slurry was used. FA and AI measurements technology was combined to evaluate for zonal isolation. First time in Pakistan an ICE "Integrated Cement Evaluation" processing was applied; specifically designed for light cements and confident answers were obtained successfully. The AI showed 40–50% liquid contamination whereas SLG map confirmed solidified light cement behind pipe. FA and AI together confirmed zonal isolation and in turn provided aid for successful well control and completion of the well.
A Case Study of Improved Oil Recovery through Successful Application and Effective Management of Dumpflood Water Injection Technique
Authors: Noman Muhammad , Mehmood Faisal , Majeed Waqar , Mufti Madiha
Published: February 2016

Dumpflooding technique is defined as intentional cross-flow of water from a high pressure layer into depleting oil producing zone for the purpose of pressure maintenance. It is a highly economical method to improve oil recoveries as it requires no capital and operational expenses. After implementation, however, it is challenging to maintain optimal injectivity in dumpflooded potential oil zone given the nature of its subsurface process without direct measurements and monitoring.

This paper describes a case study of oil field discovered in 1993 by drilling of N-1 well which successfully penetrated two Sandstone reservoirs (B & C Sands). Open-hole logging and formation testing confirmed presence of oil in both Sands. Pressure production history of N-1 and subsequently drilled three developments wells determined C Sand to be moderate-tostrong water drive reservoir, whereas, B Sand witnessed poor pressure support with faster decline in oil production. Due to remote nature of this field, a full-fledge water injection project did not attract economics. In order to improve recovery of B Sand, it was evaluated to initiate dumpflood at the third development well, N-4, where C Sand was watered out. Geological analysis of the logs/core data suggests B Sand to be a laterally extensive Sand body, supporting the use of the dumpflooding technique in the given area. Engineering analysis was carried out using nodal analysis and tank models to estimate injection rates and additional recovery. After evaluating technical feasibility, dumpflooding was recommended and implemented at N-6, most downdip well located at Northern structure. The impact of dumpflood was realized on liquid withdrawals as well as pressures of B Sand. The injection performance of N-4 was routinely monitored and maintained through remedial measures. This way, the successfully implemented and well managed dumpflood process achieved significant increase in oil recoveries of the field.
Reaming with Casing Technology Reduces Rig Time by 50% in Challenging Limestone and Shale Formation in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Sajjad Ullah , Berghofer Karl , Prinz Albert , Khan Kafayat Ullah , Iftikhar Bilal , Rashid Muhammad , Ishaq Adnan , Mir Bilal Zafar , Mushtaque Saba
Published: February 2016

This paper covers successful Reaming with Casing job in Maino-17 located in Sindh, Pakistan. Throughout previous jobs during drilling in Miano block, Operator observed hole packoff and continuous caving, which raised concerns about running casing to TD. Specifically, drilling 12 ¼" hole section in Sui Main Limestone and Ghazij Shale, pressure and mechanical caving were observed throughout till TD. During wiper trip prior to run in hole 9–5/8" casing the hole condition was not good as it was packing off.

Based on the challenges faced in Miano, Reaming with Casing technology was selected. The objective was to run and ream 9 5/8" casing to a total depth (TD) of 5,581 ft (1,701 m) in unstable hole conditions using Reaming with Casing. The difference in pressures between the limestone and the shale increased the possibility of hole caving during casing running. Operator’s team deployed the technology with internal catch tool to run and ream the casing through the pressurized formation. The Reaming with Casing technology provided remotely operated casing running, which eliminated the need for a stabber in the derrick, reduced the number of floor hands, integrated self-interlock system and reduced the risk of casing drop. While running in, the mud weight was 9.7ppg (1,162 kg/m3), which was kept to the minimum to avoid hydrostatic burden on loss prone formations, encountered an obstruction at 5,213 ft (1,589 m) and could not pass through. Using the Reaming with Casing, operator reamed the last ten joints of casing to casing shoe depth at 5,590 ft (1,701 m). The job was completed in approximately 12 hours without incurring any nonproductive time.

Based on results, Reaming with Casing Technology was found very efficient, reducing approximately 50% of non-productive time, risk of POOH of whole casing string and associated cost as compare to conventional 9–5/8" casing job bedsides drill string/casing stuck in unstable hole. Using the Reaming with Casing technology enabled OMV to run the casing string to TD and improve operational efficiency in a challenging shale formation and enhanced safety by eliminating or removing personnel from the rig floor.
Application of Underbalanced Drilling in Conventional Reservoirs and is Prospects
Authors: Raza Shahzada Hassan , Lashari Shan e
Published: February 2016

The under balanced drilling technology has been under applied to the oil and gas well since the first cable tool well drilling. By the advent of rotary system the drilling fluid modified into mud system for controlled and smooth drilling operations. The under balanced technology revived again in mid-70’s due to the fore most need of such technology that can enable monitoring of reservoir fluid influx while drilling in progress and minimize reservoir damage. Some of the major prospect of under balanced drilling includes depleted zones, sub-normal zones and naturally fractured reservoirs. Where the prevailing myth about UBD Technology is its utilization in naturally fractured reservoirs, this paper will help to unfold enhance reservoir production achieved by UBD technology in conventional reservoirs.

The purpose of this paper is to acknowledge the UBD Technology in conventional reservoirs, specifically. The prospects of application will be discussed with a major focus on mature reservoirs (reduced formation damage in depleted formations) and newly developed fields. Early Screening for the right reservoir and different screening criteria for the application of UBD technology in conventional reservoirs will help the readers to understand the limitations and applicability. The economic and technological advantages will be discussed along with value added by UBD technology in the form of increase reservoir production in normal pressure reservoirs which mostly get damaged to some extent with conventional drilling techniques.

The paper will briefly describe the scope of UBD in Lower Indus and Middle Indus Basin. Through the work that has been done in similar reservoirs in Middle East, analogies will be developed. For further understanding, feasibility criteria of projects in local context will be considered that will enable the operators to take decision accordingly. The paper will also briefly explain the application of under balanced technology in normal pressure reservoirs with its limitations depending upon the UBD equipment safe pressure ratings in relation to reservoir pressures.
Production Enhancement by Installation of Jet Pump in SSD in Pakistan - Ghauri Oil Field
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Farouque Khurram , Ahmed Sheraz , Qureshi Saeed , Awan Mohammad Saleem , Anjum Zulfiqar
Published: February 2016

This paper presents the first ever successful (Sliding Sleeve Door) SSD Jet Pump application in Ghauri oil field located in Jhelum, Pakistan. Ghauri is single completed well flowed with 22 API gravity from Sakessar Formation. Being a solution gas drive reservoir, the initial production rate declined quickly. Where, the jet pump was motivated by the need to use and revive the well without work-over.

Based on initial testing Data, jet pump was selected as a preferred artificial lift method. SSD was installed as a part of initial completion. As per SSD dimensions, downhole jet pump was designed. The pump was operated to enhance/ restore the production of well. During operations, the real time monitoring was conducted to optimize the parameters of pump, such as Nozzle/Throat combination or horsepower. In addition, the life of jet pump was calculated in relation to economic limits of the production.

Based on results, Jet pump was found the most economical and cost-effective artificial lift method for Ghauri. SSD Jet Pump deployment achieved expected performance and reliability. It has allowed the operator to save the cost of work over. The cumulative production with jet lift is folded twice when compared to cumulative production on natural energy. When the well production declined, the jet pump was easily re-optimized by pulling the pump using slick line for changing the nozzle and/or throat. The rest of the pump was unchanged to keep the CAPEX at low. In addition, further production of 200,000 BBLS is expected through jet pump.
Evaluation of treatment and disinfection of water using cold atmospheric plasma
Authors: Rashmei Zohreh , Bornasi Hamid , Ghoranneviss Mahmood
Published: February 2016

In this paper, the disinfection of water is investigated using plasma spark treatment and the results are compared with conventional techniques. Inactivation of the Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli bacteria is considered in the treatment process of water by the plasma spark. For this purpose, many physical and chemical parameters of water are measured and the obtained results demonstrate a reduction of 8-log in colony forming units of E. coli and E. faecalis at 15 minutes and 12 minutes, respectively. The results of this research show that no ozone is produced during the plasma spark treatment. Moreover, inactivation of a large number of bacteria without any change of pH shows that pH is not the cause of the bacterial inactivation. It is concluded that the main causes of the inactivation of bacteria in the treated water are H2O2 molecules and the electrical fields generated by plasma.
US Foreign Policy and the International Penal Tribunal in the Genocide Convention: Article VI and Beyond
Authors: Rhea Harry M.
Published: February 2016

The United States has participated in most diplomatic discussions concerning the establishment of an international criminal court for the prosecution of mass atrocities, including the crime of genocide. US representatives supported the creation of an international penal tribunal during the drafting of the UN genocide convention. President Harry Truman signed the convention immediately following its adoption and, shortly thereafter, submitted it to the Senate for its advice and consent for ratification. The Senate failed to give its consent for 40 years. This paper analyzes (1) the foreign policy of the United States concerning the establishment of an international penal tribunal under article VI of the genocide convention and (2) how the Senate served as a roadblock to ratification for four decades.
“Increased Religious Diversity” in Canada: Some Questions and Suggestions
Authors: Wolfart Johannes
Published: February 2016

The academic study of religious diversity is well established in many national settings, including in Canada. Quantitative claims about religious diversity, often in conjunction with statements that are comparative, either historically or geographically, are a prominent feature of this scholarship. This article poses methodological, historiographical, and ethical-political questions that arise, especially from commonplace claims to “increased religious diversity.”
Reflection on Religion and Citizenship in a Post-Secular Society
Authors: Leddy Mary Jo
Published: February 2016

The street as a meeting point or shared space where strangers become neighbours: some reflections on a fundamental religious shift towards perception with respect to a house for refugees. In its tenor is an implicit argument that the shift shared by all religions involves refocusing our orientation from that of individual or group possessiveness and masters of the universe to awareness that we are inhabitants of a world that we have not created. Acceptance of responsibility and gratitude that the world is a gift and not a possession are the appropriate attitudes for the common good that can be shared with newcomers, and what has been articulated by the Czech president and playwright Vaclav Havel.
A systematic framework for international human strategies
Authors: Chen Hai-Ming , Chang Che-Cheng
Published: February 2016

In this increasingly competitive era, internationalization strategy has adopted by firms and international human has been regarded as the essential factor that affects the operation of MNEs. Based on contingency theory and the induction method to analyze and collect data from the literature, this paper attempts to construct an International human strategies framework for different internationalization situations. Furthermore, we interviewed with related staffs in four Taiwan enterprises that adopted various International human strategies to correspond the four internationalization situations considered in this study. We hope this international human strategies framework will facilitate MNEs to create and maintain their competitive advantages.
Attributes of embodied leadership: A beginning in the next chapter of leadership development
Authors: Koya Kushwanth , Anderson Jane , Sice Petia , Kotter Richard
Published: February 2016

Research and guidance on leadership behaviour has been documented throughout history, from the epics to more recent leadership theories, evolved over the last century. However, despite ample research and practice, leadership failures continue in being typical. A review of literature in leadership studies reveals that recommendations have often been descriptive, assumptive and prescriptive without considering various individual differences. Additionally, leadership development often utilises methodologies in which individuals are trained to ‘act’ as leaders rather than fully embody leadership behaviour. This paper explores the generic attributes that describe embodied leadership behaviour. Semi-structured interviews were performed on a panel of individuals from different backgrounds and analysed using a grounded theory approach. Along with the interviews, the works of Scharmer (2008) and behavioural traits identified in leadership by Derue, Nahrgang, Wellman and Humphrey (2011) were taken into consideration. A final consensus was reached using a set of ten attributes that potentially contribute to embodied leadership behaviour; being non-judgemental, embracing uncertainty, active listening, congruence (morals and ethics), intuition, reflective practice, sense of meaning/purpose, holistic decision making, authentic presence and intention.
An interaction-based approach to detecting highly interactive Twitter communities using tweeting links
Authors: Lim Kwan Hui , Datta Amitava
Published: February 2016

The immense popularity and rapid growth of Online Social Networks (OSN) have attracted the interest of researchers and companies, particularly in how users group together to form communities online. While many community detection algorithms have been developed to detect communities on such OSNs, most of these algorithms are based only on topological links and researchers have observed that many topological links do not translate to actual user interaction. As such, many members of the detected communities do not communicate frequently to each other. This inactivity creates a problem in targeted advertising and viral marketing, which require the community to be highly active so as to facilitate the diffusion of product/service information. We propose an approach to detect highly interactive Twitter communities that share common interests, based on the frequency and patterns of direct tweeting among users, rather than the topological information implicit in follower/following links. Our experimental results show that communities detected by our proposed approach are more cohesive and connected within different interest groups, based on topological measures. We also show that the detected communities actively interact about the specific interests, based on the high frequency of #hashtags and @mentions related to this interest. In addition, we study the trends in their tweeting patterns such as how they follow and unfollow other users, and observe that our approach detects communities comprising users whose links are more persistent compared to those in other groups of users.
Identification and characterization of dwarf cattle available in Dinajpur district
Authors: Begum Sharmin , Miah Abdul Gaffar , Mobarak Hosne , Chowdhury Arshad , Jemy Asaduzzaman , Salma Ummay
Published: February 2016

The present study was undertaken from January to June, 2014 to investigate the morphometric, productive and reproductive characteristics of Dwarf cattle available in Dinajpur District. The data obtained from 200 Dwarf cattle of different categories (yearling bull, adult bull, heifer, cow, male calf and female calf). A wide variety of coat colors among the cattle of the selected areas were found. The head length and width, ear length and width, horn length and diameter, neck length and width, body length at shoulder, wither height, heart girth, fore leg and hind leg length, tail length and diameter, teat length and diameter, distance between fore teats and rear teats, length and width of testis, weight of testis, live weight, daily milk yield, lactation length, gestation length, calving interval, dry period, post partum heat period, age at first heat and service per conception were recorded. The Dwarf cattle in Dinajpur District are comparatively smaller in size than most of the recognized breeds or types of cattle, however coat color showed remarkable variation. The data generated for Dwarf cattle in Dinajpur District would be useful to characterize them.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 380-386
Animal anthrax in Sirajganj district of Bangladesh from 2010 to 2012
Authors: Islam SK Shaheenur , Castellan David M , Akhter AHM Taslima , Hossain Md Mehedi , Hasan Md Zakiul
Published: February 2016

A descriptive study was conducted using secondary surveillance data of animal anthrax from the Epidemiology Unit of Department of Livestock Services (DLS) for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012. The objectives of this study were to describe the pattern of animal anthrax in Sirajgong district of Bangladesh from 2010 to 2012 and to assess the current use of anthrax vaccine (Vaccine Coverage) based on animal, time and place. The study found that the disease was more prevalent in this district at the beginning of the early monsoon (Month of May, June when flood water enters) and the late monsoon (Month of September, October, when flood water recedes). Cattle were the predominant animal species affected with anthrax in this district followed by goats and sheep. The overall mean case fatality rate was 30.19%. The numbers of reported anthrax outbreaks in cattle had declined each year with 111 in 2010, 32 in 2011 and 20 in 2012. The annual mean vaccination coverage during the same years was 44.29%, 46.23% and 37.88% respectively. To reduce the number of outbreaks in animals and humans in Sirajganj district the annual vaccination coverage requires improvement. Behavior change through building greater awareness of anthrax is also needed at the farmer level for control and eradication of anthrax in animals as well as human.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 387-395
Microbial and sensory evaluation of Bangladeshi frozen chicken sausage
Authors: Borty Shuvho Chakra , Khan Md Hiron , Ahammed Tanvir , Gani Md Ataul , Chowdhury Mohammad Nizam Uddin , Monir Md Shirajum , Islam Md Alimul
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microbiological safety and the effect of some synthetic chemicals with comparison to natural additives such as rosemary extract in preventing microbial growth and as a source of antioxidant by maintaining GHP as well as GMP of Bangladeshi processed chicken sausages with low fat content to correlate some scientific evidence in producing cancer and cardiovascular diseases by the consumption of meat product. Two experimental batches of chicken sausage were prepared according to Bangladeshi standard using different parameters of ingredients. Then centesimal parameter, PH and instrumental color of the product were analyzed according to standard protocol. A sensory parameter was also checked by ranking the acceptance level of consumers about different batches of chicken sausage. The sensory properties and the instrumental color parameter of two experimental batches of chicken sausage A and B were found almost similar in comparison to the commercial cured chicken sausage C but quite dissimilar in comparison to commercial uncured sausage D. Total coliforms were observed 4.4 × 10 for sausage A and 5.3 × 10 for sausage B, while the most probable number (MPN) for E. coli was 1.7 for both products. The counting of sulphite reducing Clostridium was 2 cfu/g and 3 cfu/g for both of the batches A and B consecutively. The coagulase-positive Staphylococci and lactose fermenting Salmonella was not found in any batches of chicken sausage.The results of this experiment clearly mentioned the possibility of producing safe and high quality chicken sausage with reduced fat content in Bangladesh by using natural pigments and antioxidants.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 463-470
Anti-fungal potential of tridhara (Tridax procumbens) leaves
Authors: Miya Md Faruk , Islam Zakirul , Shahriyar Sayeed , Khan Md Riad Hossain , Reza Md Salim
Published: February 2016

The antifungal activity of methanolic extracts of leaves of Tridax procumbens was studied. Fungal strains Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus ocraceous were selected for the study. Disc diffusion method was applied against the selected fungal strains and compared to the drug ciprofloxacin to observe the antifungal activity of the methanolic extracts of Tridax procumbens leaves. The present study demonstrated that the disks of methanolic extracts of T. procumbens showed effective inhibition against A. niger and A. ocraceous compared to ciprofloxacin. The results of the current investigation suggest that the methanolic extracts of T. procumbens leaves can be used for the treatment of the diseases caused by the tested organism and it has significant scope to develop a novel broad spectrum of antifungal herbal formulations.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2015, 1(3): 686-689
Characterization of Fine Particulate Matter Emitted from the Resuspension of Road and Pavement Dust in the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Hetem Ivan , Andrade Maria
Published: February 2016

Many studies have been performed in order to characterize the sources of airborne particles in the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo (MASP), in Brazil. Those studies have been based on receptor modeling and most of the uncertainties in their results are related to the emission profile of the resuspended road dust particles. In this study, we analyzed the composition of resuspended road dust particles in different environments: local streets, paved roads inside traffic tunnels, and high traffic streets. We analyzed the samples to quantify the concentrations of trace elements and black carbon. On the basis of that analysis, we developed emission profiles of the resuspended road dust that are representative of the different types of urban pavement in the MASP. This study is important given the international efforts in improving emissions factors with local characteristics, mainly in South America and other regions for which there is a lack of related information. This work presents emission profiles derived from resuspended road dust samples that are representative of the different types of urban pavement in the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo.
A Nature-Inspired Optimization-Based Optimum Fuzzy Logic Photovoltaic Inverter Controller Utilizing an eZdsp F28335 Board
Authors: Mutlag Ammar , Mohamed Azah , Shareef Hussain
Published: February 2016

Photovoltaic (PV) inverters essentially convert DC quantities, such as voltage and current, to AC quantities whose magnitude and frequency are controlled to obtain the desired output. Thus, the performance of an inverter depends on its controller. Therefore, an optimum fuzzy logic controller (FLC) design technique for PV inverters using a lightning search algorithm (LSA) is presented in this study. In a conventional FLC, the procedure for obtaining membership functions (MFs) is usually implemented using trial and error, which does not lead to satisfactory solutions in many cases. Therefore, this study presents a technique for obtaining MFs that avoids the exhaustive traditional trial-and-error procedure. This technique is implemented during the inverter design phase by generating adaptive MFs based on the evaluation results of the objective function formulated with LSA. The mean squared error (MSE) of the inverter output voltage is used as an objective function in this study. LSA optimizes the MFs such that the inverter provides the lowest MSE for the output voltage, and the performance of the PV inverter output is improved in terms of amplitude and frequency. First, the design procedure and accuracy of the optimum FLC are illustrated and investigated through simulations conducted in a MATLAB environment. The LSA-based FLC (LSA-FL) are compared with differential search algorithm (DSA)-based FLC (DSA-FL) and particle swarm optimization (PSO)-based FLC (PSO-FL). Finally, the robustness of the LSA-FL is further investigated with a hardware that is operated via an eZdsp F28335 control board. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed controller can successfully obtain the desired output when different loads are connected to the system. The inverter also has a reasonably low steady-state error and fast response to reference variation.
Expression Patterns of Genes Involved in Ascorbate-Glutathione Cycle in Aphid-Infested Maize (Zea mays L.) Seedlings
Authors: Sytykiewicz Hubert
Published: February 2016

Reduced forms of ascorbate (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) are among the most important non-enzymatic foliar antioxidants in maize (Zea mays L.). The survey was aimed to evaluate impact of bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.) or grain aphid (Sitobion avenae F.) herbivory on expression of genes related to ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle in seedlings of six maize varieties (Ambrozja, Nana, Tasty Sweet, Touran, Waza, Złota Karłowa), differing in resistance to the cereal aphids. Relative expression of sixteen maize genes encoding isoenzymes of ascorbate peroxidase (APX1, APX2, APX3, APX4, APX5, APX6, APX7), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR1, MDHAR2, MDHAR3, MDHAR4), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR1, DHAR2, DHAR3) and glutathione reductase (GR1, GR2) was quantified. Furthermore, effect of hemipterans’ attack on activity of APX, MDHAR, DHAR and GR enzymes, and the content of reduced and oxidized ascorbate and glutathione in maize plants were assessed. Seedling leaves of more resistant Z. mays varieties responded higher elevations in abundance of target transcripts. In addition, earlier and stronger aphid-triggered changes in activity of APX, MDHAR, DHAR and GR enzymes, and greater modulations in amount of the analyzed antioxidative metabolites were detected in foliar tissues of highly resistant Ambrozja genotype in relation to susceptible Tasty Sweet plants.
Discussion on Microwave-Matter Interaction Mechanisms by In Situ Observation of “Core-Shell” Microstructure during Microwave Sintering
Authors: Liu Wenchao , Xu Feng , Li Yongcun , Hu Xiaofang , Dong Bo , Xiao Yu
Published: February 2016

This research aims to deepen the understanding of the interaction mechanisms between microwave and matter in a metal-ceramic system based on in situ synchrotron radiation computed tomography. A special internal “core-shell” microstructure was discovered for the first time and used as an indicator for the interaction mechanisms between microwave and matter. Firstly, it was proved that the microwave magnetic field acted on metal particles by way of inducing an eddy current in the surface of the metal particles, which led to the formation of a “core-shell” microstructure in the metal particles. On this basis, it was proposed that the ceramic particles could change the microwave field and open a way for the microwave, thereby leading to selective heating in the region around the ceramic particles, which was verified by the fact that all the “core-shell” microstructure was located around ceramic particles. Furthermore, it was indicated that the ceramic particles would gather the microwaves, and might lead to local heating in the metal-ceramic contact region. The focusing of the microwave was proved by the quantitative analysis of the evolution rate of the “core-shell” microstructure in a different region. This study will help to reveal the microwave-matter interaction mechanisms during microwave sintering.
In Vivo Cardiotoxicity Induced by Sodium Aescinate in Zebrafish Larvae
Authors: Liang Jinfeng , Jin Wangdong , Li Hongwen , Liu Hongcui , Huang Yanfeng , Shan Xiaowen , Li Chunqi , Shan Letian , Efferth Thomas
Published: February 2016

Sodium aescinate (SA) is a widely-applied triterpene saponin product derived from horse chestnut seeds, possessing vasoactive and organ-protective activities with oral or injection administration in the clinic. To date, no toxicity or adverse events in SA have been reported, by using routine models (in vivo or in vitro), which are insufficient to predict all aspects of its pharmacological and toxicological actions. In this study, taking advantage of transparent zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio), we evaluated cardiovascular toxicity of SA at doses of 1/10 MNLC, 1/3 MNLC, MNLC and LC10 by yolk sac microinjection. The qualitative and quantitative cardiotoxicity in zebrafish was assessed at 48 h post-SA treatment, using specific phenotypic endpoints: heart rate, heart rhythm, heart malformation, pericardial edema, circulation abnormalities, thrombosis and hemorrhage. The results showed that SA at 1/10 MNLC and above doses could induce obvious cardiac and pericardial malformations, whilst 1/3 MNLC and above doses could induce significant cardiac malfunctions (heart rate and circulation decrease/absence), as compared to untreated or vehicle-treated control groups. Such cardiotoxic manifestations occurred in more than 50% to 100% of all zebrafish treated with SA at MNLC and LC10. Our findings have uncovered the potential cardiotoxicity of SA for the first time, suggesting more attention to the risk of its clinical application. Such a time- and cost-saving zebrafish cardiotoxicity assay is very valid and reliable for rapid prediction of compound toxicity during drug research and development.
Phenolic Compounds in Chilean Mistletoe (Quintral, Tristerix tetrandus) Analyzed by UHPLC–Q/Orbitrap/MS/MS and Its Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Simirgiotis Mario , Quispe Cristina , Areche Carlos , Sepúlveda Beatriz
Published: February 2016

Mass spectrometry has become a method of choice to characterize bioactive compounds in biological samples because of its sensitivity and selectivity. Hybrid ultra-HPLC hyphenated with Orbitrap mass analyzer is an innovative state of the art technology that allows fast and accurate metabolomic analyses. In this work the metabolites of a Chilean mistletoe endemic to the VIII region of Chile were investigated for the first time using UHPLC mass analysis (UHPLC-PDA-HESI-Orbitrap MSn). The anthocyanins, together with the non-pigmented phenolics were fingerprinted and correlated with the antioxidant capacities measured by the bleaching of the DPPH radical, the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), the superoxide anion scavenging activity assay (SA), and total content of phenolics, flavonoids and anthocyanins measured by spectroscopic methods. Six anthocyanins were identified, and among them, the 3-O-glycosides of delphinidin and cyanidin were the major ones. In addition, several phenolic acids (including feruloylquinic acid, feruloyl glucose, chlorogenic acid) and several flavonols (luteolin, quercetin, apigenin, isorhamnetin and glycoside derivatives) were also identified. The mistletoe leaves showed the highest antioxidant activity as measured by the DPPH radical bleaching, ferric reducing antioxidant power and superoxide anion scavenging activity tests (13.38 ± 0.47 µg/mL, 125.32 ± 5.96 µmolTE/g DW and 84.06 ± 4.59 at 100 µg/mL, respectively).
Influence of Nitrogen Doping on Device Operation for TiO2-Based Solid-State Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Photo-Physics from Materials to Devices
Authors: Wang Jin , Tapio Kosti , Habert Aurélie , Sorgues Sebastien , Colbeau-Justin Christophe , Ratier Bernard , Scarisoreanu Monica , Toppari Jussi , Herlin-Boime Nathalie , Bouclé Johann
Published: February 2016

Solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (ssDSSC) constitute a major approach to photovoltaic energy conversion with efficiencies over 8% reported thanks to the rational design of efficient porous metal oxide electrodes, organic chromophores, and hole transporters. Among the various strategies used to push the performance ahead, doping of the nanocrystalline titanium dioxide (TiO2) electrode is regularly proposed to extend the photo-activity of the materials into the visible range. However, although various beneficial effects for device performance have been observed in the literature, they remain strongly dependent on the method used for the production of the metal oxide, and the influence of nitrogen atoms on charge kinetics remains unclear. To shed light on this open question, we synthesized a set of N-doped TiO2 nanopowders with various nitrogen contents, and exploited them for the fabrication of ssDSSC. Particularly, we carefully analyzed the localization of the dopants using X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS) and monitored their influence on the photo-induced charge kinetics probed both at the material and device levels. We demonstrate a strong correlation between the kinetics of photo-induced charge carriers probed both at the level of the nanopowders and at the level of working solar cells, illustrating a direct transposition of the photo-physic properties from materials to devices.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Body Mass Index Effect on in Vitro Fertilization Outcomes
Authors: Sarais Veronica , Pagliardini Luca , Rebonato Giorgia , Papaleo Enrico , Candiani Massimo , Viganò Paola
Published: February 2016

The effect of a raised body mass index (BMI) on the outcome of assisted reproduction technology (ART) still represents a controversial issue. Even less clear is whether BMI acts with a potential detrimental effect on IVF outcomes via a deleterious effect on innate quality of oocytes or on the environmental milieu within the uterus. With the aim to better understand the mechanisms underlying the potential deleterious effect of an increased BMI on IVF outcomes, we have evaluated the effects of female BMI on number and quality of retrieved oocytes, fertilization rate, embryo score and incidences of ongoing pregnancy and live births among couples undergoing IVF in an Italian population. Data from 1602 women who underwent their first IVF cycle were retrospectively analyzed. A significantly reduced percentage of mature oocytes when comparing obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and normal-weight patients (BMI = 18.50–24.99 kg/m2) was found. After adjusting for maternal age and other confounders, odds for ongoing pregnancy rate showed no differences across different BMI categories. However, a significant increased odds ratio (OR) could be observed for miscarriage rate in patients with BMI ≥ 25 (OR = 2.5; p = 0.04). These results should be taken into account in order to define optimal strategies for overweight and obese patients referring to ART procedures.
THE RESULTS OF PHOTOMETRIC RECORDING OF THE OCCULTATION OF THE STAR HIP 97157 BY ASTEROID (41) DAPHNE WITH THE TELESCOPE OF THE GLOBAL MASTER ROBOTIC NET
Authors: Trunkovsky E. M. , Gorbovskoy E. S. , Denisenko D. V. , Tsvetkov D. Yu. , Lipunov V. M. , Kornilov V. G. , Ivanov K. I. , Gress O. V. , Poleshchuk V. A. , Budnev N. M. , Yazev S. A.
Published: February 2016

We have carried out photometric observations of the occultation of the star HIP 97157 by asteroid (41) Daphne on 2013 October 25 with the 40 cm telescope of the Global MASTER Robotic Net, located in the Tunka Valley near Irkutsk. We have obtained the photometric drift-scan of the occultation in broadband visible light. The photometric curve of the occultation of the star by asteroid Daphne was obtained. From analysis of this curve we have determined the length of the “chord” of the asteroid in the direction of its motion corresponding to the time interval during which the asteroid completely “screened” the star's light: a ≃ 146.86 ± 0.24 km. Also, assuming that the angular diameter of the star is equal to d ≃ 0.″002, we have determined the angles between the velocity vector of the asteroid and its two opposite edges (considered as straight lines) where the disappearance of the star and its reappearance occurred:

for the front edge of the asteroid and

for its opposite edge. So these edges of the asteroid are inclined toward each other at an angle of about 8°.
TOWARD PRECISION SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLE MASSES USING MEGAMASER DISKS
Authors: van den Bosch Remco C. E. , Greene Jenny E. , Braatz James A. , Constantin Anca , Kuo Cheng-Yu
Published: February 2016

Megamaser disks provide the most precise and accurate extragalactic supermassive black hole (BH) masses. Here we describe a search for megamasers in nearby galaxies using the Green Bank Telescope (GBT). We focus on galaxies where we believe that we can resolve the gravitational sphere of influence of the BH and derive a stellar or gas dynamical measurement with optical or NIR observations. Since there are only a handful of super massive BHs that have direct BH mass measurements from more than one method, even a single galaxy with a megamaser disk and a stellar dynamical BH mass would provide necessary checks on the stellar dynamical methods. We targeted 87 objects from the Hobby–Eberly Telescope Massive Galaxy Survey, and detected no new maser disks. Most of the targeted objects are elliptical galaxies with typical stellar velocity dispersions of 250 km s−1 and distances within 130 Mpc. We discuss the implications of our non-detections, whether they imply a threshold X-ray luminosity required for masing, or possibly reflect the difficulty of maintaining a masing disk around much more massive (

) BHs at a low Eddington ratio. Given the power of maser disks for probing BH accretion and demographics, we suggest that future maser searches should endeavour to remove remaining sample biases, in order to sort out the importance of these covariant effects.
MAXIMUM LIKELIHOOD FOREGROUND CLEANING FOR COSMIC MICROWAVE BACKGROUND POLARIMETERS IN THE PRESENCE OF SYSTEMATIC EFFECTS
Authors: Bao C. , Baccigalupi C. , Gold B. , Hanany S. , Jaffe A. , Stompor R.
Published: February 2016

We extend a general maximum likelihood foreground estimation for cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarization data to include estimation of instrumental systematic effects. We focus on two particular effects: frequency band measurement uncertainty and instrumentally induced frequency dependent polarization rotation. We assess the bias induced on the estimation of the B-mode polarization signal by these two systematic effects in the presence of instrumental noise and uncertainties in the polarization and spectral index of Galactic dust. Degeneracies between uncertainties in the band and polarization angle calibration measurements and in the dust spectral index and polarization increase the uncertainty in the extracted CMB B-mode power, and may give rise to a biased estimate. We provide a quantitative assessment of the potential bias and increased uncertainty in an example experimental configuration. For example, we find that with 10% polarized dust, a tensor to scalar ratio of r = 0.05, and the instrumental configuration of the E and B experiment balloon payload, the estimated CMB B-mode power spectrum is recovered without bias when the frequency band measurement has 5% uncertainty or less, and the polarization angle calibration has an uncertainty of up to 4°.