bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlling Vibration and Noise Hazards to Insure Safe Work Conditions in Oil and Gas Plants
Authors: Souil N. , Jacq J. , Crivelli B. , Marongiu C. Deslot , Vouagner P. , Lacolle S. , Pischedda P.
Published: November 2016

This paper presents the noise and vibration methodologies applied at the FEED and EPC phases, in order to ensure that plant design meets the noise and vibration requirements of an Oil and Gas project. Working areas, but also the quiet areas such as living quarters or technical rooms are adressed.

More specifically, the following steps / actions are detailed: –The control of vibration levels on support structures due to vibrating equipment;–The control of airborne noise levels on working areas due to noisy equipment;–The control of structure borne noise levels inside quiet living areas due to vibrating equipment;–The correct design of the noise coverage of the loudspeaker system used for warning signals (PA/GA: Public Address / General Alarm); and–The evaluation process for identifying and defining corrective actions, if they are required.

The development of an innovative numerical method to assess the structure borne noise transmission from vibrating equipment into working and/or living areas is presented. This tool is based on a hybrid Statistical Energy Analysis / Finite Element Modelling methodology, and used to recommend architectural alternatives that reduce the structure borne noise contribution within closed areas. In addition, methodologies to correctly define noise coverage of PA/GA systems are discussed, including within a Norsok regulatory context.
Modelling Formation of a New Fluid Phase During Carbonated Water Injection
Authors: Al Mesmari Ali , Mahzari Pedram , Sohrabi Mehran
Published: November 2016

Direct flow visualisation experiments have revealed that the transfer of CO2 from water into crude oil triggers the formation of a new gas-like phase within the oil. The new phase will subsequently expand and contributes significantly to oil recovery. In this study, we first develop a methodology to describe the formation of the new phase based on our visual observation obtained from our high-pressure micromodel experiments. We then use a commercial simulator (Fluid Modelling Package) and tune an equation-of-state using PVT data of the oil reservoir of interest. The proposed methodology is then employed to examine the capability of commercial simulators to model the experimentally observed process of new phase formation.

The outcome of this simulation exercise verifies that the dissolution of CO2 into the oil phase would expel the lighter components of the oil forming a gaseous phase with much higher swelling factor compared to the normal swelling of a crude oil due to CO2 dissolution. The higher swelling of the new phase outperforms other oil recovery mechanisms considered for carbonated water injection and is the dominant factor controlling the amount of oil recovery and the performance of the oil recovery process. The new phase becomes heavier as the CO2 transfer from water to crude oil continues and reduces the IFT (interfacial tension) between the oil and the newly formed gaseous phase.

The results of the study help improving the accuracy of the numerical simulation of the oil recovery processes involving CO2 and carbonated water injection. This will in turn improve the quality of our reservoir performance predictions and the reliability of our economic calculations of these enhanced oil recovery techniques.
A Performance Analysis Model for Multi-Fractured Horizontal Wells in Tight Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Lei Zhengdong , Li Junchao , Deng Xiaomei , Tang Zichun , yu Tao , Zhang Zike , Yang Lepeng
Published: November 2016

Due to the advances of horizontal drilling and multistage hydraulic fracturing technologies, the utilization of tight oil resources has become a world focus in global petroleum industry. The performance forecast is significant to determine optimal well spacing and optimum drainage areas within and beyond the stimulated reservoir volumes (SRV). Multiple hydraulic fracture treatments in the reservoirs with natural fractures create complex fracture networks. Complex behavior of fluid flow in extremely tight porous media and presence of hydraulically fractured long horizontal wells in tight oil reservoirs imposes different set of challenges for performance prediction.

This paper presents a comprehensive hybrid grid model and performance analysis workflow to study the impact of reservoir and hydraulic fracturing parameters on production performance of tight oil reservoir. In the coarse model, large-scale fractures are treated explicit like conventional discrete fracture models, while relatively small-scale fractures are upscaled into dual porosity grids by global upscaling procedures. We performed history matching with field production data in the ChangQing oilfield. Based on the history matching results, fracture half-length and fracture conductivity were quantified and the present model is validated against production data.

The effect of fracture density, complexity of the fracture network, and permeability of the rock matrix on well productivity and tight oil recovery is studied in this paper. Subsequently, we performed optimization of multiple horizontal wells placement in a spacing unit with purpose of maximizing the reserve utilization. Finally, the optimal facture length of wells was determined. The proposed method provides a useful tool for diagnosing natural fractures, quantifying stimulated-reservoir volume, and assessing reliability of future performance predictions.
Formulating a Stable Emulsified Acid at High Temperatures: Stability and Rheology Study
Authors: Sidaoui Ziad , Sultan Abdullah S.
Published: November 2016

Matrix acidizing is a means to stimulate wells; in order to increase the productivity or injectivity. Amongst the wide acidizing fluids, emulsified acids are the most commonly used. Emulsified acids have a reputation to retard the reaction with formation rock, hence they cause deeper penetration. Apart from that, they need minimum additives, since acid is encapsulated by oil phase. That being said, only the oil phase is in immediate contact with the tubing. Thus, granting less corrosion issues. All of these perks of emulsified acids are based on the mere condition that they are stable during their journey in the well to reach the formation rock. Therefore, a stable emulsion (emulsified acid) is extremely critical to the acidizing job, and the degree to which it is stable dictates how successful the job will be.

This work aims to experimentally study the factors which contribute to create a stable emulsion by conducting thermal stability and rheology tests. These factors include mixing means (magnetic stirrer & high-power mixer), emulsifier concentration (up to 1.5vol%), mixing speed (up to 1500 rpm), addition rate of acid phase to diesel one (separatory funnel & syringe pump). Moreover, the emulsified acid is prepared using 15wt% HCl and diesel. The volume ratio of acid-to-diesel is 70:30. And, all of the thermal stability tests are conducted at 120°C in a heating oven. Furthermore, the apparent viscosity is measured at different temperatures and supported by droplet size distribution.

The results show that emulsifier concentration and mixing speed have significant effect when the emulsion is prepared using magnetic stirrer; however, this effect diminishes when the mixing means is a high-power mixer. Interestingly, the addition rate plays a key role on the stability; even a small difference as 0.5 mL/minute would result in changing the behavior of the emulsion at 120°C. Also, the results confirm that the smaller the droplet size of an emulsion, the more viscous it becomes. Furthermore, temperature increase results in emulsion degradation.

This study offers a unique way to look at emulsified acids and addresses factors that have never been addressed before. The novelty of this study is the comprehensive knowledge it brings about the factors affecting the stability of HCl emulsion. It helps to better understand HCl emulsion and how it works. Hence, production engineers can design and conduct acidizing jobs seamlessly.
The First Integrated Formation Evaluation of Shale Gas in Horizontal Wells Using An Efficient and Economical Logging Method Involving Conveyance Through the Drill String and Bit: A Case Study in Huangjinba Block, China
Authors: Liang X. , Jiao Y. J. , Wang G. C. , Zhang L. , Zhang Y. Q. , Liu C. , Wang Y. , Luo Y. , Zhao X. R. , Li K. X. , Zhang R. , Liu Q. M. , Chen Z. P.
Published: November 2016

The performance of shale gas wells varies, and the heterogeneity of shale gas reservoirs requires a good understanding of both reservoir quality (RQ) and completion quality (CQ) of the formation. There are many choices for data acquisition in shale gas horizontal wells, such as wireline conveyance and logging while drilling (LWD). The operator needs to balance between costs, risks, availability of certain measurements and quality of data acquisition.

This paper shows a new logging method using a slim tool string that is designed to be conveyed though the drill string and a hollow bit, and the memory data can be obtained when the tool is tripping out. It shows great advantage in lowering the costs, reducing the risks and saving the rig time, when compared to other logging methods. The quad-combo logging suite incorporates spectral gamma ray, density, compensated neutron, array induction resistivity, and array sonic measurements. An integrated formation evaluation derived from the quad-combo data provides answers to RQ and CQ of the shale gas reservoir, which can be the guide for the hydraulic stimulation.

Case studies are presented from shale gas reservoirs of Huangjinba Block in Zhejiang Oilfield of PetroChina, which is located at the Zhaotong area of Northern Yunnan and Guizhou provinces. The environmental corrected quad-combo data from the new slim logging tool proves to be consistent when compared with the wireline data in the pilot hole and LWD data in the offset horizontal wells, using a heterogeneous analysis method. A robust and comprehensive petrophysical description of lithology, porosity, permeability, total organic carbon content (TOC), gas content, fluid saturation, and tri-axial stress magnitudes is presented. A new understanding of shale gas reservoir heterogeneity is established. Engineered completion design based on the RQ and CQ has demonstrable value in improving perforation efficiency and production performance.

This paper discusses a novel application of a new slim logging tool in formation evaluation of shale gas horizontal wells, and it proves to be efficient and economical. It makes the engineered design for the hydraulic stimulation possible and a success. The workflow can also be applied to other shale gas plays in China.
Coherent Power Analysis in Multilevel Studies Using Parameters From Surveys
Authors: Rhoads Christopher
Published: November 2016

Researchers designing multisite and cluster randomized trials of educational interventions will usually conduct a power analysis in the planning stage of the study. To conduct the power analysis, researchers often use estimates of intracluster correlation coefficients and effect sizes derived from an analysis of survey data. When there is heterogeneity in treatment effects across the clusters in the study, these parameters will need to be adjusted to produce an accurate power analysis for a hierarchical trial design. The relevant adjustment factors are derived and presented in the current article. The adjustment factors depend upon the covariance between treatment effects and cluster-specific average values of the outcome variable, illustrating the need for better information about this parameter. The results in the article also facilitate understanding of the relative power of multisite and cluster randomized studies conducted on the same population by showing how the parameters necessary to compute power in the two types of designs are related. This is accomplished by relating parameters defined by linear mixed model specifications to parameters defined in terms of potential outcomes.
Construction and Use of a ‘Green Growth’ Tourism Decision Support System: A Multi-Model Approach
Authors: McGrath G Michael , Lipman Geoffrey H
Published: November 2016

For design, development, implementation and use of an information system (IS) to constitute a valid research activity, the system should support the solution of a non-trivial and important problem and it should be original, drawing on existing theories and knowledge. The design of one such system is described in this paper: specifically, a decision support system (DSS) designed to support the development of ‘Green Growth’ (GG) strategies for Travelism (Travel & Tourism) destinations. A sound GG strategy is important: first, because tourism is a major contributor to the global economy - particularly for developing and island states; second because it represents some 5% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and these are increasing faster than the global norm; and third because the environment is an essential element of destination attractiveness. Thus, the problem domain is certainly non-trivial and important. It is further argued that the design of the DSS artefact described is original and novel in the sense that: i) it supports the entire GG strategy development process (which is actually cyclical); ii) it allows for the sharing of data, functionality and knowledge between different DSS applications and different strategy development exercises in a seamless, integrated manner; and iii) it will be deployed in a global community based program in 2016. System design draws heavily on previous IS, information management and software engineering research; particularly with regard to use of abstraction and interfaces in support of component sharing and reuse.
Spatiotemporal Pattern Analysis of Taxi Trips in New York City
Authors: Hochmair Hartwig H.
Published: November 2016

A growing number of extensive data sets provides transportation planners with the necessary means to analyze urban travel patterns and gain insight into urban dynamics. This paper explores the spatial and temporal variation of taxi trips in New York City by analyzing 29 million trip records from a freely available data set. The study examined the role of airports in trip generation and attraction, as well as the variation of travel speed during the day. Comparison of hourly trip frequencies between weekdays and weekend days in each district revealed similarities and differences in the functional drivers of taxi trip demand. This paper presents a negative binomial regression model that predicts the number of taxi trips per district from the subway, train, and bus infrastructure, as well as socioeconomic and land use variables, where eigenvector spatial filtering is applied to explicitly model spatial autocorrelation. Independent of the predictor variables, a combination of subway ridership and taxi trip numbers for each district in a mode mix variable allows, through the use of local indicators of spatial association statistics, the identification of districts that exhibit an increased inclination toward taxi use and that are currently poorly served by public transit. This approach could be used as a decision support tool to determine where investments in rapid transit infrastructure and service would be particularly effective to increase transit mode share.
Understanding Carsharing Risk and Insurance Claims in the United States
Authors: Shaheen Susan , Shen Diwen , Martin Elliot
Published: November 2016

Carsharing offers consumers short-term access to vehicles, which facilitates better mobility and reduces the need for personal vehicle ownership. Carsharing does not require consumers to have automobile insurance. Instead, carsharing operators insure their members and are responsible for the risks and liabilities associated with vehicle use. Carsharing operators are burdened with obtaining cost-effective insurance under a use model that lacks massive actuarial data and analysis. This study analyzed 28 operator years of trips and claims data collected from six carsharing operators in the United States from 2008 to 2015. A total of 328,726 valid trips and 125 valid insurance claims occurred during this period. Crash risk, measured on a per mile and a per insured vehicle year basis, was estimated from these data. The average cost per insured vehicle year of carsharing insurance was estimated to be $789 for operators. A substantially heightened risk was observed for older drivers (drivers older than age 65 years) compared with drivers in the other age brackets as well as national averages. Teenage and young adult drivers between the ages of 18 and 25 years, who traditionally have the highest risk, had only a moderately higher risk than adults, which is likely because of driving experience and the clean driving record requirements before membership can be obtained. Adults between the ages of 30 and 65 years had the lowest risk in all measures, as was found in nationwide data. However, the actual risk of carsharing vehicles will vary by use patterns and other unobserved factors; actual costs will also vary by insurance policy.
Negotiation and Coordination in Carpooling: Agent-Based Simulation Model
Authors: Hussain Iftikhar , Knapen Luk , Yasar Ansar-Ul-Haque , Bellemans Tom , Janssens Davy , Wets Geert
Published: November 2016

Carpooling enables commuters to share travel expenses, save costs, and improve their mobility options and reduces emission and traffic congestion. To commute by carpooling, individuals need to communicate, negotiate, and coordinate, and in most cases they need to adapt their schedule to enable cooperation. This paper presents the design of an agent-based model by defining phases and steps that may be taken to move from solo driving to carpooling. The paper analyzes the various effects of agent interaction and behavior adaptation for a set of candidate carpoolers. The start of the carpooling process depends on the individuals’ objectives and intention to carpool. Through negotiation and coordination, individuals can reach complex agreements in an iterative way. The success of negotiation highly depends on the lifestyle factors that influence the departure time decision, on the profile of the individuals, and on the effect of constraining activities. The carpooling social network was established by use of the results predicted by FEATHERS, an operational activity-based model for Flanders, Belgium. From the simulation’s discussions, it is possible to portray the true picture of potential carpoolers throughout their carpooling period. The simulation results show that 9.33% of the commuters started to carpool when the time window was ±30 min and the average occupancy per car was 2.4 persons. When the time window was larger, the chances for negotiation success were greater than those when a smaller time window was used. Hence, carpooling requires time flexibility. The Janus (multiagent) platform was used to simulate the interactions of autonomous agents.
Car2work: Shared Mobility Concept to Connect Commuters with Workplaces
Authors: Regue Robert , Masoud Neda , Recker Will
Published: November 2016

Over the past decade there has been a surge of shared-use mobility concepts that are redefining how people move in urban areas. In this context, a new shared-use mobility concept, Car2work, that fills the gap between the existing approaches by integration of those approaches with the transit network is proposed. Car2work differs from the traditional dynamic ridesharing approaches in the following ways: ( a) it is designed for recurring trips; ( b) the concept of drivers is dropped; instead, vehicles that carry at least one commuter are used; ( c) commuters announce their trips in advance; and ( d) multiple trips per commuter are allowed during the day. The main goal is to connect commuters with workplaces but to guarantee a trip home and offer some degree of flexibility. The proposed shared mobility system is modeled as a pure binary problem that is solved with an exact solution method. The solution method decomposes the original problem into a master problem and a subproblem, aggregating over the vehicles and reducing the number of decision variables and constraints. A link reduction strategy based on spatiotemporal constraints is also implemented to reduce the number of decision variables. Numerical experiments were performed for two scenarios. The first scenario included 10 commuters with two trips each, three workplaces, two transit stations, and 15 transfer points. The second scenario comprised 25 commuters with two trips each, four workplaces, two transit stations, and 31 transfer points. It is demonstrated that consideration of the transit network increases the matching rate and reduces vehicle costs.
Autonomous Vehicle Fleet Sizes Required to Serve Different Levels of Demand
Authors: Boesch Patrick M. , Ciari Francesco , Axhausen Kay W.
Published: November 2016

Automated vehicles (AVs) promise many benefits for future mobility. One of them is a reduction of the required total vehicle fleet size, especially if AVs are used predominantly as shared vehicles. This paper presents research on this potential reduction for the greater Zurich, Switzerland, region. Fleets of shared AVs serving a predefined demand were simulated with a simulation framework introduced in the paper. Scenarios combining levels of demand for AVs with levels of supply (i.e., AV fleet sizes) were created. An important contribution of this study is the use of travel demand at highly detailed spatial and temporal resolutions that goes beyond the simplifications used in previous studies on the topic. This detailed travel demand provides a more solid basis for the ongoing discussion about the future fleet size. It was found that for a given fleet performance target (here, the target was for 95% of all transport requests to be served within 5 min), the relationship between served demand and required fleet size was nonlinear and the ratio increased as demand increased. A scale effect was detected. This effect has the important implication that for different levels of demand the fleet is used more or less efficiently. This study also found that if waiting times of up to 10 min were accepted, a reduction of up to 90% of the total vehicle fleet could be possible even without active fleet management, like vehicle redistribution. Such effects require, however, that a large enough share of the car demand be served by AVs.
Exploring the Gap between Perfect Bayesian Equilibrium and Sequential Equilibrium
Authors: Bonanno Giacomo
Published: November 2016

In (Bonanno, 2013), a solution concept for extensive-form games, called perfect Bayesian equilibrium (PBE), was introduced and shown to be a strict refinement of subgame-perfect equilibrium; it was also shown that, in turn, sequential equilibrium (SE) is a strict refinement of PBE. In (Bonanno, 2016), the notion of PBE was used to provide a characterization of SE in terms of a strengthening of the two defining components of PBE (besides sequential rationality), namely AGM consistency and Bayes consistency. In this paper we explore the gap between PBE and SE by identifying solution concepts that lie strictly between PBE and SE; these solution concepts embody a notion of “conservative” belief revision. Furthermore, we provide a method for determining if a plausibility order on the set of histories is choice measurable, which is a necessary condition for a PBE to be a SE.
Opioid Substitution Treatment Planning in a Disaster Context: Perspectives from Emergency Management and Health Professionals in Aotearoa/New Zealand
Authors: Blake Denise , Lyons Antonia
Published: November 2016

Opioid Substitution Treatment (OST) is a harm reduction strategy enabling opiate consumers to avoid withdrawal symptoms and maintain health and wellbeing. Some research shows that within a disaster context service disruptions and infrastructure damage affect OST services, including problems with accessibility, dosing, and scripts. Currently little is known about planning for OST in the reduction and response phases of a disaster. This study aimed to identify the views of three professional groups working in Aotearoa/New Zealand about OST provision following a disaster. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 service workers, health professionals, and emergency managers in OST and disaster planning fields. Thematic analysis of transcripts identified three key themes, namely “health and wellbeing”, “developing an emergency management plan”, and “stock, dose verification, and scripts” which led to an overarching concept of “service continuity in OST preparedness planning”. Participants viewed service continuity as essential for reducing physical and psychological distress for OST clients, their families, and wider communities. Alcohol and drug and OST health professionals understood the specific needs of clients, while emergency managers discussed the need for sufficient preparedness planning to minimise harm. It is concluded that OST preparedness planning must be multidisciplinary, flexible, and inclusive.
Functional Components of Carob Fruit: Linking the Chemical and Biological Space
Authors: Goulas Vlasios , Stylos Evgenios , Chatziathanasiadou Maria , Mavromoustakos Thomas , Tzakos Andreas
Published: November 2016

The contribution of natural products to the drug-discovery pipeline has been remarkable since they have served as a rich source for drug development and discovery. Natural products have adapted, during the course of evolution, optimum chemical scaffolds against a wide variety of diseases, including cancer and diabetes. Advances in high-throughput screening assays, assisted by the continuous development on the instrumentation’s capabilities and omics, have resulted in charting a large chemical and biological space of drug-like compounds, originating from natural sources. Herein, we attempt to integrate the information on the chemical composition and the associated biological impact of carob fruit in regards to human health. The beneficial and health-promoting effects of carob along with the clinical trials and the drug formulations derived from carob’s natural components are presented in this review.
Potential Role of Methylation Marker in Glioma Supporting Clinical Decisions
Authors: Roszkowski Krzysztof , Furtak Jacek , Zurawski Bogdan , Szylberg Tadeusz , Lewandowska Marzena
Published: November 2016

The IDH1/2 gene mutations, ATRX loss/mutation, 1p/19q status, and MGMT promoter methylation are increasingly used as prognostic or predictive biomarkers of gliomas. However, the effect of their combination on radiation therapy outcome is discussable. Previously, we demonstrated that the IDH1 c.G395A; p.R132H mutation was associated with longer survival in grade II astrocytoma and GBM (Glioblastoma). Here we analyzed the MGMT promoter methylation status in patients with a known mutation status in codon 132 of IDH1, followed by clinical and genetic data analysis based on the two statuses. After a subtotal tumor resection, the patients were treated using IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) with 6 MeV photons. The total dose was: 54 Gy for astrocytoma II, 60 Gy for astrocytoma III, 60 Gy for glioblastoma, 2 Gy per day, with 24 h intervals, five days per week. The patients with MGMT promoter methylation and IDH1 somatic mutation (OS = 40 months) had a better prognosis than those with MGMT methylation alone (OS = 18 months). In patients with astrocytoma anaplasticum (n = 7) with the IDH1 p.R132H mutation and hypermethylated MGMT, the prognosis was particularly favorable (median OS = 47 months). In patients with astrocytoma II meeting the above criteria, the prognosis was also better than in those not meeting those criteria. The IDH1 mutation appears more relevant for the prognosis than MGMT methylation. The IDH1 p.R132H mutation combined with MGMT hypermethylation seems to be the most advantageous for treatment success. Patients not meeting those criteria may require more aggressive treatments.
Dietary Strategies Implicated in the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: De la Iglesia Rocio , Loria-Kohen Viviana , Zulet Maria , Martinez Jose , Reglero Guillermo , Ramirez de Molina Ana
Published: November 2016

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is established as the combination of central obesity and different metabolic disturbances, such as insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia. This cluster of factors affects approximately 10%–50% of adults worldwide and the prevalence has been increasing in epidemic proportions over the last years. Thus, dietary strategies to treat this heterogenic disease are under continuous study. In this sense, diets based on negative-energy-balance, the Mediterranean dietary pattern, n-3 fatty acids, total antioxidant capacity and meal frequency have been suggested as effective approaches to treat MetS. Furthermore, the type and percentage of carbohydrates, the glycemic index or glycemic load, and dietary fiber content are some of the most relevant aspects related to insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance, which are important co-morbidities of MetS. Finally, new studies focused on the molecular action of specific nutritional bioactive compounds with positive effects on the MetS are currently an objective of scientific research worldwide. The present review summarizes some of the most relevant dietary approaches and bioactive compounds employed in the treatment of the MetS to date.
Application of the Forward Sensitivity Method to a GWCE-Based Shallow Water Model
Authors: Tromble Evan , Lakshmivarahan Sivaramakrishnan , Kolar Randall , Dresback Kendra
Published: November 2016

The Forward Sensitivity Method (FSM) is applied to a GWCE-based shallow water model to analyze the sensitivity to the numerical parameter, G, that determines the balance between the wave and primitive forms of the continuity equation. Results show that the sensitivity to G calculated in the sensitivity evolution portion of the FSM is consistent with the actual sensitivity to G computed from multiple simulations using finite differences. The data assimilation step in the FSM is shown to be effective in selecting G that minimizes an objective function, in this case model errors based on sensitivities. Additionally, the FSM sensitivity results show 2 Δ x oscillations in the elevation and velocity fields develop when G is increased too high, suggesting the FSM may be an effective tool for determining the upper limit of G for real-world applications.
Correction: 3D Bioprinting Technologies for Hard Tissue and Organ Engineering. Materials 2016, 9, 802
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Ao Qiang , Tian Xiaohong , Fan Jun , Wei Yujun , Hou Weijian , Tong Hao , Bai Shuling
Published: November 2016

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Power Generation by Reverse Electrodialysis in a Microfluidic Device with a Nafion Ion-Selective Membrane
Authors: Tsai Tsung-Chen , Liu Chia-Wei , Yang Ruey-Jen
Published: November 2016

An energy conversion microchip consisting of two circular microchambers and a Nafion-filled microchannel is fabricated using standard micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) techniques. When the chambers are filled with KCl solutions with different concentrations, the Nafion microchannel acts as a cation-selective membrane and results in the generation of electrical power through a reverse electrodialysis (RED) process. The current-potential characteristics of the Nafion membrane are investigated for devices with various microchannel lengths and electrolyte concentration ratios. It is shown that for a given voltage, the current and generated power increase with a reducing channel length due to a lower resistance. In addition, a maximum power density of 755 mW/m2 is obtained given an electrolyte concentration ratio of 2000:1 (unit is mM). The optimal device efficiency is found to be 36% given a channel length of 1 mm and a concentration ratio of 1000:1 (mM). Finally, no enhancement of the short circuit current is observed at higher concentration ratios.
Bee Venom Inhibits Porphyromonas gingivalis Lipopolysaccharides-Induced Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines through Suppression of NF-κB and AP-1 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Kim Woon-Hae , An Hyun-Jin , Kim Jung-Yeon , Gwon Mi-Gyeong , Gu Hyemin , Park Jae-Bok , Sung Woo , Kwon Yong-Chul , Park Kyung-Duck , Han Sang , Park Kwan-Kyu
Published: November 2016

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to destruction of tooth supporting tissues. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), especially its lipopolysaccharides (LPS), is one of major pathogens that cause periodontitis. Bee venom (BV) has been widely used as a traditional medicine for various diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial effects of BV. However, a direct role and cellular mechanism of BV on periodontitis-like human keratinocytes have not been explored. Therefore, we investigated the anti-inflammatory mechanism of BV against P. gingivalis LPS (PgLPS)-induced HaCaT human keratinocyte cell line. The anti-inflammatory effect of BV was demonstrated by various molecular biological methods. The results showed that PgLPS increased the expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and interferon (IFN)-γ. In addition, PgLPS induced activation of the signaling pathways of inflammatory cytokines-related transcription factors, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and activator protein 1 (AP-1). BV effectively inhibited those pro-inflammatory cytokines through suppression of NF-κB and AP-1 signaling pathways. These results suggest that administration of BV attenuates PgLPS-induced inflammatory responses. Furthermore, BV may be a useful treatment to anti-inflammatory therapy for periodontitis.
Unraveling the Anticancer Effect of Curcumin and Resveratrol
Authors: Pavan Aline , Silva Gabriel , Jornada Daniela , Chiba Diego , Fernandes Guilherme , Man Chin Chung , Dos Santos Jean
Published: November 2016

Resveratrol and curcumin are natural products with important therapeutic properties useful to treat several human diseases, including cancer. In the last years, the number of studies describing the effect of both polyphenols against cancer has increased; however, the mechanism of action in all of those cases is not completely comprehended. The unspecific effect and the ability to interfere in assays by both polyphenols make this challenge even more difficult. Herein, we analyzed the anticancer activity of resveratrol and curcumin reported in the literature in the last 11 years, in order to unravel the molecular mechanism of action of both compounds. Molecular targets and cellular pathways will be described. Furthermore, we also discussed the ability of these natural products act as chemopreventive and its use in association with other anticancer drugs.
Relevance of Morning and Evening Energy and Macronutrient Intake during Childhood for Body Composition in Early Adolescence
Authors: Diederichs Tanja , Roßbach Sarah , Herder Christian , Alexy Ute , Buyken Anette
Published: November 2016

(1) Background: This study investigated the relevance of morning and evening energy and macronutrient intake during childhood for body composition in early adolescence; (2) Methods: Analyses were based on data from 372 DONALD (DOrtmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed study) participants. Explorative life-course plots were performed to examine whether morning or evening energy and macronutrient intake at 3/4 years, 5/6 years, or 7/8 years is critical for fat mass index (FMI [kg/m2]) and fat free mass index (FFMI [kg/m2]) in early adolescence (10/11 years). Subsequently, exposures in periods identified as consistently critical were examined in depth using adjusted regression models; (3) Results: Life-course plots identified morning fat and carbohydrate (CHO) intake at 3/4 years and 7/8 years as well as changes in these intakes between 3/4 years and 7/8 years as potentially critical for FMI at 10/11 years. Adjusted regression models corroborated higher FMI values at 10/11 years among those who had consumed less fat (p = 0.01) and more CHO (p = 0.01) in the morning at 7/8 years as well as among those who had decreased their morning fat intake (p = 0.02) and increased their morning CHO intake (p = 0.05) between 3/4 years and 7/8 years; (4) Conclusion: During childhood, adherence to a low fat, high CHO intake in the morning may have unfavorable consequences for FMI in early adolescence.
Curcumin as a Modulator of P-Glycoprotein in Cancer: Challenges and Perspectives
Authors: Lopes-Rodrigues Vanessa , Sousa Emília , Vasconcelos M.
Published: November 2016

Multidrug resistance (MDR) presents a serious challenge to the efficiency of cancer treatment, and may be associated with the overexpression of drug efflux pumps. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a drug efflux pump often found overexpressed in cases of acquired MDR. Nevertheless, there are no P-gp inhibitors being used in the current clinical practice, due to toxicity problems, drug interactions, or pharmacokinetic issues. Therefore, it is important to identify novel inhibitors of P-gp activity or expression. Curcumin is a secondary metabolite isolated from the turmeric of Curcuma longa L. which has been associated with several biological activities, particularly P-gp modulatory activity (by inhibiting both P-gp function and expression). However, curcumin shows extensive metabolism and instability, which has justified the recent and intensive search for analogs of curcumin that maintain the P-gp modulatory activity but have enhanced stability. This review summarizes and compares the effects of curcumin and several curcumin analogs on P-glycoprotein function and expression, emphasizing the potential of these molecules for the possible development of safe and effective inhibitors of P-gp to overcome MDR in human cancer.
Early Vancomycin Concentrations and the Applications of a Pharmacokinetic Extrapolation Method to Recognize Sub-Therapeutic Outcomes
Authors: Santalo Oscar , Baig Umima , Poulakos Mara , Brown Daniel
Published: November 2016

Vancomycin trough concentrations should be measured within 30 min of the next dose, but studies have shown that troughs are often measured too early, producing erroneous results that could lead to dosing errors. The purpose of this study was to identify the frequency of early trough measurements and to evaluate whether pharmacokinetically extrapolating mistimed concentrations may locate sub-therapeutic concentrations. Vancomycin troughs were retrospectively reviewed. For troughs ≥10 mg/L and measured >0.5 h early, the true trough was estimated using pharmacokinetic extrapolation methods to identify sub-therapeutic outcomes. Differences ≥2 mg/L between the measured and estimated true trough level was considered to have potential clinical significance. Of 143 troughs evaluated, 62 (43%) were measured too early and 48 of those troughs were ≥10 mg/L. 25% of those 48 troughs were sub-therapeutic. The potential for a difference ≥2 mg/L between the measured and estimated true trough was found to be greatest when the measured trough was ≥10 mg/L, the patient’s creatinine clearance (CrCl) was ≥60 mL/min, and the timing error was ≥2 h. To increase the therapeutic utility of early vancomycin trough concentrations, estimated true troughs can be determined by extrapolating measured values based on the time difference and CrCl.
Mapping Annual Forest Cover in Sub-Humid and Semi-Arid Regions through Analysis of Landsat and PALSAR Imagery
Authors: Qin Yuanwei , Xiao Xiangming , Wang Jie , Dong Jinwei , Ewing Kayti , Hoagland Bruce , Hough Daniel , Fagin Todd , Zou Zhenhua , Geissler George , Xian George , Loveland Thomas
Published: November 2016

Accurately mapping the spatial distribution of forests in sub-humid to semi-arid regions over time is important for forest management but a challenging task. Relatively large uncertainties still exist in the spatial distribution of forests and forest changes in the sub-humid and semi-arid regions. Numerous publications have used either optical or synthetic aperture radar (SAR) remote sensing imagery, but the resultant forest cover maps often have large errors. In this study, we propose a pixel- and rule-based algorithm to identify and map annual forests from 2007 to 2010 in Oklahoma, USA, a transitional region with various climates and landscapes, using the integration of the L-band Advanced Land Observation Satellite (ALOS) PALSAR Fine Beam Dual Polarization (FBD) mosaic dataset and Landsat images. The overall accuracy and Kappa coefficient of the PALSAR/Landsat forest map were about 88.2% and 0.75 in 2010, with the user and producer accuracy about 93.4% and 75.7%, based on the 3270 random ground plots collected in 2012 and 2013. Compared with the forest products from Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), National Land Cover Database (NLCD), Oklahoma Ecological Systems Map (OKESM) and Oklahoma Forest Resource Assessment (OKFRA), the PALSAR/Landsat forest map showed great improvement. The area of the PALSAR/Landsat forest was about 40,149 km2 in 2010, which was close to the area from OKFRA (40,468 km2), but much larger than those from JAXA (32,403 km2) and NLCD (37,628 km2). We analyzed annual forest cover dynamics, and the results show extensive forest cover loss (2761 km2, 6.9% of the total forest area in 2010) and gain (3630 km2, 9.0%) in southeast and central Oklahoma, and the total area of forests increased by 684 km2 from 2007 to 2010. This study clearly demonstrates the potential of data fusion between PALSAR and Landsat images for mapping annual forest cover dynamics in sub-humid to semi-arid regions, and the resultant forest maps would be helpful to forest management.
Capability Assessment and Performance Metrics for the Titan Multispectral Mapping Lidar
Authors: Fernandez-Diaz Juan , Carter William , Glennie Craig , Shrestha Ramesh , Pan Zhigang , Ekhtari Nima , Singhania Abhinav , Hauser Darren , Sartori Michael
Published: November 2016

In this paper we present a description of a new multispectral airborne mapping light detection and ranging (lidar) along with performance results obtained from two years of data collection and test campaigns. The Titan multiwave lidar is manufactured by Teledyne Optech Inc. (Toronto, ON, Canada) and emits laser pulses in the 1550, 1064 and 532 nm wavelengths simultaneously through a single oscillating mirror scanner at pulse repetition frequencies (PRF) that range from 50 to 300 kHz per wavelength (max combined PRF of 900 kHz). The Titan system can perform simultaneous mapping in terrestrial and very shallow water environments and its multispectral capability enables new applications, such as the production of false color active imagery derived from the lidar return intensities and the automated classification of target and land covers. Field tests and mapping projects performed over the past two years demonstrate capabilities to classify five land covers in urban environments with an accuracy of 90%, map bathymetry under more than 15 m of water, and map thick vegetation canopies at sub-meter vertical resolutions. In addition to its multispectral and performance characteristics, the Titan system is designed with several redundancies and diversity schemes that have proven to be beneficial for both operations and the improvement of data quality.
Development of an Exhaled Breath Monitoring System with Semiconductive Gas Sensors, a Gas Condenser Unit, and Gas Chromatograph Columns
Authors: Itoh Toshio , Miwa Toshio , Tsuruta Akihiro , Akamatsu Takafumi , Izu Noriya , Shin Woosuck , Park Jangchul , Hida Toyoaki , Eda Takeshi , Setoguchi Yasuhiro
Published: November 2016

Various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath exhaled by patients with lung cancer, healthy controls, and patients with lung cancer who underwent surgery for resection of cancer were analyzed by gas condenser-equipped gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for development of an exhaled breath monitoring prototype system involving metal oxide gas sensors, a gas condenser, and gas chromatography columns. The gas condenser-GC/MS analysis identified concentrations of 56 VOCs in the breath exhaled by the test population of 136 volunteers (107 patients with lung cancer and 29 controls), and selected four target VOCs, nonanal, acetoin, acetic acid, and propanoic acid, for use with the condenser, GC, and sensor-type prototype system. The prototype system analyzed exhaled breath samples from 101 volunteers (74 patients with lung cancer and 27 controls). The prototype system exhibited a level of performance similar to that of the gas condenser-GC/MS system for breath analysis.
A Meta-Model of Inter-Organisational Cooperation for the Transition to a Circular Economy
Authors: Ruggieri Alessandro , Braccini Alessio , Poponi Stefano , Mosconi Enrico
Published: November 2016

The transition to a circular economy bodes well for a future of environmentally sustainable growth and economic development. The implications and advantages of a shift to a circular economy have been extensively demonstrated by the literature on the subject. What has not been sufficiently investigated is how this paradigm can be enabled through the inter-organisational cooperation among different business enterprises. In order to illustrate this point, in this paper we aim to contribute to the circular economy debate by describing and discussing such a meta-model of inter-organisational cooperation. The present study is therefore based on the analysis of three cases from an equal number of industries, from which we identified factors of potential impact for the stimulation of cooperation in a circular economy perspective. Last, but not least, we discuss the relations between the case studies and try to formulate all possible implications for both managers and research.
Metropolitan Residents’ Preferences and Willingness to Pay for a Life Zone Forest for Mitigating Heat Island Effects during Summer Season in Korea
Authors: Kim Dong-Hyeon , Ahn Byeong-Il , Kim Eui-Gyeong
Published: November 2016

Coupled with green house effects, the urban heat island is occurring more frequently, and thus is becoming a serious social problem. In order to elicit policy implications, the current study assesses the economic values on the heat island-mitigating functions of urban forest through choice experiments. The analytical results suggest that metropolitan city residents’ utility can be increased by raising the size of life zone forests which is comprised of street trees, parks in residential regions, and small forests in school zones. The derived marginal willingness to pay for the life zone forests suggest that the respondents are willing to pay $56.68–76.59 for every increase of the urban forest by 1 m2.