bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Human Factors Perspective: Building Situation Awareness Through Competence - An Insight Into Industry Challenges and Best Practice For The Development of Young & Experienced Personnel Employed In UKCS Offshore Lifting Operations
Authors: De Cort A. L.
Published: September 2015

Offshore Lifting Operations are high hazard, high risk activities with the potential to kill, cause serious injuries, or damage to critical plant and equipment. As 24:7, 365 days a year production and exploration facilities, offshore installations are highly reliant on lifting operations and lifting technology for much of their day to day needs. Yet, two-thirds (65%) of UKCS reported lifting incidents occur during in-board lifts using a pedestal crane and 75% of those worldwide. This presentation builds on the key findings of a comprehensive, independent Offshore Research project conducted with UKCS Deck Crews and Load Handling personnel. It provides the background to the research, an overview of the challenges and the relevance of key findings in terms of established human factors research in related areas of accident causation, factors influencing skills transfer, retention and decay; and the impact of organizational goal conflicts in developing a competent workforce and measures to ensure safety on the frontline. Finally, it provides examples of best practice and successful initiatives, which have been implemented to develop the confidence, competency and situation awareness of UKCS lifting personnel.
Real-Time Monitoring of Asphaltene Deposition for Solvent Job Cycle Optimization
Authors: de Boer J. P. , van der Linden R. J. , Renes W. A.
Published: September 2015

Asphaltene agglomeration and deposition is a complex process, leading to progressive production losses without mitigative actions. Injection of asphaltenes inhibitors (solvents) in the tubing is a common practice to avoid deposition in production tubing. This does however not avoid deposition in the near-wellbore. Wells suffering from asphaltenes depositions are regularly shut in for ‘solvent jobs’, injection of chemicals to dissolve asphaltenes in the (near-)wellbore. After a solvent job the well performance slowly degrades again due to new deposition. The goal of this study was to optimize the production-solvent cycle in terms of maximizing production profit, by means of a data-driven model capturing both well and reservoir performance.

TNO and ENI have developed a grey-box model to capture the impact of asphaltenes deposition in the near-wellbore on oil production. This effective PI-model is calibrated to actual field data and has shown to predict the effect of deposition and the resulting production decline well. This paper describes the background and modelling approach for both the grey-box reservoir deposition as well as the wellbore and choke pressure drop – predicting near-future oil prediction based on current performance. Examples of calibrating the grey-box deposition parameters are given and for the used well data the prediction window shows to be consistent for at least 20 days ahead. The outcome of the developed functionalities is an estimated ‘optimal cycle length’ and therefore a suggested next date of performing a solvent job at a specific well.

The methodology was developed using production data from a well equipped with multiphase flow meter (MPFM), but is applicable to wells with intermittent flow readings as well. The methodology can handle any realistic trend in production fluid (GOR, WC) as well as operator input (choke, FLP back pressure) and economic constraint (OPEX, solvent job cost relation).

The developed functionalities are applicable for real-time implementation, even without optimization of the code in terms of computational speed. Current production data is available on an hourly basis, wheras the calculation of the optimal solvent job cycle (including predicting oil production rates one month ahead) takes a few minutes maximum.

A demonstrator implementation in OVS software can be used to optimize solvent job cycles on individual well basis. The operator can through choke variations manipulate the predicted date of the next optimal solvent job when scheduling solvent jobs at multiple wells (under equipment constraints). Extension of this work can include optimization of an asset of wells, maximizing total production under practical solvent job constraints.
Digital Oil Field Cyber Security Best in Class
Authors: Almadi Soloman M. , AL-Khabbaz Fouad M. , Abualsaud Zakarya A.
Published: September 2015

A lot has changed since Process Control Systems (PCS) were isolated and provided very specific functions based on proprietary closed vendor based solutions. In the early 1990's, and with evolution of Information Technology, PCS started taking higher leaps toward integration and open standards. Why? Simply because open standards drove cost down and provided ways to enhance plant operations due to integration and interconnectivity. Plant applications and services, including Intelligent Field Infrastructure (IFI) have far benefited from integration and interconnectivity. Other concerns emerged in the areas of Cybersecurity and Manageability.

This paper demonstrates how cyber security can be adopted into existing IFI systems and be an integral part of IFI deployment plan. It will attempt to identify intelligent field cyber security risk, look into available solutions, and evaluate a more systematic approach in enabling cyber protection into the end-to-end system.
Control and Optimization of Directional Drilling System
Authors: Elshafei M.. , Baig M. M. , Mysorewala M. F. , Al-Majed A. A.
Published: September 2015

Directional Drilling (DD) achieves higher well production and improves accessibility of oil reservoirs in complex locations. Quad Motor drilling heads was recently proposed to achieve better steering control of the drilling operation and higher dogleg severity. The current state of the art in DD is the Rotary Steerable System (RSS), where steering actuators displace the centerline of the drilling system away from the centerline of the hole by a controllable amount of eccentricity. The drilling bit is powered by the rotation of the drilling string. However, in the quad motor drilling head, four drilling bits are independently controlled by 4 downhole motors. This paper proposes a real time control and optimization of the quad bit directional drilling system. The control commands include the angular velocity and torque of each of the 4 motors. The control is updated at regular distance intervals. The optimization procedure determines the drilling parameters to minimize the drilling time and the deviation from the planned trajectory.
Smart Metering Solutions: How to Combine Digital Technology with Business Expertise to Improve Metering Performance
Authors: Couput Jean-Paul
Published: September 2015

Smart Metering Solutions have been developed and implemented on TOTAL assets by combining digital technology and in house metering expertise to improve quality of data needed for reservoir monitoring, installation operation and fiscal applications.

Deployment within TOTAL upstream operations is presented with specific highlights both on the design of metering systems and network but also on the real operation of metering and allocation systems in the field.

TOTAL Smart Metering Solutions used so far to improve field operation of systems are based on

Optimized metering network design with selection of suitable metering and communication technology. Remote Metering Monitoring (RMM) which consists basically in the continuous monitoring of pertinent flow and sensor process data which are made available in real time historian data base. Use of customized software tools ranging from business routines for routine follow up of metering systems and sensors to advanced software for overall verification and validation of like data validation and reconciliation (DVR) Collaborative work in Smart Metering Room (SMR) putting together experts, site specialists, data users and suppliers to quickly trouble shoot systems

Examples of Remote Metering Monitoring and Smart Metering Room applications used by TOTAL for surveillance of multiphase metering systems located in different units worldwide with limited access are presented.

In addition to significant improvement on metering performance and data quality, implementation of Smart Metering is associated with cost reduction and more efficient way of working / solving problems.
Managing and Orchestrating Multi-Vendor Intelligent Oil Field Technology Environment to Enable Efficient Next Generation Production and Reservoir Management Workflows
Authors: David Richard Mohan , Rao Subba Rama , Reddicharla Nagaraju
Published: September 2015

E&P companies are increasingly instrumenting its fields and introducing new technologies with the objective to proactively monitor and surveillance of its wells, reservoir, and facilities for better operations and management. This brings in wide variety of technologies from multiple vendors in providing smart sensors, downhole equipment, instruments, and solutions along with existing legacy systems to support the digital journey. These technology implementations enable improvement in specific areas of the operations. However, in order to continuously build the digital infrastructure and realize its full potential, it requires seamless integration of real time data, technologies, workflows and business process.

There is no single vendor integrated solution that covers the entire spectrum of the digital oil field environment. In this scenario, in general the operating companies have the key role to orchestrate these technology components to achieve the integration and seamless workflows. This paper discusses the business need of an Integrated Digital Oil Field Foundation (IDOFF) Framework (based on industry standards and protocols shall form the core foundation that integrates next generation products, technologies of the multi-vendor digital environment enabling smart workflows including in-house solutions.

The IDOFF shall comprise of data standards, business process, data model and architecture, business logic, workflow automation, analytics environment. In IDOFF, the multi-vendor technologies are integrated seamlessly without additional effort in moving data between workflows and applications to achieve higher level of collaboration. The authors discuss the importance of operators to play a key role in orchestrating and building the digital oil field framework that supports multi-vendor environment to enable integrated solutions.
Piezoelectric Based Flow Power Harvesting for Downhole Environment
Authors: Ahmad Talha J. , Arsalan Muhammad , Black Michael J. , Noui-Mehidi Mohamed N.
Published: September 2015

There is a critical need for robust and reliable downhole power generation and storage technologies in order to push the boundaries of downhole sensing and control. Downhole power harvesting is an enabling technology for a wide range of future production systems and applications including self-powered downhole monitoring, downhole robotics, and wireless intelligent completions.

This paper provides an analysis of available ambient energy sources in the downhole environment, and various energy harvesting techniques that can be employed to provide a reliable solution. Advantages and limitations of conventional technique like turbine are compared to advanced energy harvesting technologies. The power requirements and technical challenges related to different downhole applications have also been addressed. We have also presented a single-phase flow energy harvesting system based on vortex-induced vibrations by employing a bluff body in fluid flow. A laboratory experimental setup was developed that consists of a 2” flow loop, piezoelectric energy harvester, power management module, and capacitor storage. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of the vortex-induced flow-vibrations for our setup have been presented. The generated vortex shedding frequencies and generated power in the flow loop is very low, which suggests requirement of a reliable rechargeable battery. Finally, recommendations are made for improvement and achieving the goal of practical implementation of downhole power harvesting.
Efficient Deepwater Well Testing
Authors: Walden Carl , Pereira Yuri , Luppi Patricio , Akbayev Beibit , Shumakov Yakov
Published: September 2015

Well testing operations are an essential component in reservoir characterization process. In deepwater environments where rig costs are high, operating safely and cost efficiently is important. As a result, many operators are constantly searching for more efficient and cost effective ways to test their reservoirs. The use of newly developed tools and technologies is necessary to deal with the challenges of efficiency and effectiveness while at the same time, safely optimizing the operational sequences, improving decision making with real-time information and reducing rig costs, without sacrificing data quality.

Designed specifically for testing operations, the single trip downhole tools with real-time bottomhole data enabled by wireless acoustic telemetry address those challenges. This technology eliminates unnecessary trips compared with a conventional drillstem test (DST) in deepwater environments. Furthermore, real-time bottomhole data aid processes such as test design optimization and real-time well test interpretation and help to ensure that data are sufficient for the purpose of reservoir characterization prior to ending the test.

This paper summarizes the benefits of using the new generation of downhole reservoir testing tools. Maersk Oil Angola was the first operator to use these tools in West Africa. The well testing operation was performed in a single trip, saving 3 days of rig time compared with the time required for a traditional DST with a permanent packer. Data acquired during the test were transmitted to secure servers, and were available in real-time for remotely located decision makers. The improved communication and collaboration between offshore and office, resulted in a short decision-making time cycle. The team performed pressure transient analysis on downhole data during the well test, turning the raw data into knowledge. This helped to confirm that sufficient data had been acquired for reservoir characterization; thus, the test duration was shortened by 28 hours while still meeting all test objectives. In summary, the operator was able to perform a safe and cost-effective well test operation in a deepwater environment.
Use of Regression and Bootstrapping in Drilling Inference and Prediction
Authors: Hegde Chiranth M , Wallace Scott P , Gray K E
Published: September 2015

Use of data analytics has become pervasive to optimize results and increase the efficiency of operations. Similarly data obtained during drilling can be used to predict rate of penetration (ROP) using statistical and machine learning techniques. However, one of the most basic forms of statistical analysis i.e. multivariate regression can be used for inference to improve the computational efficiency of more complicated models.

Multivariate regression (MVR) has been applied to a field data set to predict the rate of penetration (ROP) based on features of the data. While MVR works as a predictor, its use as an inferential technique shows more promise. Regression techniques have been combined with bootstrapping techniques to analyze residuals when data set features are plotted against ROP. Analysis of these graphs provides insight into the non-linearity in the relationships among the data. Bootstrapping the residuals also yields a good predictor. The regression model has also been subjected to the bootstrap technique separately to observe its behavior on predictions.

Using the aforementioned techniques, features with both linear and non-linear relationships with ROP can be identified. This saves computational power when in investigating real time applications of the data. Features having a linear relationship with ROP can be modeled with linear techniques and the rest using non-linear techniques. These concepts have been implemented in this paper using general additive models to yield excellent accuracy. More complicated models employ ensemble techniques which can be computationally robust and provide excellent accuracy. When ensemble techniques are used, identifying the data associated with each method can be crucial to efficiency of the technique. The data used in an ensemble technique for prediction illustrates the important role that this technique can play in reducing error as well as increasing computational efficiency. The model developed using linear techniques with bootstrapped residuals also gives a low error rate in prediction results.

Using linear methods for determining the nature of relationships within the data is important in developing computationally robust models. Using this as an inferential technique can serve as a key component of data exploration in any operation. Moreover, these methods can be a stepping stone to improving the use of ensemble techniques in real time drilling operations.
Using Unmanned Principles and Integrated Operations to Enable Operational Efficiency and Reduce Capex and OPEX Costs
Authors: Edwards A. R. , Gordon B..
Published: September 2015

It can be demonstrated that unmanned operations, have the potential to operate at circa 25% of the cost of permanently manned installations (of similar throughput) and at 99% availability, with an impeccable incident and safety record, for the same or reduced CAPEX. This can only be achieved by the application of remote control and Integrated Operations (IO).

Whilst Integrated Operations (IO) and digital oilfield (DOF) have seen major performance improvement initiatives over last decade (Ref 1 and 2), there is still a reluctance to fully embrace the technology. Whilst there has been success in applying to brownfield operations, the application to new Greenfield's has made less of an impact, mainly through lack of understanding of what is possible & what the value created is.

This paper will detail the areas where IO can drive decisions and influence stakeholders within the following project phases: Concept selectionFEED & detailed designProject executionQuality ControlOperational readiness and start-up

It will make the case for the inclusion of IO in the concept phase, to enable new radical operational concepts based on minimum manned, remotely controlled and managed operations. Recent experience with IO and new approaches to minimum manned operations are discussed. The application of unmanned principles tends to drive less systems and equipment and results in less weight, less equipment, less accommodation, higher personnel safety and reduced CAPEX and OPEX. Why this has not been done routinely in the Oil and Gas industry will be highlighted.
Correlation Between Clinical Findings of Temporomandibular Disorders and MRI Characteristics of Disc Displacement
Authors: Kumar Raman , Pallagatti Shambulingappa , Sheikh Soheyl , Mittal Amit , Gupta Deepak , Gupta Sonam
Published: September 2015

Objectives: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is a common condition that is best evaluated with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The first step in MR imaging of the TMJ is to evaluate the articular disk, or meniscus, in terms of its morphologic features and its location relative to the condyle in both closed- and open-mouth positions. Disk location is of prime importance because the presence of a displaced disk is a critical sign of TMJ dysfunction. However, disk displacement is also frequently seen in asymptomatic volunteers. It is important for the maxillofacial radiologist to detect early MR imaging signs of dysfunction, thereby avoiding the evolution of this condition to its advanced and irreversible phase which is characterized by osteoarthritic changes such as condylar flattening or osteophytes. Further the MR imaging techniques will allow a better understanding of the sources of TMJ pain and of any discrepancy between imaging findings and patient symptoms. Henceforth, the aim of the study was to evaluate whether MRI findings of various degrees of disk displacement could be correlated with the presence or absence of clinical signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects.Materials and Methods:In this clinical study, 44 patients (88 TMJs) were examined clinically and divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 22 patients with clinical signs and symptoms of TMDs either unilaterally or bilaterally and considered as study group. Group 2 consisted of 22 patients with no signs and symptoms of TMDs and considered as control group. MRI was done for both the TMJs of each patient. Displacement of the posterior band of articular disc in relation to the condyle was quantified as anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDR), anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWR), posterior disc displacement (PDD).Results:Disk displacement was found in 18 (81.8%) patients of 22 symptomatic subjects in Group 1 on MRI and 4 (18.1%) were diagnosed normal with no disc displacement. In Group 2, 2 (9.1%) of 22 asymptomatic patients were diagnosed with disc displacement while 20 (90.1%) were normal. Sensitivity and Specificity tests were applied in both the groups to correlate clinical findings of TMD and MRI characterstics of disc displacement and results showed Sensitivity of 90% and Specificity of 83.3%.Conclusion:Disk displacement on MRI correlated well with presence or absence of clinical signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders with high Sensitivity and Specificity of 90% and 83.3% respectively.
Evaluation of Radiomorphometric Indices in Panoramic Radiograph – A Screening Tool
Authors: Bajoria Atul Anand , ML Asha , Kamath Geetha , Babshet Medha , Patil Preeti , Sukhija Piyush
Published: September 2015

Background: Mandibular cortical indices, like the mandibular cortical index (MCI), panoramic mandibular index (PMI), mental index (MI), antegonial index (AI) and gonial index (GI) have been developed to assess and quantify the quality of mandibular bone mass.Aim and Objectives:The aim of this pilot study was to measure the radiomorphometric indices in a digital panoramic radiograph and find the inter-relationship of the indices with age and sex of the patients.Materials and Method:A total of 23 randomly selected patients were included in the study. Panoramic radiograph of each patient was taken and radiomorphometric indices were determined.Results:There was 69.57% agreement between MI and PMI which was significant. Similarly 78.26% agreement was seen between AI and MI which was significant. In contrast 30.43%, 52.17% and 56.52% agreement was observed while comparing GI with PMI, MI and AI respectively.Conclusion:MCI, PMI, AI and MI can be effectively measured on a panoramic radiograph, hence could be used as a screening tool for determining osteoporosis. All indices have a negative correlation with age and a significant difference between the younger and older age groups. All indices were significantly lower in females when compared to males of the same age group.
Future Imaging Alternatives: The Clinical Non-invasive Modalities in Diagnosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC)
Authors: Omar Esam
Published: September 2015

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has a remarkably high incidence worldwide, and a fairly serious prognosis. This is encouraging further research into advanced technologies for non-invasive methods of making early diagnoses, ideally in primary care settings.Method:In this article, the available objective Non-imaging methods for diagnosing OSCC have been reviewed. MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and CINAHL have been searched for advanced technologies of non-invasive methods in diagnosis of OSCC, including oral brush biopsy, optical biopsy, saliva-based oral cancer diagnosis and others.Results:Toluidine blue, one of the oldest non-invasive methods for diagnosing OSCC, is unreliable because of its subjectivity, as it is dependent on the experience of the examiner. The diagnosis of Oral carcinoma by Oral brush biopsy with exfoliative cytology based on nano-bio-chip sensor platform shows 97–100% sensitivity and 86% specificity. Another promising non-invasive technique for OSCC diagnosis is saliva-based oral cancer diagnosis, which is an alternative to serum testing. Optical biopsy, which uses the technology of spectroscopy, can be used to detect changes at a sub-cellular level; thus, it provides information that may not be available with conventional histology with reliable sensitivity and specificity.Conclusion:It is clearly evident that screening and early effective detection of cancer and pre-cancerous lesions have the potential to reduce the morbidity and mortality of this disease. The imaging technologies are subjective procedures since all of them require interpretation and significantly affected by the examiner experience. These make further research for advanced objective procedures. Saliva-based oral cancer diagnosis and optical biopsy are promising objective non-invasive methods for diagnosing OSCC. They are easy to perform clinically at primary care set. They show promising pathways for future development of more effective method for the diagnosis of OSCC.
Case Presentation of Concomitant and Contiguous Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumor and Focal Cemento-Ossifying Dysplasia
Authors: Rezvani Gita , Donoghue Mandana , Reichart Peter A , Pazuhi Neda
Published: September 2015

A 24 year-old male was presented for the diagnosis of an asymptomatic bony expansion in relation to the right maxillary canine and first premolar. The unilocular radiolucent lesion with central foci of calcification had caused divergence of canine and first premolar roots without any resorption. This case report details a diagnosis of two distinct disease processes of different cellular origin namely, focal cemento-ossifying dysplasia and adenomatoid odontogenic tumor in a previously unreported concomitant and contiguous relationship. The diagnosis was determined by a combination of clinical, radiographic, histopathological and surgical evidence. This case highlights two points, first the need to examine all mixed radiolucent-radiopaque lesions with advanced imaging techniques to assess the number and extent of the lesions prior to treatment planning. Second a likely role of periodontal ligament as the tissue source for odontogenic epithelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells required for the development of odontogenic tumors and cemento-osseous dysplasias.
Oxidative desulfurization of tire pyrolysis oil
Authors: Ahmad Shahzad , Ahmad Muhammad , Naeem Khawar , Humayun Muhammad , Sebt-E-Zaeem S , Faheem Farrukh
Published: September 2015

This paper presents a low cost method for the purification of oils obtained
from the pyrolysis of used tires. Oxidative desulfurization is a promising
route for purification of tire pyrolysis oils as hydro-desulfurization may
not be affordable for small scale industries. Different additives and acids
have been employed for the enhancement of properties of pyrolytic oils. The
experimental conditions were kept identical throughout, i.e. atmospheric
pressure and 50?C temperature for comparison of performance of various
additives. The use of hydrogen peroxide-acetic acid mixture (10 wt.%) was
found more economical and effective in desulfurization and improvement of
fuel properties of sample oils. The contribution of sulfuric acid in
desulfurization and decreasing viscosity was also satisfactory but due to
high price of concentrated sulfuric acid its use may not be economical.
Calcium oxide and Fuller?s earth was not found to be effective in
desulfurization. Results indicate that oxidative desulfurization could render
tire pyrolysis oils suitable for blending as heating fuel.
Parameters of anaerobic physiological profile of elite athletes
Authors: Karaba-Jakovljevic Dea , Lukac Damir , Grujic Nikola , Drapsin Miodrag , Klasnja Aleksandar
Published: September 2015

Introduction. Anaerobic capacity is much less evaluated in literature
compared to aerobic component. Anaerobic performance of athletes can be
measured using different motoric tests, lasting 20 to 30 seconds, one of them
being the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT). Objective. The aim of this study was
to determine the work performed and power generated by athletes and
non-athletes during a 30-second high intensity exercise, as well as to
compare explosive characteristics of subjects using a new parameter of WAnT,
named explosive power, or slope of power. Methods. All parameters of
anaerobic power were investigated in 152 subjects classed into different
groups depending on their physical fitness and sport specialties as follows:
non-athletes (n=31), rowers (n=26), volleyball players (n=37), handball
players (n=34) and judo players (n=24). The WAnT, as well as basic
anthropometric measurements, was administrated to all participants. Results.
Values of anaerobic parameters were higher in the group of athletes compared
to physically inactive subjects. The highest values of the WAnT parameters
were registered in the group of volleyball players (AP=1006 W; relative
AP=11.4 W/ kg, AC=19.8 kJ), compared to athletes of other sport disciplines
(volleyball, rowing and judo). The new parameter of the WAnT, explosive
power, also showed highest values in volleyball players (EP=154 W/s; relative
EP=1.74 W/s/kg). These differences were statistically significant (p<0.05).
Conclusion. The results of laboratory tests can provide useful information on
improvements in training processes. The new parameter of the WAnT could be
implemented in further analyses of explosive characteristics of muscle
contraction.
Unilateral Adie's tonic pupil and viral hepatitis: Report of two cases
Authors: Karadzic Jelena , Jakovic Natalija , Kovacevic Igor
Published: September 2015

Introduction. Adie?s (tonic) pupil is a neuro-ophthalmological disorder
characterized by a tonically dilated pupil, which is unresponsive to light.
It is caused by damage to postganglionic fibers of the parasympathetic
innervation of the eye, usually by a viral or bacterial infection. Adie?s
syndrome includes diminished deep tendon reflexes. Outline of Cases. We
report data of a 59-year-old female with unequal pupil sizes. She complained
of blurred vision and headache mainly while reading. She had a 35-year
history of hepatitis B and liver cirrhosis. On exam, left pupil was mydriatic
and there was no response to light and at slit lamp we saw segments of the
sphincter constrict. We performed 0.125% pilocarpine test and there was a
remarkable reduction of size in the left pupil. The second case is a
55-year-old female who was referred to the University Eye Clinic because of a
headache and mydriatic left pupil. She had diabetes mellitus type 2, as well
as hepatitis A virus 20 years earlier. On exam, the left pupil was mydriatic,
with no response to light. Test with diluted pilocarpine was positive.
Neurological examinations revealed no abnormality in either case so we
excluded Adie?s syndrome. Conclusion. Adie?s tonic pupil is benign
neuro-ophthalmological disorder of unknown etiology. Most patients commonly
present no symptoms and anisocoria is noticed accidentally. Although the
etiology is unknown, there are some conditions that cause tonic pupil. It may
be a part of a syndrome in which tonic pupil is associated with absent deep
tendon reflexes.
The lipomatosis of the parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal space: A case report
Authors: Luczak Klaudiusz , Dorobisz Karolina , Krecicki Tomasz , Janczak Dariusz , Chabowski Mariusz , Zatonski Tomasz
Published: September 2015

Introduction. Lipomas are the most common benign mesenchymal tumors, which
account for almost 50% of all soft-tissue tumors. Case Outline. The case of a
75-year-old patient with a slow growing lesion of para- and retropharyngeal
space was reported. The patient was suffering from progressive dysphagia,
respiratory obstruction and sleep apnea. Conclusion. An external surgical
approach is the treatment of choice. Etiology, differential diagnosis and
therapy of head and neck lipomas has been discussed.
The stem-cell application in ischemic heart disease: Basic principles, specifics and practical experience from clinical studies
Authors: Banovic Marko , Obradovic Slobodan , Beleslin Branko
Published: September 2015

Longer life duration, different clinical presentations of coronary disease,
as well as high incidence of comorbidity in patients with ischemic heart
disease have led to an increase in the incidence of ischemic heart failure.
Despite numerous and new treatment methods that act on different
pathophysiological mechanisms that cause heart failure, and whose aim is to
slowdown or stop the progression of this devastating disease, morbidity and
mortality in these patients remain high. These facts have firstly led to the
introduction of the experimental, and then clinical studies with the
application of stem cells in patients with ischemic heart disease. Previous
studies have shown that the application of stem cells is a feasible and safe
method in patients with acute coronary syndrome, as well as in patients with
chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy, but the efficacy of these methods in both of
the abovementioned clinical syndromes has yet to be established. This review
paper outlines the basic principles of treatment of ischemic heart disease
with stem cells, as well as the experience and knowledge gained in previous
clinical studies.
Multiple sharp force injuries to the head - the crime of passion
Authors: Nikolic Slobodan , Zivkovic Vladimir
Published: September 2015

Introduction. The Institute of Forensic Medicine was founded by Professor
Milovan Milovanovic (1884- 1948) in 1923 as part of School of Medicine of the
University of Belgrade, and also established the Institute?s forensic
collection worthy of a museum. This paper illustrates the way Professor
Milovanovic made this collection into a teaching aid for student education.
We present a case of crime of passion from the year 1931, from our
Institute?s collection. Case Outline. The victim was a 30-year-old woman with
multiple stab wounds of the head, neck and arms. It was noted in the case
history that the deceased woman was a maid with a wealthy merchant, as well
as that she had ?dubious morals? for that time, with three wooers at the same
time. Injuries to the forearms and the index finger prove that the victim
tried to defend herself. In the autopsy record there is a drawn figure of a
kitchen knife with a rounded blade tip, which explains the absence of stab
wounds to the skull, and the presence of the impression skull fractures and
crushed skull bones. It was concluded that the death occurred due to
exsanguination, in turn due to transection of the left carotid artery,
probably caused by sharp force, while the manner of death was homicide. Some
of the most prominent autopsy findings were multiple mutilating overkill
sharp force injuries, localized on the head, indicated sexually motivated
murder. Conclusion. Combining the museum specimen, diagrams with injuries,
drawn figure of the kitchen knife used, and photographs taken during the
autopsy and the police investigation, Professor Milovanovic was able to
properly illustrate this intriguing case to students without a computer or a
PowerPoint presentation.
Fifty Ways to Leave a Child Behind
Authors: Davidson Elizabeth , Reback Randall , Rockoff Jonah , Schwartz Heather L.
Published: September 2015

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act required states to adopt accountability systems measuring student proficiency on state-administered exams. The federal legislation contained several strict requirements for NCLB implementation, such as escalating student proficiency targets that reach 100% proficiency by 2014. But it also gave states considerable flexibility to interpret and implement components of NCLB. Using a data set we constructed, this paper is the first national study examining which schools failed during the early years of NCLB and which performance targets they failed to meet. We explore how states’ NCLB implementation decisions were related to their schools’ failure rates, which ranged from less than 1% to more than 80% across states. Wide cross-state variation in failure rates resulted from how states’ decisions interacted with each other and with school characteristics, like enrollment size, grade span, and ethnic diversity. Subtle differences in policy implementation may cause dramatic differences in measured outcomes.
Guest Editors - 19th Himalaya-Karakoram-Tibet Workshop
Authors: Editor The
Published: September 2015

Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.2(4) Special Issue 2004 p.73
Preliminary Results from the Yala-Xiangbo Leucogranite Dome, SE Tibet
Authors: Aikman Amos B , Harrison T Mark , Lin Ding
Published: September 2015

Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.2(4) Special Issue 2004 pp.91
The Malashan metamorphic complex in southern Tibet: Dominantly top-to-the north deformation and intrusive origin of its associated granites
Authors: Aoya Mutsuki , Wallis Simon R , Kawakami Tetsuo , Lee Jeffrey , Wang Yu
Published: September 2015

Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.2(4) Special Issue 2004 pp.92-93
Palaeoenvironmental events and cycles at the southern front of the Tibetan Plateau during the Pleistocene: A record from lake sediments
Authors: Appel Erwin , Goddu Srinivasa R , Hu Shouyun , Yang Xiangdong , Wang Suming , Igarashi Yaeko , Gautam Pitambar
Published: September 2015

Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.2(4) Special Issue 2004 pp.94-95
Phylogeny and biogeography of the lucanid beetles of the tribe Aesalini (Insecta, Coleoptera, Lucanidae), with special reference to the effect of Himalayan uplift as the vicariance event
Authors: Araya Kunio
Published: September 2015

Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.2(4) Special Issue 2004 pp. 96-97
Testing Models of MCT Reactivation vs. Duplex Formation in the Kumuan and Garwhal Himalaya, India
Authors: Célérier Julien , Harrison T Mark , Dunlap William J
Published: September 2015

Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.2(4) Special Issue 2004 pp. 110
Structural data from lower Dolpo (western Nepal)
Authors: Carosi Rodolfo , Montomoli Chiara , Visonà Dario
Published: September 2015

Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.2(4) Special Issue 2004 pp. 109
Presence of two plume-related volcanic events along the Indian northern passive margin evidenced by the geochemistry of the Carboniferous Baralacha La dykes, the Permian Panjal traps and the Drakkar Po phonolites
Authors: Chauvet F , Lapierre H , Bosch D , Bussy F , Vannay JC , Mascle GH , Brunet P , Cotten J , Keller F
Published: September 2015

Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.2(4) Special Issue 2004 pp. 113
Out-of-sequence thrusting in Himalaya: Modification of wedge extrusion and channel flow models
Authors: Dubey CS , Sharma BK , Catlos EJ , Marston RA
Published: September 2015

Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.2(4) Special Issue 2004 pp. 130
When the Kunlun fault began its left-lateral strike-slip faulting in the northern Tibet: Evidence from cumulative offsets of basement rocks and geomorphic features
Authors: Fu Bihong , Awata Yasuo
Published: September 2015

Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.2(4) Special Issue 2004 pp. 132
Effects of global warming on Asian lakes from viewpoints of water resources and environmental change
Authors: Fushimi H
Published: September 2015

Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.2(4) Special Issue 2004 pp.135
Land cover change in Himalaya with special reference to forest disturbance: A case of Bharse area, Lesser Himalaya, West Central Nepal
Authors: Gautam Chinta Mani , Watanabe Teiji
Published: September 2015

Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.2(4) Special Issue 2004 pp.138-9
Integration of magnetic properties and heavy metal chemistry to quantify environmental pollution in urban soils, Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Gautam Pitambar , Blaha Ulrich , Appel Erwin
Published: September 2015

Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.2(4) Special Issue 2004 pp.140-1
Speed Control Method for Highway Tunnel Safety Based on Visual Illusion
Authors: Wan Hongliang , Du Zhigang , Ran Bin , Wang Mingnian
Published: September 2015

The low luminance and the monotony of highway tunnels are likely to cause drivers to experience a visual illusion while driving. Drivers tend to underestimate their speed and thus are exposed to a higher risk of relatively severe traffic accidents. Finding a low-cost way to reduce this visual illusion and to improve traffic safety is a challenge for current highway tunnel operations. High-frequency visual information can make a driver overestimate speed; low-frequency visual information may induce a driver to underestimate speed. However, quantitative investigations of the influence of visual information of various frequencies and luminance levels on drivers' speed perception are lacking. This paper describes a driving simulation model created with Autodesk's 3ds Max modeling software and tests carried out with simulators and E-Prime research software. The mechanisms of speed perception and reaction time were studied to consider the effect of visual information with high frequencies and with combined high and low frequencies under different luminance levels (100%, 50%, and 25% of standard luminance). The test results revealed that speed overestimation was caused mainly by high-frequency visual information. This overestimation could be reduced by combining high-frequency visual information with low-frequency visual information. With higher luminance, speed overestimation was lessened and drivers' reaction time was shorter. It is suggested that visual information with combined frequencies be employed to control drivers' illusions of speed and to enhance traffic safety.
Development of Freeway and Interchange Safety Performance Functions with Respect to Roadway Lighting
Authors: Yu Lang , Li Zhixia , Bill Andrea R. , Noyce David A.
Published: September 2015

The absence of roadway lighting during the night results in a disproportionally large number of traffic crashes and fatalities. Past research on safety effects of roadway lighting involved mostly qualitative studies and focused on intersections and rural roads rather than freeways and interchanges. However, it is desirable to quantify the safety benefits of lighting for cost–benefit analysis and eventual decision making on lighting installations. This paper aims to develop nighttime crash prediction models for roadway lighting in the form of safety performance functions (SPFs). A pilot study on all freeways and expressways in the jurisdiction of Dane County, Wisconsin, was conducted. The crash data collection covered five years' nighttime crashes on all freeways, expressways, and interchanges in Dane County. Nighttime crashes were identified and light-pole data were collected along with traffic and geometry data. On the basis of the data, six SPFs were developed for freeway segments and interchange ramps under lighted and unlighted conditions. Results showed that the number of lanes was a significant factor for interchange ramps. Entry ramps had significantly higher numbers of crashes than did exit ramps under unlighted conditions. Similar results were observed for interchange freeway segments and noninterchange freeway segments. The international roughness index, used as a surrogate for pavement friction values, was significant for all freeway segments' SPFs. Severity distribution functions were also developed. Results showed that the largest safety benefit could be achieved by installing lighting at interchange segments, entry ramps, or exit ramps with annual average daily traffic greater than 10,000 vehicles per day.
Exploration of Work Zone Crash Causes and Implications for Safety Performance Measurement Programs
Authors: Clark Jacquelyn B. , Fontaine Michael D.
Published: September 2015

Police crash reports are a fundamental data source for state work zone safety performance measurement programs. Studies have often identified work zone crashes simply on the basis of their location and have not considered the causal role (if any) that the work zone played in the crash. This study reviewed two years of Virginia work zone crashes and identified crashes that had been directly influenced by a work zone (directly related crashes) from a data set of all crashes that had been reported as occurring in the vicinity of a work zone (coded crashes). This procedure was done to assess the degree to which work zone activities appeared to influence the likelihood or severity of crashes within the work zone. Work zone crash reports were examined individually, and crash trends and possible safety improvement measures were identified. The study found a disparity between coded crashes and directly related crashes. Only 23% of the coded crashes could be directly related to the work zone. Further, coded crashes tended to overrepresent the proportional increase in rear-end crashes and underrepresent the proportional increase in fixed object–off road crashes. Analysis also identified several potential avenues where work zone safety performance measures could be influenced by the Virginia Department of Transportation, including improved work zone traffic management planning, ingress and egress design, and traffic control placement. Improvements to work zone crash forms were also identified. Implications of the differences between coded and directly related crashes for work zone safety performance measures are also discussed.
Motorists' Speed Response to Nonvariable and Variable Work Zone Speed Limits and Other Work Zone Conditions
Authors: Finley Melisa D. , Jenkins Jacqueline , McAvoy Deborah S.
Published: September 2015

Transportation professionals view the setting of appropriate regulatory speed limits on public roads, including those under repair or reconstruction, as an important tool in promoting safe and efficient operations. The Ohio Department of Transportation sponsored a study to evaluate its work zone speed zoning processes. Researchers observed motorists' speed choices upstream of and adjacent to several combinations of work zone conditions and factors that were used to justify reduced speed limits in Ohio work zones. Researchers also observed motorists' speed choices upstream of and within pilot variable work zone speed zones. Researchers confirmed that motorists reduced their speed only if they clearly perceived a need to do so. Therefore, whenever possible, the first work zone speed limit sign should be installed within view of a work zone condition. In general, the speed reduction downstream of the first nonvariable and variable work zone speed limit signs ranged from 1 to 6 mph and 3 to 11 mph, respectively. In addition, researchers found that the speed reduction on entering a lane shift, within a lane closure, and on entering a median crossover ranged from 4 to 15 mph. On the basis of previous research and the results of the studies documented in this paper, the research team developed work zone speed zone guidelines for multi-lane highways with original posted speed limits greater than or equal to 55 mph. Researchers also made recommendations for where variable work zone speed zoning should be considered.