bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SAGD Field Trial for a New Intelligent-Well Completions Strategy to Increase Thermal EOR Recoveries
Authors: Shaw Joel , Bedry Mark
Published: March 2012

Well segmentation and instrumentation have been used to improve steam injection and production conformance in a completions strategy for a thermal-enhanced oil recovery (EOR) project by using intelligent well technology and interval control valves (ICVs). The initial field trial is ongoing in the injector of a Northern Alberta steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) well pair. The development of the completion technology suitable for thermal conditions, initial field trial results and the plans for further development are described in this paper. The application modeling shows that, depending on the level of heterogeneity present in the reservoir, a 45% reduction in the steam-oil ratio and an almost 70% increase in recovery can be achieved in a SAGD process when both improved injection conformance and producer differential steam-trap control can be applied in a segmented horizontal well pair. A cost-effective, intelligent-well completion solution to achieve this segmentation and control has the potential to add substantial value to field developments through improved steam conformance. This will result in increased energy efficiency and oil recovery. The method under development is also applicable to a wide range of other thermal EOR processes such as cyclic steam stimulation (CSS), steam drive, and variations, including, for example, those involving solvent additives.

The initial field deployment in the injector well was initiated to prove the technology, to demonstrate the feasibility of modifying the steam distribution, and to obtain best practices for future developments. A successful installation and commissioning of the intelligent completion has validated the technology. Lessons learned are highlighted. Early injection test results and data show a significant increase in the understanding of the injection and production behavior in the well pair. A test program to optimize the distribution of the steam injection in the well is underway, and the results are discussed. The intelligent completion technology under trial and proposed further developments should enable more extensive use of downhole measurement and control in thermal EOR projects than has been possible to date.
Retrieval and Reinstallation of a Large-Diameter Single-Trip Straddle System
Authors: Tomich M. , Bramwell J.
Published: March 2012

Early in 2008, a newly designed 7" single trip retrievable straddle packer system, with 25ft between packing elements, was installed in a water injection well in Eastern Algeria. The objective of the operation was to isolate a thief zone which was taking the majority of the injected water and then cross-flowing to other zones when the well was shut in. The installation was successful and subsequent logs indicated that the straddle was still holding in 2011 and thus continuing to prevent injection to the thief zone.

The installation and subsequent performance of the straddle were considered satisfactory but in order to further evaluate the system with a view to using more such tools in future operations, it was decided to perform a retrieval, inspection, redress and re-installation of the straddle in the same well to evaluate the ease with which this could be done. Though the straddle was run using electric line, the forces required to unset and retrieve it were such that the use of coiled tubing (CT) was necessary. Due to the length limitations imposed by the CT injection system, and the overall length of the pulling tool and straddle, a method was devised to use a combination of electric wireline and CT to perform the retrieval process. This would require deployment of the pulling tool by electric line using a deployment bar to hang it off in the BOPs and subsequent re-attachment to the CT before running in the well - this method would be reversed when pulling out of the hole after retrieval. Subsequent re-installation could however be performed using electric line as in the initial installation.

In this paper the authors will review the situation and the unique retrieval techniques that were used, describe in detail the successful operation to retrieve, redress and re-install the straddle and discuss the results of the inspection of the tool and the redress requirements after 3 years in service.
Rib-Steered Motor Technology: The Revolutionary Approach Extends the Coiled Tubing Drilling Application Scope
Authors: Ross Matthew , Anyanwu Okechukwu N. , Klotz Christian , Ulrich Carl D.
Published: March 2012

Traditional coiled tubing drilling (CTD) operations employ bent mud motors to create bit rotation that enable diverging wellpaths. As coil rotation is not applicable, an additional downhole orientation device is required for directional control of the motor. For more than a decade, this setup has enabled reliable and successful CTD operations worldwide. It also has been, over time, driven to its limits. Several apparent drawbacks with this platform include unfavorable drag that limits the maximum horizontal reach, suboptimal wellbore quality causing challenges in subsequent liner running operations or the increased distance of inclination measurements from the drilling bit. While some of those can be managed to a certain extent, others are intrinsic to the bent-motor steering concept. The need to further improving well construction economics requires that the CTD operational envelope be extended with new concepts and technologies.

This paper covers the introduction and utilization of a new directional steering technology that is based on the concept of closed-loop steerable drilling systems from rotary drilling applications. The new 3-in. rib-steered motor (RSM) design includes three hydraulically expandable ribs that are controlled from surface during drilling. In such setup required wellbore contact forces are generated that are necessary for drilling complex 3D well profiles. The RSM platform also offers the capability to drill tangents, which is impossible with the combination of bent motors and downhole orientation devices. Testing of this new platform commenced in 2008 in Alaska for BP, and it was further improved to become a new standard technology for horizontal or tangent sections in high-end CTD applications. Since then, 3-in. RSM bottomhole assemblies have drilled more than 23,000 feet in more than 13 wells in Alaska. Compared to bent motor drilling, RSM technology improves weight transfer and enables precise control of weight on bit to total depth (TD) for significant extension in lateral section length. It also improves hole quality to make liner running operations more reliable, and reduces non-drilling time by reducing the amount of required wiper trips for hole cleaning purposes. This paper discusses these aspects in more detail and uses available field data to show and support the technology’s benefits and its impacts on project economics.
Successful Coiled-Tubing Conveyed Water-Shutoff Treatments in Gas Reservoirs in Indonesia
Authors: Samvelova M. , Noguera J. , Kusuma D. H. , Mahardhini A.
Published: March 2012

The majority of the reservoirs in a study field in Indonesia are gas producers with water. The average production is more than 650 MMscf/D with 11,000 BWPD. The reservoirs are characterized as multilayered sandstone water-sensitive formations with permeability ranging from 0.1 md to 2 darcy. The measured depths (MD) of the perforated producing zones extend from 9,400 to 11,100 ft, with an average reservoir bottomhole temperature of 240°F (115°C).

The study field has experienced significant water breakthrough in recent years, which has led to adrastic reduction in the total gas production per well. To increase gas production, it is required toreduce the water-gas ratio (WGR) to prevent the water-source reservoirs from killing the other producing layers and to stabilize the well’s flowing conditions. This could be achieved by shutting off the undesired water production. The main challenge of the study field is the number of reservoirsopened per well (>30 perforated reservoirs), with short distances between the perforated zones. Mechanical isolation was impossible in these cases because it would create restrictions during future interventions.

A multidisciplinary group developed an innovative solution to shut off the water in these wells. The solution included a straddle system that consist of an inflatable retrievable bridge plug used as bottom isolation and an inflatable packer conveyed with coiled tubing (CT) as upper isolation, combined with a chemical water-shutoff treatment. The system was successful in shutting off the watered-outsands while keeping the upper reservoirs producing to date. This CT placement technique opened many opportunities for selective water-shutoff treatments of middle zones. This paper discusses the methodology of the job design, with a detailed operation sequence and results obtained from the field, including production results of some of the treatments pumped in the study field.
An Improved Method of Manipulating and Evaluating Sliding Sleeves
Authors: Kenison M. , Adil A. R. , Morrison R. , Valencia C. F. , Powell B. , Hermelink H. , Frederiksen C. H.
Published: March 2012

Sliding sleeves are used to enable selective zonal isolation and can improve water and gas management throughout the life of the well. Because of the large shifting force and extended reach required to operate sliding sleeves in long horizontals, coiled tubing is typically used. Coiled tubing also provides the benefit of pumping fluids to clean out or treat the well. A surface load measurement withcoiled tubing may sometimes provide a positive indication of shifting, but not in all cases. Also, surface measurements alone do not provide a way to determine the sleeve position. This paper describes conventional techniques used to confirm proper shifting and determine sleeve position. An improved method is presented, along with yard and field test results.
Best Practices for Composite Plug Milling
Authors: Craig Steven , Harris Jeffery , Lehr Douglas , Brandt Nathan
Published: March 2012

Horizontal fracture-stimulated completions remain the de facto method of producing hydrocarbons from shale formations. The vast majority of wells are completed using the "Plug and Perf"method, which requires either a jointed pipe or coiled tubing (CT) with a positive displacement motor (PDM) to mill out the composite plugs (CP) after the fracturing operations are finished. It is estimated that between 100,000 to 140,000 composite plugs are installed and milled each year in the US alone. Efficient removal of these composite plugs is critical in achieving operational efficiencies forboth the operator and service suppliers.

Currently many milling operations are planned at the well-site with engineering or operational risk assessments performed only after problems arise. This paper will provide data to assist operators in improving those risk assessments.

This paper will describe best practices and recommendations for pre-job planning, mill design, motor selection, fluid selection, weight on bit, wiper trip frequency and speed, whether to produce the well during milling, surface flowback equipment, operational contingencies and data analysis. These best practices have been developed from reviewing operational practices on many operations across the US.
Successful Cementing Through Coiled Tubing E-Line: An Economical Solution for Coiled Tubing Drilling Applications
Authors: Abdul Rahman A. A. , Ahmad Fauzi N. , Hamzah N. E. , Chaari Y. , Sorman I. , Jenie J. R. , Marsaleh Z. , Macdonald D.
Published: March 2012

Cementing through coiled tubing electric line (CT e-line) is not a common practice; this application is highly recommended in Coiled Tubing Drilling (CTD) applications using the existing CT e-line pipe to achieve a better time performance for sidetracking a well since using the CTD technique is mainly based on economical evaluation. Several considerations need to be taken into account while designing the job and performing the operation. The relatively high density and viscosity fluid can lead to bird nesting the cable due to high friction and excessive slack inside the pipe; it can also affect the integrity of the cable as well as the performance of the bottomhole assembly (BHA). The interface between cement and other fluids pumped through CT e-line pipe can be also affected.

A review on a feasibility study of cementing through CT e-line that was performed in 2003 in Alaska highlights all the concerns, challenges, and potential issues that can be encountered during a cementing job through CT e-line, best practices, lessons learned, and way forward to implement this technique. This review is supported by two successful case histories performed in Malaysia CTD campaign applying this technique for different objectives: remedial cementing for casing and tubing sealing in a deviated well and remedial cement plug for window recovery.

By implementing cementing through CT e-line, the effective job time was improved by avoiding swapping pipes in an offshore environment where the logistic, safety, and space accommodation is a huge challenge. The use of CTD as an economical sidetracking technology was reinforced by making the CT e-line pipe universally utilized in all the project steps, even for running and setting completion.
A New Methodology for Stimulation of a High-Water-Cut Horizontal Oil Well through the Combination of a Smart Chemical System with Real-Time Temperature Sensing: A Case Study of South Umm Gudair Field, PZ Kuwait
Authors: Al-Najim A. , Zahedi A. , Al-Khonaini T. , Al-Sharqawi A. I. , Tardy P. M. , Adil A. R. , Nugraha I. , Ramondenc P. , Al-Hadyani F. S.
Published: March 2012

This paper presents a case study of a matrix acidizing treatment in a well located at the neutral zone between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, whereby the combination of a "smart fluid" in a stimulation treatment pumped through a Coiled-Tubing (CT) with the real time distributed temperature sensing (DTS) technology helped improve the real-time decision process of fluid placement, temporary plugging placement, and treatment efficiency evaluation. As part of the analysis process and to facilitate the onsite decision-making process, a temperature inversion technique was also used to translate the actual temperature profiles into fluid invasion profiles across the horizontal open-hole section of the well. Additionally, a full scale acid placement and thermal modeling is proposed in order to perform an in-depth post-treatment evaluation. The bottom hole data evaluation further confirmed the benefits of using a smart fluid. Following the treatment, the well produced at a rate of 1500 bbl/day with 17% water cut, which is well below the field average of ~50%.
Elastomer-Wrapped Expandable Liner Seals Problem Perforations Allowing Successful Performance of High Pressure Frac Job
Authors: Skiles S.
Published: March 2012

Cased-Hole Expandable Liners can be used for many different applications, including corrosion remediation, casing damage repair, perforation isolation, and to seal off water encroachment. The standard expandable liner design includes a carbide anchor at the bottom to hold the liner in place, as well as elastomer bands at the top and bottom of each joint to provide a seal. By designing a specialized liner system, in which the entire liner is wrapped with elastomers, greater sealability and pressure integrity is achieved.

In this particular application in the East Texas Basin, watered-out perforations needed to be isolated to facilitate fracturing and producing a deeper zone in the wellbore. Several approaches were considered and it was eventually decided to install a single trip 38 ft elastomer-wrapped expandable joint to isolate perforations in 5-1/2 in. 17.0 lb/ft casing and maintain a seal during the fracturing operations. Elimination of the end connections and beveling the ends of the liner meant that it could be rated at the pressure limitation of the pipe body, rather than that of the connections. In addition, further studies indicated that wrapping the entire expandable liner section with elastomers provided added support and sealability.

This paper will discuss the problems associated with the water encroachment through the perforations, the design of the elastomer-wrapped expandable liner system, and the engineering study that led to its rating being sufficient to withstand the high pressure frac job. It will go on to describe the liner installation and the ensuing well stimulation, which yielded very satisfactory results.
Shellfish and the Chumash: Marine Invertebrates and Complex Hunter-Gatherers on Late Holocene San Miguel Island, California
Authors: Braje Todd J. , Rick Torben C. , Willis Lauren M. , Erlandson Jon M.
Published: March 2012

Marine resources played an important role in fostering high population densities and cultural complexity among North American hunter-gatherers. In California, several researchers have emphasized the relationship among increases in fishing, marine mammal hunting, the development of more efficient watercraft, and increased sociopolitical complexity. Largely absent from discussions of emergent complexity is the changing role of shellfish in human subsistence economies. Analyzing marine shell from 12 Late Holocene sites on San Miguel Island, we illustrate the importance of shellfish in island subsistence economies and the evolution of Chumash complexity. The dietary importance of shellfish protein declined through time, but the density of shellfish remains increased dramatically in Late Holocene archaeological sites, suggesting that shellfish provided an important supplement to the higher yields of finfish and helped fuel growing human populations and sociopolitical complexity.
Students' conceptions of price, value and opportunity cost: some implications for future research
Authors: Davies Peter
Published: March 2012

In comparison with the literature on students' conceptions of science and mathematics, the body of evidence on students' conceptions in social science appears rather small. Within this limited field, conceptions of price and opportunity cost have attracted a substantial proportion of researchers' attention. This article reviews the evidence generated from this research and suggests three pointers for future research: (1) relating to the methods used; (2) relating to conceptual structure; and (3) relating to the attention given to values and students' conceptions of how economic activity should be conducted.
Developing Values and Purposes in Teachers for a Better World: The Experience of the United Kingdom Teacher Education Network for Education for Sustainable Development/Global Citizenship
Authors: Inman Sally , Mackay Sophie , Rogers Maggie
Published: March 2012

This article describes, analyses and evaluates the work of the United Kingdom Teacher Education Network for Education for Sustainable Development/Global Citizenship as a contribution to developing teachers who can promote a better world. The article outlines some of the rationales for educating new teachers in values and purposes in relation to education for sustainable development and global citizenship, particularly with respect to the global challenges we face now and in the future. The authors reflect on the role and effectiveness of the United Kingdom Teacher Education Network in developing and disseminating practice, policy and theory. They explore the challenges faced in developing and sustaining the network as a community of practice committed to developing a ‘radical’ practice underpinned by theory. In particular, the authors explore how the changing external climate nationally and internationally calls for strategic thinking on the part of educators committed to the values of education for sustainable development and global citizenship, and discuss how capacity may be built in the current era. Finally, the article discusses some of the findings of a United Kingdom-wide survey of education for sustainable development and global citizenship within initial teacher education undertaken on behalf of the network, and the implications of the findings for the best way to move forward.

One of the tasks of the progressive educator … is to unveil opportunities for hope, no matter what the obstacles might be. (Freire, 1994, p. 9)
Embedded Values in Reading Primers: The Perceptions of Student Teachers
Authors: Damber Ulla , Göhl-Muigai Ann-Kristin
Published: March 2012

In contrast to countries where citizenship is taught as a specific subject, Sweden has a curriculum stipulated in the Education Act stating that all school activities must respect fundamental values and that these values should be upheld in all subjects. The values transmitted in reading primers, therefore, constitute an important medium for conveying fundamental values. Twenty-four student teachers working in pairs were given the task of analysing some common reading primers as the object for analysis with the aim of discovering in what way the texts disclosed or embedded values, and how they reflected society's ideals of an individual's moral education. Simultaneously, the students' ability to perform critical analyses was explored through reference to what was interpreted as the ‘ideal citizen’ in such books. The student teachers' findings indicated prototypes of ‘good behaviour’, the predominance of monocultural settings, blurred descriptions revealing an underlying middle-class perspective and conservative gender roles. However, many analyses were based on quantification, absences were not analysed at all and reading methodology frequently overshadowed content. The authors' central conclusion is that text analysis and meaning-making needs further emphasis in Swedish teacher education.
Citizenship Education in New Zealand: We Know ‘What Works' but to What Extent is it Working?
Authors: Mutch Carol
Published: March 2012

Citizenship education appears in the curricula of many nations. The aims of citizenship education are often based on the aspirations of society and supported by research and theory that describes what citizenship education is or should be. Seldom do we find links between these aspirational visions and actual societal outcomes. Citizenship education, in different guises, has been a goal of the New Zealand education system since formal schooling was established in 1877. This article sets out to ask whether this focus has had the intended outcome. The citizenship education goals of the current curriculum are matched against national and international studies that give an insight into what kind of society and what kind of citizens New Zealand has produced. The results show that overall New Zealand is a stable, democratic, safe and fair society but with areas of injustice and inequity still to be addressed.
Why Study Economics? Perspectives from 16–19-Year-Old Students
Authors: Mehta Sanjana , Suto Irenka , Elliott Gill , Rushton Nicky
Published: March 2012

In England and Wales, 16–19-year-old students are given considerable subject choice. Many follow Advanced (or A) level courses in three or four subjects and economics is a popular option. Within a wider study of A level teaching and learning, subject choice was explored. Two questions were considered: (1) Why do students choose to study A level Economics? (2) What skills and knowledge do students expect to gain which will help them when at university or in a job/career? Questionnaires were sent to 16–19-year-old students in a representative sample of 100 schools and colleges following a popular A level Economics course. Eighteen schools and colleges responded, returning 228 questionnaires. Additionally, four students were interviewed in-depth about their experiences. Quantitative analysis revealed that a large majority of students chose A level Economics because they thought they would enjoy it. At least half of the students believed they could gain an understanding of national and international economics which would help them subsequently. Only 15% identified more generic skills, such as decision making, as being of value later in life. The findings offer a useful overview of students' motivations for studying economics in England and Wales.
Gender Differences in Value Systems Expressed by Russian and Swedish University Students
Authors: Damber Ulla , Ivarsson Lena , Bostedt Göran , Shabes Vladimir , Potapova Tamara , Troshchenkova Ekaterina
Published: March 2012

In this study, the authors pinpoint the similarities and differences between students at a Russian university and a Swedish university regarding the students' value systems. What similarities and what differences are there between male Swedish students and male Russian students, and what similarities and what differences are there between the female students in the two countries? The authors' interest was directed towards the gender differences between the two countries. A method employing three phases was developed for analyses of the value systems in the two countries. Students, who, as a category, often challenge existing value systems, were chosen as informants. Student samples from each country, varying in number from 63 to 100 informants, provided data in the three sub-studies. The results indicated that similar national concepts, when translated into English, exposed significant differences in their connotations, a phenomenon which is discussed in relation to implications for intercultural communication. In particular, the concepts of democracy and gender equality are highlighted. Differences and similarities related to gender and nationality constitute the bulk of the discussion. A major finding was that concepts describing close interpersonal relations, such as friendship and love, were cross-nationally rated higher than values more distant from the individual's private world, such as democracy and equal rights.
Behind the Mask: Using Arts-Based Learning to Uncover, Explore and Improve Action
Authors: Hughes Shaun
Published: March 2012

This article reflects on a series of arts-based learning workshops that have enabled participants to reflect on their beliefs, values and purpose. The author argues that this approach, through creating what he has called here a ‘leadership mask’, offers a method of enhancing and deepening understanding through attending to both objective and subjective experience by putting the person in touch with the inner self. The article suggests that working with visual, emotional and aesthetic literacy can enable a fuller understanding and a more effective, authentic and, therefore, ethical leadership style. Achieving congruence between the inner and outer self can improve self-awareness, confidence, efficacy and a willingness to engage and contribute positively both as an individual and as a member of society.
Values and Purposes in Citizenship, Social and Economic Education: From Instrumentalism to Argument
Authors: Gibson Howard
Published: March 2012

This article is intended to contextualise some of the ways in which values and purposes are embedded in facticity, and to provide a backdrop to the collection that follows. The first section examines some of the philosophical and social assumptions that underpin instrumental reasoning, a form that Horkheimer said presupposed ‘the adequacy of procedures for purposes more or less taken for granted and supposedly self-explanatory’. The second section asks if the conceptual separateness of instrumental rationality from its substantive counterpart implies, therefore, a bifurcation of approaches to research that emerge from one or other of the forms of reasoning, and whether this infers a ‘false dichotomy’ between quantitative and qualitative research. The final section turns to the nature of argument that emerges as an epistemological necessity and as an ‘ontological illusion’ when contextualised in unequal social practices. The article concludes by suggesting that argument and engagement about values and purposes may be mandatory in the domain of citizenship, social and economic education, but that running alongside it are counter philosophical and cultural pressures which limit it — the growing predilection for instrumental reasoning, a preference for non-judgementalism, the separation of empirical from normative enquiry and so on, which penetrate deep into many aspects of education policy and practice today.
Education for Global Citizenship: The Cosmopolitan and the Patriotic
Authors: Enslin Penny
Published: March 2012

Education for global citizenship is an ambitious goal. One of its ambitions lies in expectations that future global citizens will make sense of and reconcile complex, competing values and purposes. At the heart of the values and purposes of education for global citizenship lies a tension between a cosmopolitan imperative and what future role — if any — there might be for patriotism. Can both be accommodated in the conceptual underpinnings and the practices of citizenship education, especially in efforts to promote understanding and solidarity between citizens of rich and poor countries? This article considers recent competing arguments for a qualified place for both patriotism and cosmopolitanism. Reflecting on the example of global citizenship education in the Scotland Malawi Partnership, the author proposes an approach to educating for global citizenship that locates the cosmopolitan as educationally fundamental.
Histologic and histomorphometric evaluation of midcarpal joint defects in Thoroughbreds raised with and without early conditioning exercise
Authors: Kim Woong , Kawcak Chris E. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Firth Elwyn C. , Broom Neil D.
Published: March 2012

Objective—To describe and measure histologic features of midcarpal joint cartilage defects in Thoroughbreds and evaluate the influence of early conditioning exercise on defect development.

Sample—24 midcarpal joints from twelve 18-month-old Thoroughbreds.

Procedures—Midcarpal joints from 12 horses (6 exercised spontaneously at pasture only and 6 given additional conditioning exercise beginning at a mean age of 3 weeks were evaluated. Gross cartilage defects were assessed histologically. Third and radial carpal bones were categorized with regard to the presence or absence of calcified cartilage (CC) abnormalities at the dorsoproximal and dorsodistal articular surfaces, respectively; histomorphometric assessment and statistical analysis were conducted for the third carpal bone.

Results—Number and severity of defects did not appear different between exercise groups. Nine third or radial carpal bones had thickened CC with microcracks, matrix and osteochondral junction changes, and increased vascularity, without histologic changes in the hyaline cartilage. Third carpal bones with CC abnormalities had significantly thicker CC (452 vs 228 μm) than did those without CC abnormalities in the evaluated region. However, in the same region, there were no significant differences in hyaline cartilage thickness (681 vs 603 μm), vascular channel area in the subchondral bone (624,894 vs 490,320 μm2), or number of vascular channels (15.9 vs 18.0).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Early exercise did not appear to influence the distribution or severity of cartilage defects in the midcarpal joint. Calcified cartilage abnormalities beneath the undisrupted hyaline cartilage in the dorsoproximal aspect of the third carpal bone may represent the first changes in the pathogenesis of midcarpal osteochondral disease.
Evaluation of the onset of protection induced by a modified-live virus vaccine in calves challenge inoculated with type 1b bovine viral diarrhea virus
Authors: Palomares Roberto A. , Givens M. Daniel , Wright James C. , Walz Paul H. , Brock Kenny V.
Published: March 2012

Objective—To evaluate onset of protection induced by modified-live virus (MLV) bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) vaccine administered 7, 5, or 3 days before inoculation with type 1b BVDV (strain NY-1).

Animals—40 calves.

Procedures—Calves were assigned to 4 groups: an unvaccinated control group or groups vaccinated with MLV vaccine containing BVDV types 1a and 2 at 7, 5, or 3 days, before inoculation with NY-1 BVDV. Blood samples were collected for leukocyte counts, serum virus neutralization, and virus isolation (VI); nasal swab specimens (NSSs) were obtained for VI, and rectal temperatures were monitored for 14 days after inoculation.

Results—No significant differences in leukocyte counts or rectal temperatures were detected after BVDV inoculation in vaccinated calves. Vaccinated calves had reduced viremia and viral shedding after inoculation, compared with results for unvaccinated calves. On day 5 after inoculation, a higher proportion of calves vaccinated 3 days before inoculation had positive VI from NSSs, compared with NSS VI results for calves vaccinated 5 and 7 days before inoculation. Unvaccinated calves had leukopenia on days 3, 5, and 6 and had higher rectal temperatures on days 7 and 8 after inoculation, compared with temperatures before inoculation. All unvaccinated calves had ≥ 1 positive VI result from NSSs 3 to 11 days after inoculation, and 4 became viremic.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—MLV BVDV vaccine prevented fever, viremia, and leukopenia in calves challenge inoculated with NY-1 BVDV. A high proportion of calves vaccinated 3 days before inoculation shed BVDV after inoculation.
Cytotoxic Effects of Imidazolium Ionic Liquids on Fish and Human Cell Lines
Authors: Cvjetko Marina , Radošević Kristina , Tomica Andrej , Slivac Igor , Vorkapić-Furač Jasna , Srček Višnja
Published: March 2012

Cytotoxic Effects of Imidazolium Ionic Liquids on Fish and Human Cell Lines

Ionic liquids bring a promise of a wide range of "green" applications that could replace conventional volatile solvents. However, before these applications become large-scale, their toxicity needs to be investigated in order to predict the impact on human health and environment. In this study we assessed the cytotoxicity of imidazolium ionic liquids (in the concentrations between 0.1 mmol L-1 and 10 mmol L-1) in the ovarian fish cell line CCO and the human tumour cell line HeLa using the MTT cell viability assay. Our results showed that the most cytotoxic ionic liquid was 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoro methylsulphonyl)imide, [BMIM][Tf2N], followed by 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [BMIM][BF4], 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [BMIM][PF6], and 1,3-dimethylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [MMIM][PF6]. Generally, the effects were concentration-dependent. They also depended on the type of anion and the n-alkyl chain length. The comparison between the fish CCO and human HeLa cell lines suggests that CCO cells provide a good biological system for initial toxicity testing of ionic liquids that could replace in vivo bioassays.
The Role of Interferon-gamma Release Assay in Tuberculosis Control
Authors: Jurčev-Savičević Anamarija , Katalinić-Janković Vera , Miše Kornelija , Gudelj Ivan
Published: March 2012

The Role of Interferon-gamma Release Assay in Tuberculosis Control

Tuberculosis is still one of the major global public health threats. Countries with low incidence must focus on exhausting the reservoir of future cases by preventing reactivation. Therefore, it is important to identify and effectively treat those individuals who have latent tuberculosis infection and who may develop active disease. The tuberculin skin test has been the standard for detection of immune response against M. tuberculosis since the beginning of the 20th century. The new millennium has brought advancement in the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection. The name of the new blood test is interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). Croatia is a middle-incidence country with a long decreasing trend and developed tuberculosis control. To reach low incidence and finally eliminate tuberculosis, its tuberculosis programme needs a more aggressive approach that would include intensive contact investigation and treatment of persons with latent tuberculosis infection. This article discusses the current uses of IGRA and its role in tuberculosis control.
Allergens from Fusarium solani Identified by Immunoblotting in Asthma Patients In Iran
Authors: Khosravi Ali , Fatahinia Mahnaz , Shokri Hojjatollah , Yadegari Mohammad
Published: March 2012

Allergens from Fusarium solani Identified by Immunoblotting in Asthma Patients In Iran

We extracted Fusarium solani antigens to evaluate specific anti-F. solani IgE in fifty-one patients with asthma (33 men and 18 women) and in 22 non-atopic healthy subjects (15 men and 7 women). F. solani strains were cultured in Sabouraud glucose agar and subjected to cell disruption using the freeze-and-thaw method. The obtained cytoplasmic extracts were analysed using sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Sensitisation to F. solani antigens has been evaluated in asthmatic patients using the immunoblotting assay. The SDS-PAGE identified 29 protein bands in the cytoplasmic extracts of F. solani isolates, with molecular weights ranging from 24 kDa to 112 kDa. Immunoblotting detected specific anti-F. solani IgE antibody in all asthma patients, but not in the control group. The predominant reactive allergens in patients corresponded to the bands with molecular weights of 24 kDa, 58.5 kDa, 64.5 kDa, 69 kDa, 72 kDa, and 97 kDa. Our results suggest that various allergenic components of F. solani may produce symptoms of asthma in susceptible individuals and they call for further research.
Boat Pressure Washing Wastewater Treatment with Calcium Oxide and/or Ferric Chloride
Authors: Oreščanin Višnja , Kollar Robert , Nađ Karlo , Mikelić Ivanka , Mikulić Nenad
Published: March 2012

Boat Pressure Washing Wastewater Treatment with Calcium Oxide and/or Ferric Chloride

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of (1) chemical precipitation by calcium oxide, (2) coagulation/flocculation by ferric chloride (FC), and (3) the combination these two methods in reducing the toxicity of wastewater generated by boat pressure washing. All three methods gave satisfactory results in the removal of colour, turbidity, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Pb. The concentrations of heavy metals were lowered below national limits with 1 g of CaO, 2.54 mg of Fe3+ in the form of FeCl3x6H2O, and the combination of 0.25 g of CaO and 5.08 mg of Fe3+ per 50 mL of wastewater. Both CaO (1.50 g per 50 mL of wastewater) and FC proved efficient, but their combination yielded a significantly better performance: 99.41 %, 100.00 %, 97.87 %, 99.09 %, 99.90 %, 99.46 % and 98.33 % for colour, turbidity, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Pb respectively. For colour, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Pb removal efficiencies increased in the following order: FC<CaO<CaO+FC, while this order for turbidity and Fe was as follows: CaO<FC<CaO+FC. As expected, all three methods increased the concentration of total dissolved solids in the final effluent. Our results suggest that the combined treatment of marina wastewaters with calcium oxide followed by ferric chloride is efficient, cost-effective, and user-friendly.
Response surface optimization for efficient dye removal by isolated strain Pseudomonas sp.
Authors: Senthilkumar Shanmugam , Perumalsamy Muthiah , Prabhuy Harinarayan , AhmedBasha Chiya , Anantharaman Narayan
Published: March 2012

Response surface methodology (RSM) involving the central composite design (CCD) was employed to optimize three important process variables for the decolourization of synthetic dye solutions containing Remazol Turquoise Blue (RTB) and Reactive Black 5 (RB5) with isolated bacterial strain Pseudomonas sp. The interaction between three variables i.e. Initial concentration of dye, carbon source and nitrogen source were studied and modeled. According to the Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results the predicted results were found to be in good agreement with experimental results (R
2: 0.9726; Adj R
2: 0.9480 for RTB and R
2: 0.9789; Adj R
2: 0.9750 for RB5) which indicated excellent evaluation of experimental data from the second order polynomial regression model. Mathematical models were developed by the proposed system, for each process variable showed the effect of each factor and their interactions on biodecolourization process. The optimum concentrations of Dye, Carbon source, and Nitrogen source were found to be 20 mgL−1, 1.5 g/L and 1.5 g/L, respectively for RTB and RB5 to obtain maximum dye removing capacity. Predicted values were validated with experimental results, which indicated appropriateness of the employed model and the success of RSM.
Beam forming in smart antenna with improved gain and suppressed interference using genetic algorithm
Authors: Ghouse Basha T. , Giri Prasad M. , Sridevi P.
Published: March 2012

The most imperative process in smart antenna system is beam forming, which changes the beam pattern of an antenna for a particular angle. If the antenna does not change the position for the specified angle, then the signal loss will be very high. By considering the aforesaid drawback, here a new genetic algorithm based technique for beam forming in smart antenna system is proposed. In the proposed technique, if the angle is given as input, the maximum signal gain in the beam pattern of the antenna with corresponding position and phase angle is obtained as output. The length of the beam, interference, phase angle, and the number of patterns are the factors that are considered in our proposed technique. By using this technique, the gain of the system gets increased as well as the interference is reduced considerably. The implementation result exhibits the efficiency of the system in beam forming.
Strengthening Alternative Agro-food Networks in the Eastern European Countryside
Authors: Goszczyński Wojciech , Knieć Wojciech
Published: March 2012

Strengthening Alternative Agro-food Networks in the Eastern European Countryside

This paper will answer the question raised by the ongoing debate on the conditions of Alternative Agro-Food Networks (AAFN) strengthened in the specific context of different European countries. Modern, sustainable local food systems are built on the basis of social networks which linked different actors into a coherent, horizontal web. Producers, processors and consumers are bonded by a common vision and values which go far beyond simple market production. The issue of sustainable food production and consumption gains special importance in the post-transformation countries of Eastern Europe.
Institutional Transformation in the Agricultural Sector of the former Soviet Bloc
Authors: Visser Oane , Schoenmaker Lotte
Published: March 2012

Institutional Transformation in the Agricultural Sector of the former Soviet Bloc

This article discusses popular explanations for the demise of farm enterprises in Mongolia, such as: reduced state funding, corrupt and self-interested rural elites, and the (supposed) drastic central privatisation policy. It argues that these factors are insufficient to explain the collectives' demise, as they are largely true also for Russia, where no widespread break-up of farm enterprises took place. Farm enterprises in Russia, despite financial difficulties, show remarkable resilience as large-scale units. A tendency which can be observed in general, as well as in most of the regions bordering Mongolia with a similar type of (semi) - pastoralist livestock farming, Therefore, this article takes a look at the level of the Mongolian farm enterprise, and considers the socio-economic specifics of these enterprises to discover the incentives for employees and managers to disband (or leave) these enterprises. In doing so it pays attention to formal structures and informal social structures related to property and production, within a tentative comparison with Russia.
The Tourist Potential of Rural Areas in Poland
Authors: Baum Sabine
Published: March 2012

The Tourist Potential of Rural Areas in Poland

This paper critically examines the role tourism can play in the stabilisation and diversification of rural areas using the example of Poland. Based on the literature and statistical data, the past development and current state of rural tourism in Poland is analysed. Then an analytical framework based on Porter (1990) is developed to assess the future tourist potential of Polish rural areas and identify barriers and chances of tourist development. The analysis revealed that the future tourist potential of rural areas in Poland is limited and often overestimated. Considerable deficits on the supply side and poor financial resources are combined with a limited and recently shrinking demand. The economic significance of tourism in most rural areas outside of the traditional tourist destinations has so far been marginal. Rural tourism in Poland can grow on a small scale and in niche markets requiring: 1) sound market research at national level, 2) regional tourism strategies based on an analysis of the seven depicted success factors, 3) organisations and intersectoral partnerships at regional level, and 4) a high level of interest and initiative of the local population to develop creative ideas for supply ‘bundles’ and to overcome the numerous barriers. Rural tourism is not a panacea for the structural problems of rural areas in Poland. The majority of regions - particularly outside of the traditional tourist destinations and far from big cities - will have to base their diversification on more pillars than tourism.
Description of Preadult Stages (Protonymphs and Deutonymphs) of Discourella Radnaensis (Willman, 1941) Species (Acarina: Anactinotrichida: Uropodina)
Authors: Constantinescu Ioana
Published: March 2012

Description of Preadult Stages (Protonymphs and Deutonymphs) of Discourella Radnaensis (Willman, 1941) Species (Acarina: Anactinotrichida: Uropodina)

Discourella radnaensis species was described by Willmann from Slovenia, Radna city in 1941, the holotype being female. Since then, the species has not been collected, probably because Uropodina faunal studies in the Balkans were very few. Acarologic material was collected in Serbia, Djerdap National Park, Mount Veliki Strbac (768 m altitude), from litter of mixed deciduous forest and the bark of the decomposing trunk of deciduous trees. In addition to a female, individual protonymphs and deutonymphs were collected. Discourella radnaensis species is thus recorded for the first time in the fauna of Serbia, and pre-adult stages (protonymphs and deutonymphs) are described for the first time in literature.