bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpretation of Laboratory PVT Analysis Result a Case Study of a Niger Delta Field
Authors: Nnabuo Nnaemeka Nnamdi , Okafor Ikechukwu Stanley , Ubani Chikwendu Ebenezer
Published: July 2014

Laboratory PVT Analysis involves the study of reservoir fluid samples by simulating the fluid flow of oil and gas from the reservoir to the surface, in a laboratory, under various conditions of pressures, volumes and temperatures. The correct interpretation of laboratory PVT analysis results is essential for effective and efficient reservoir engineering studies. The interpretation can be used to classify the reservoir fluid and to assess the quality of PVT data obtained. High quality PVT data will reduce uncertainty in reservoir fluid properties, provide a sound foundation for reservoir engineering studies/judgement, and improve investment efficiency. Poor quality data will however result in lost time due to rework and additional studies, poor development plans, and inefficient investment. This paper presents the classification and quality assessment of the results obtained from the laboratory analysis of a reservoir fluid from a Niger Delta oil field. The classification was done on the basis of the field and laboratory analysis of the PVT results obtained. Quality assessment of the non-compositional and compositional data, were carried out through graphical techniques, material balance tests and Hoffman plots. From the study, it was discovered through the analysis of the obtained PVT results that the reservoir fluid is light black oil.
Determination of Average Reservoir Pressure from Constant-Rate Drawdown Tests
Authors: Mohammed S. , Enty G. S. , Amarfio E. M.
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a method that can be used to analyze constant-rate drawdown tests to determine average reservoir pressure as a function of flowing time. The proposed method couples the pseudosteady state equation with its integral function to yield a unique plotting function that results in a zero slope (i.e., a constant value on the ordinate), which, based on the definition of stabilized flow equation, is equivalent to the difference between the average reservoir pressure and the bottom-hole flowing pressure. The average reservoir pressure history is, thus, obtained since the bottom-hole flowing pressure profile is known.

As opposed to derivatives, the proposed approach yields smooth data; and is very diagnostic on the cartesian plot. Extension to gas wells is also considered.

The significant contribution of this paper is that average reservoir pressure profile can directly be estimated using constant-rate drawdown test. Also, our proposed approach is based on a sound theoretical background. We demonstrate the validity of the proposed method with simulated and field data that are already published in the literature.
Environmental and Health Impacts of Nanoparticles Application in Our Oil Industry
Authors: Amarfio Eric Mensah , Mohammed Shaibu
Published: July 2014

This study seeks to bring to the forefront among many other publications, the pernicious and inconspicuous hazards that the unguarded application of nanoparticles or nanotechnology may pose to the environment, as well as, the health of both humans and animals. The environmental and health implications of this new transcending technology differs not in many field where this technology is applied, but this work narrows down most of these identified risks in our oil and gas fields as an area of major concentration for this work. As part of the major work of resolving the emulsion problems in the oil and gas field using engineered nanoparticles, this paper analyses the risk and the reliable safety measures that must be followed from production to the application of the nanoparticles in the oil field as well as the disposal of the spent nanoparticles. This work is not only to increase the awareness of the health and environmental risks associated with the production and application of nanoparticles, but more also we showed in this work, the great benefits and the future impact of this technology as we produce and apply the nanoparticle under the proposed safe measures that we have described in this paper.
Application of the Yield Energy Approach to Prediction of Sand Debris Production in Reservoir Sandstones
Authors: Lamorde Mustapha , Somerville Jim M. , Hamilton Sally A.
Published: July 2014

A novel methodology of predicting sand debris production based on the yield zone and fracture energy dissipation of experimentally produced shear fractures, created under various triaxial stress states, is presented. This technique involves determination of the lateral extent of the failed rock around a wellbore, quantifying the energy available for fracturing and applying experimentally determined comminution constants to estimate the volume and mass of debris created. In more brittle and competent rocks, grains are deformed elastically with increasing stress, storing strain energy in the process. During failure, the stored strain energy is released as heat energy, seismic energy and also in the context of sand production as comminution of grains into debris.

The proportion of energy which accounts for the generated debris is estimated from the ratio of the energy dissipated in the creation of debris (EA) to the fracture surface energy (GIIC) required for the extension of the failure surface. The fracture surface energy (GIIC) is determined from the shear stress on the failure surface and the slip along it (slip weakening curve) generated during triaxial tests. The debris will be accumulated between the failure surfaces and may be available for sand production. This technique is used to determine the propensity of sand production of several reservoir sandstones.
Probabilistic Material Balance: Application in Green Field Development Planning
Authors: Shittu Hammed , Kemelayefa Ejeru , Emeka Ejika
Published: July 2014

The authors have used this paper to demonstrate how material balance was applied in field development planning for a green gas field. In this work, we have used one of the reservoirs as case study.

Deterministic tank model was initially built for the reservoir using MBAL™. Petrophysical properties, aquifer parameters and relative permeability data were all added into the model. Well flow models were generated using PROSPER™ and then imported into MBAL™. Facility constraints were imposed, and deterministic prediction run was performed.

Key impacting parameters on the recovery factor were assessed, and corresponding ranges were estimated for each. A probabilistic prediction workflow was developed and applied to the deterministic model. This uses experimental design to generate multiple runs with the aid of OpenServer™. Response/proxy function for gas recovery was then generated and tested for consistency with "observed" data.

Multiple Monte Carlo runs were then done using Crystal ball, and the 10th, 50th and 90th percentiles were extracted. The corresponding parameters for these respective percentiles were then tested in MBAL™ to check for reliability. Finally, all reservoirs were rolled-up using GAP™, and the recovery factors were checked for consistency with MBAL™.

The recovery factors (P10, P50 and P90) from the probabilistic material balance work were then compared with results from grid-based simulation work done on the reservoir. The figures were further compared with estimates from local and global analogues, as well as analysis done by a third-party.

Results from the MBAL™ work compared reasonably with recovery factors from the other methods.

Probabilistic material balance approach helps to remove bias/anchoring while estimating a range of outcomes for recovery factor. It also gives reasonable estimates, as demonstrated by the closeness of results with other methods. However, it is not a replacement especially for the grid-based simulation, but should rather be a complement.

The methodology has been successfully applied to other gas fields and reliable results were also obtained. The work was equally adapted to more complex systems as multi-tank models.
Production Profile Analysis: A Case Study of Well-Y in Niger Delta
Authors: Animashaun M. B. , Abrakasa Selegha
Published: July 2014

Nigeria has abundant hydrocarbon reserves. This work is aimed at reviewing the production profile of an existing Well-Y in Niger-Delta and simulating the process using Petroleum Experts IPM 7.0 software (precisely MBAL) with Microsoft office excel 2007. For the case study, the pressure, PVT and production data at Niger-Delta are used. From the production history table, the reservoir pressure is continuously above the bubble point pressure, 2200 psig. The producing Gas-Oil Ratio (GOR) is estimated to be the solution GOR, 500 SCF/STB. Hence, the data is consistent with the PVT, since there is no free gas. Based on the response of the Campbell plot, the presence of an aquifer as a source of energy is very likely. Therefore Hurst-van Everdingen-Modified model is used as the aquifer model. The energy plot shows that the dominant drive mechanism is the water drive. From the decline curve analysis, it is observed that the decline curve type is hyperbolic with the smallest standard deviation of 0.0200079 STB/day and exponent of 1.24149. The results demonstrate that the approach is suitable for decline curve fitting and offers a new insight in decline curve analysis in the presence of unusual observations. This study is useful for the unconventional fields. It is deduced that the thickness of the reservoir is high enough and the point of perforation is far from the Oil-water Contact (OWC) to the extent that the water produced is negligible compare to the oil production. Hence, water encroachment is not considered for the economic limit. The economic limit is estimated to be 191.60bbl/day theoretically but in practical sense, no company in Nigeria would produce at that rate. Based on the prediction plot, it is recommended that the production should continue till at least 01/01/2015 because the reservoir pressure is still sufficiently high.
Improving Production Performance by Coupling Power Water Injection and Gas Lift in Pressure-Depleted Gas-Cap Reservoirs
Authors: Odumboni Idowu , Basu Subhayu
Published: July 2014

Improving production and ultimate recovery (UR) from pressure-depleted reservoirs overlain with gas-cap poses considerable risks and challenges that include complex structure, uncertainties in current reservoir fluid distribution and insufficient reservoir energy to produce formation fluids. Both gas cap expansion and solution gas liberation, as a result of decline in static pressure, causes the GOC to migrate downstructure. In addition, the extent and uniformity of OWC movement upstructure would depend on aquifer strength, heterogeneity and mobility ratio at the depleted insitu conditions. Unfavourable mobility ratio further escalates the uncertainty in saturation distribution from the standpoint of determining optimum infill wells locations. The paper will review the case history of two formations in OML-XYZ where declining trend in production performance was reversed by combining power water injection (PWI), gas lift (GL) and optimum placement of infill wells that maximises production and UR. Downhole pressure recordings have demonstrated continuous and steady rise in reservoir pressure since commencement of PWI that has translated to higher oil production. Well surveillance reveals positive response to PWI and GL from decreasing GOR, stable or increasing FTHP. In addition, infill wells are planned to recover reserves that would be bypassed by existing producers even after providing pressure support and continuous GL gas supply. The paper will present steps taken to mitigate the risks stemming from complex structure and uncertainty in current fluid distribution.
Kv/Kh in Heterogeneous Reservoirs of a Brown Field of the Niger Delta of Nigeria – Valuable Uncertain Parameter for Assisted History Matching
Authors: Campero Manuel F , Nwonodi Chike , Onwuchekwa Chukwuma , Eke Kenneth , Adenaiye Olaniyi , Igogo Arit , Adekoya Oluwaseyi , Ebere Anosike
Published: July 2014

It is commonly practice in reservoir modelling to use constant kv/kh values to define vertical permeability in numerical reservoir models. This is often in response to paucity of core data and need to reduce simulation run time. That traditional approach works fine in fairly homogeneous reservoirs; however, in reservoirs with heterogeneity, due to more complex depositional environment like shallow marine deposits, it is not necessarily a good practice to assume single averaged kv/kh values to represent vertical connectivity for such reservoirs.

This paper highlights the importance of understanding reservoirs' vertical connectivity by properly defining kv/kh as a function of lithofacies and evaluating its impact on history match and prediction outcomes on one case study for a heterogeneous brown field reservoir with complex depositional environment in the Niger Delta. Core data, wellsite cuttings data along with available production, and pressure data were used to calibrate the petrophysical and numerical dynamic models. The study also considers substantially a multi-disciplinary approach to uncertainty management, using Experimental Design (ED) methods to understand and validate kv/kh ranges as a function of lithofacies.

This methodology was successfully implemented across several oil reservoirs (D2000-D7000 EXHJK) in a recently concluded field project in the Niger delta of Nigeria. As an example, this paper discusses the results, and recommendations for one reservoir (D5000X) selected out of this project study. The main objective from this project is the importance of understanding vertical connectivity in a complex reservoir by capturing heterogeneity and major geological features in the integrated 3D dynamic model aiming to achieve acceptable history match at reservoir level, but also more importantly on a well-by-well basis. The robustness of the integrated dynamic model provided higher level of confidence for prediction, and resulted with increased certainty for the forecasts by a factor of 3 (reduced solution space) after implementing variable kv/kh as function of facies.
Nigerian Content Development in the Oil and Gas Industry – Exploring the Spectrum of Assertive and Encouraging Modes of Implementation
Authors: Sunday Olusuyi Awe
Published: July 2014

Application of local content policies and legislation in different aspects of the economy is driven by the desire of governments to create value addition in local economy. Significant among the benefits of the implementation of Local content requirements in the petroleum industry is the enhancement of indigenous companies' participation in the lucrative oil and gas business which used to be exclusive to few multinational companies.

Beyond this immediate benefit of indigenous companies' participation as suppliers are other numerous opportunities such as domestication of technology, development of human capital and reduction in capital flight amongst others. A review of implementation of local content policies in various oil producing countries has shown that only few countries like Norway, Brazil and Malaysia have been able to achieve the full benefits of local content development implementation in all spectrum of the business with attendant spillover effect in the economy. Some other countries like Indonesia have not been able to achieve the full benefits despite decades of implementation of local content policies in the oil and gas industry.

It is therefore critical to identify factors that made some countries to outstandingly succeed and why others have found it difficult to achieve desired result. This paper is a report of the research that was done on the evaluation of Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act performance in the drilling sector of the petroleum industry since the draft legislation was conceived in 2001. It highlights areas of good performance and proposes strategies that will boost the realization of the full range of benefits obtainable through local content policies.
An Integrated Approach to Understanding Wellbore Stability in Faulted and Depleted Sands While Drilling Challenging XYZ Well Niger Delta
Authors: Bassey Akong , Dosunmu Adewale , Otutu Friday
Published: July 2014

In planning or upfront engineering of well XYZ, it was found that the geology and structure was complex with multiple sheets of over thrust faults and highly dipping beds. Some of the faults were associated with highly laminated shale intervals which was one of the major challenge recorded while drilling previous wells. Therefore, a comprehensive study was performed using several offset well data to predict instability across the three depleted sands (W4009, W5000 and W5001) that posses major challenges while drilling four previous wells. Proactive and analytical tasks were undertaken to circumvent anticipated drilling problems while drilling well XYZ in Niger Delta (some of this drilling problems ranges from major tight spots to stuck strings due to sub-optimal geomechanical evaluations). Additionally, a fault stability analysis was carried on, to ascertain the integrity of the traversed fault zones within the base of W5001 sand. In-view of wellbore and fault stability analysis, and considering offset wells drilling events, a drilling strategy was mapped taking into consideration all the risks, mitigations, and prevention of possible drilling problems with the best mudweight and trajectory design recommendation. Hence, maintaining a stable wellbore and considering the implication of in-situ stress variation, a mechanical earth model (MEM) was developed to handle all the geomechanical issues that might pose during drilling, POOH, casing running and cementing of recent XYZ well. In accessing the dangers posed while drilling through previous faulted depleted sand intervals, estimation of critical parameters that has to do with shear strength of the fault, ROP, hydraulics, pore pressures and insitu stresses at current conditions were modeled. For this reason, the faults were typically assumed as open faults during the fault stability analysis as being done by (Barton and Zoback 2000) in their previous studies.

Finally, in maintaining stability while drilling through these sands, four different tracking procedures were taken into consideration to enhance integrity while drilling, POOH, casing running and cementing. This includes; Track 1 – building a 3D mechanical earth model/fault reactivation advisor, Track 2 – accessing the frictional interplay and shear strength criteria for the sands, Track 3 – Pore pressure estimation within the healed/open faults and depleted intervals in the field, and Track 4 – safe mudweight window/wellbore stability identification.

Putting all these scenarios together helps in drilling well XYZ Niger Delta safer compared to previous wells earlier drilled within the same foothills, this helps in minimizes drilling challenges and major NPT's posed by wellbore instability.
Implementation of a Streamlined and Integrated National Gas Infrastructure Surveillance Platform: From Reserves Booking to Spatial Visualization of Gas Assets for Regulatory Monitoring Purpose
Authors: Osaretin Greg Idele
Published: July 2014

Proactive and continuous monitoring of all aspect of gas utilization and infrastructure by each operator is critical to the task of providing appropriate regulatory oversight and custodianship of the national gas assets of a country by the regulatory body.

The justification for such monitoring ranges from the need to always keep track of the changes in the gas reserves volumes as reported by the operators while production is ongoing to the need to visualize the flow of gas to the national power stations from the different gas fields via gas pipelines.

The scale of data generated by the operator's gas operations coupled with the extent of geographically dispersed gas facilities makes manual monitoring to be impracticable.

This paper presents the system implemented for a gas regulator that automates the entire process of gas monitoring for all operators in a GIS and web enabled platform. At the base, this system provides the capability for all gas related data for all operators to be modeled and captured in a master gas data store. Gas workflows like reserves booking is then built on top of the base system. The reserve booking workflow enables the tracking of opening and closing gas reserves values due to ongoing production activities, revisions, discoveries, redeterminations, extensions, reclassifications, etc… All these information in addition to gas facilities information are then visualized in a web-based GIS interface.
Integrated Production Forecasting for Business Planning
Authors: Peter Obidike , Chima Emelle , Rene Vlaardingerbroek
Published: July 2014

Field development planning activities depend on realistic oil and gas production forecasts which are a key input to project economics and subsequently influence business decisions. Several tools and approaches to the generation of these production forecasts exists ranging from simple spreadsheets to complex 3D reservoir models hooked up to surface network models in an integrated production system approach. In large Asset based International Oil Companies, with thousands of wells and reservoirs underpinning different projects at different stages of field development, limited resources including funding, processing and evacuation facilities, there arises a need to have an integrated company production forecast that ties the individual projects production forecasts together while honoring identified constraints and obligations such as gas contracts. This paper explains the strategy in meeting the above objective of achieving an integrated hydrocarbon production forecast to support business planning decisions.
Accessing Spelt Gene Pool to Develop Well‐Adapted Zinc‐ and Iron‐Rich Bread Wheat
Authors: Srinivasa Jayasudha , Arun Balasubramaniam , Mishra Vinod Kumar , Chand Ramesh , Sharma Deepak , Bhardwaj Subhash Chander , Joshi Arun Kumar
Published: July 2014

Breeding for higher Zn and Fe content in the wheat grain can be justified in the context of malnutrition. This breeding study set out to gauge the potential of crosses between spelt (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta) and bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell) for enhancing the Zn and Fe content of wheat cultivars adapted to the northeastern plains zone (NEPZ) of India. BC1F8 populations were developed from two spelt × bread wheat combinations: H+ 35 × HUW 468 and H+ 15 × HUW 234. Their performance was evaluated at three locations in NEPZ. Around four genes were found to control inheritance of grain Zn concentration. Grain Zn and Fe concentration varied among the lines, as did other yield‐related traits. Significant positive correlations were recorded between the grain content of Zn, Fe, and protein, but also negative correlations between them and the important agronomic characteristics plant height, grain yield, and thousand grain weight (TGW). Some of the derived lines showed increased mineral concentration without any decrease in grain size. The best ten selections in each population were all significantly superior to their respective bread wheat parent with respect to grain Zn and Fe content as well as some of the agronomic traits, which included resistance to spot blotch, stem rust, and leaf rust.
Thermal hydrolysis of waste activated sludge at Hengelo Wastewater Treatment Plant, The Netherlands
Authors: Oosterhuis Mathijs , Ringoot Davy , Hendriks Alexander , Roeleveld Paul
Published: July 2014

The thermal hydrolysis process (THP) is a sludge treatment technique which affects anaerobic biodegradability, viscosity and dewaterability of waste activated sludge (WAS). In 2011 a THP-pilot plant was operated, connected to laboratory-scale digesters, at the water board Regge en Dinkel and in cooperation with Cambi A.S. and MWH Global. Thermal hydrolysis of WAS resulted in a 62% greater volatile solids (VS) reduction compared to non-hydrolysed sludge. Furthermore, the pilot digesters could be operated at a 2.3 times higher solids loading rate compared to conventional sludge digesters. By application of thermal sludge hydrolysis, the overall efficiency of the sludge treatment process can be improved.
Comparison of sludge treatment by O3 and O3/H2O2
Authors: Yuxin Zhao , Liang Wang , Helong Yu , Baojun Jiang , Jinming Jiang
Published: July 2014

This work focuses on the comparison of sludge decomposition caused by ozone (O3) alone and by ozone/hydrogen peroxide (O3/H2O2). The content of carbonaceous organic materials, nitrogenous compounds and phosphoric substances in sludge supernatant were measured. The release of soluble chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) caused by O3/H2O2 treatment were more than by O3 alone. As a result, it can be concluded that the efficiency of sludge breakup in O3/H2O2 was better than that in O3 alone. However, a peak appeared in both systems for the biodegradable substances such as carbohydrate. Carbohydrate could be used as the carbon source for denitrification, and the releasing of TN and TP may become an additional burden for a subsequent biological system. So, it was of benefit for the enhancement of cryptic growth and cost reduction by raising and maintaining the content of biodegradable substance and reducing the concentrations of the nitrogenous and phosphoric substances as far as possible. Therefore, sludge treated by O3/H2O2 with lower O3 dose would be more suitable than O3 alone.
Removal of methylene blue, a basic dye, from aqueous solutions using nano-zerovalent iron
Authors: Arabi Simin , Sohrabi Mahmoud Reza
Published: July 2014

In this research, the preparation of nanoparticles of Fe0 (nano-zerovalent iron, NZVI) as adsorbent is discussed and the capability of adsorbing methylene blue (MB) is studied. The morphology of the adsorbent was evaluated with transmission electron microscopy. Batch studies were performed to delineate the influence of various experimental parameters such as pH, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, temperature and contact time. Optimum conditions for MB removal were found to be pH 9.5, adsorbent dosage of 0.5 g L−1 and equilibrium time of 1 min. The experimental equilibrium data were adjusted by the adsorption isotherms from Langmuir and Freundlich models, and their equilibrium parameters were determined. The adsorption of MB dye by NZVI obeyed both the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption capacity of NZVI for MB in terms of monolayer adsorption was 208.33 mg g−1.
Study of constructed wetlands effluent disinfected with ozone
Authors: Miranda N. D. , Oliveira E. L. , Silva G. H. R.
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this research was to study the disinfection of sanitary effluent from constructed wetlands, evaluating the oxidation of organic matter, the formation of formaldehyde, as well as the efficiency of total coliforms and Escherichia coli inactivation. A constant flow of ozone was applied to the batch system in 5 and 10 mg.O3 L−1 doses with contact times of 5 and 10 min. This study revealed that the average values of formaldehyde formation ranged between 259.00 and 379.00 μg L−1, which means that the values are within World Health Organization recommended values. The total coliforms and E. coli showed complete inactivation in almost all tests. The dose of ozone 5 mg.O3 L−1 and contact time of 5 min were sufficient for a significant reduction of the concentration levels of pathogens in constructed wetlands effluent with similar characteristics, thus allowing for its agricultural reuse.
Ultrasonic degradation of 1-H-benzotriazole in water
Authors: Zúñiga-Benítez Henry , Soltan Jafar , Peñuela Gustavo
Published: July 2014

This paper reports on the effect of different parameters of ultrasonic power, pollutant initial concentration, pH and the presence of co-existing chemical species (oxygen, nitrogen, ozone, and radical scavengers) on the ultrasonic degradation of the endocrine disruptor 1-H-benzotriazole. Increasing the 1-H-benzotriazole initial concentration from 41.97 to 167.88 μM increased the pollutant degradation rate by 40%. Likewise, a high applied ultrasonic power enhanced the extent of 1-H-benzotriazole removal and its initial degradation rate, which was accelerated in the presence of ozone and oxygen, but inhibited by nitrogen. The most favorable pH for the ultrasonic degradation was acidic media, reaching ∼90% pollutant removal in 2 h. The hydroxyl free radical concentration in the reaction medium was proportional to the ultrasound power and the irradiation time. Kinetic models based on a Langmuir-type mechanism were used to predict the pollutant sonochemical degradation. It was concluded that degradation takes place at both the bubble–liquid interfacial region and in the bulk solution, and OH radicals were the main species responsible for the reaction. Hydroxyl free radicals were generated by water pyrolysis and then diffused into the interfacial region and the bulk solution where most of the solute molecules were present.
The regularity of wind-induced sediment resuspension in Meiliang Bay of Lake Taihu
Authors: Wang Jianjian , Pang Yong , Li Yiping , Huang Yawen , Jia Junjie , Zhang Peng , Kou Xiaopeng
Published: July 2014

Contaminants released by wind-induced sediment resuspension could influence the water quality in shallow lakes. This study aims to reveal the quantitative relationship between wind speed (v) and sediment resuspension rate (r) in Meiliang Bay of Lake Taihu. The study was conducted in three steps. First, the in situ wind speed and current velocity were measured over a period of 2 days in Meiliang Bay to establish the relationship between wind and hydrodynamic conditions; second, an indoor experiment was conducted in a cylindrical simulator with sediment from the study area to determine sediment resuspension rates under different hydrodynamic conditions; and third, linkages between sediment resuspension and wind were determined. The average sediment resuspension rate was highly correlated with the wind speed (R2 = 0.99), and was expressed by r = 20.72v2.034 at wind speeds in the range of 0–14 m/s. The critical wind speed for sediment resuspension is about 7 m/s. Under these conditions, the average resuspension rate could reach 1,000 g/(m2d), with a total phosphorus release rate of 1.1 g/(m2d) and a total nitrogen release rate of 18.1 g/(m2d).
Rapid exploration of cost-performance tradeoffs using dominance effect during design of hardware accelerators
Authors: Sedaghat Reza , Sengupta Anirban
Published: July 2014

Modern Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) designs require a tradeoff between
cost efficiency and performance (circuit speed). Furthermore, the Design
Space Exploration (DSE) of the cost-performance tradeoffs for the multi
objective VLSI designs should also be fast and efficient in nature. This
paper presents a novel accelerated DSE approach for the exploration of
cost-performance tradeoffs of modular multi (trio parametric. viz. cost,
execution time and power consumption) objective VLSI hardware accelerators
using hierarchical criterion analysis. The selection of the final design
point is made after the tradeoffs are explored using the proposed approach.
Results of the proposed approach when applied to various benchmarks yielded
significant acceleration in the exploration process compared to current
existing approaches with multi parametric objective.
Method for integrated circuits total ionizing dose hardness testing based on combined gamma- and x-ray irradiation facilities
Authors: Sogoyan Armen , Artamonov Alexey , Nikiforov Alexander , Boychenko Dmitry
Published: July 2014

A method is proposed to test microelectronic parts total ionizing dose
hardness based on a rationally balanced combination of gamma- and X-ray
irradiation facilities. The scope of this method is identified, and a
step-by-step algorithm of combined testing is provided, along with a test
example of the method application.
Harnessing cloud computing infrastructure for e-learning services
Authors: Radenkovic Bozidar , Despotovic-Zrakic Marijana , Bogdanovic Zorica , Vujin Vladimir , Barac Dusan
Published: July 2014

This paper introduces an innovative model for harnessing cloud computing
infrastructure within an e-learning ecosystem. The main goal was to design a
scalable, reliable and secure IT environment that provides a plethora of
e-learning services and seamless integration of the heterogeneous e-learning
components through IaaS, PaaS and SaaS cloud service models. The e-learning
services are tailored to foster courses for IT engineers in the areas of
mobile technologies, social computing, Internet of Things and big data. The
model was implemented and evaluated in the e-learning ecosystem of the
E-business Lab, University of Belgrade.
What is creativity: Teachers’ beliefs about creativity in students’ written stories
Authors: Alhusaini Abdulnasser , Maker June , Deil-Amen Regina
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study was to explore teachers? conceptual beliefs about
creativity. Using the Consensual Assessment Technique (CAT), 17 elementary
school teachers rated students? creativity in two separate studies. In the
first study, 11 teachers analyzed the stories of 67 male and 70 female
students from kindergarten, first, and second grades. In the second study, 6
teachers rated the stories of 67 male and 72 female students from third,
fourth, and fifth grades. In both studies, teachers were required to use a
list of clearly established guidelines in which the final step was to report
the criteria used to evaluate students? creativity. Teachers? reports, which
comprised 51 documents, were organized and analyzed. After coding and
analyzing the data using NVivo software, the authors identified 8 major
themes: (a) fluency, (b) voice, (c) originality, (d) imagination, (e)
elaboration, (f) complexity, (g) making connections, and (h) writing clarity.
Future researchers are encouraged to challenge the identified themes by
replicating the current study in many places and in a variety of domains to
enrich the theory of Creativity as a Social Construct (CSC).
Evaluation of Ward Management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Nemecek Branden D. , Hermayer Kathie L. , Arnold Pamela C. , Bohm Nicole M.
Published: July 2014

IN BRIEF

Ward management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) using subcutaneous insulin in specific patient populations is safe and effective, but insulin administered by continuous infusion has not been analyzed in this setting. This retrospective cohort study utilizing a nursing-driven, continuous infusion insulin calculator demonstrated safe and effective treatment of patients with DKA on medicine wards.
Rabies in rodents and lagomorphs in the United States, 1995–2010
Authors: Fitzpatrick Jill L. , Dyer Jessie L. , Blanton Jesse D. , Kuzmin Ivan V. , Rupprecht Charles E.
Published: July 2014

Objective—To assess the epidemiology of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs and provide information that will enable public health officials to make recommendations regarding postexposure prophylaxis for humans after contact with these animals.

Design—Cross-sectional epidemiological analysis.

Sample—Rodents and lagomorphs submitted to state laboratories for rabies diagnosis from 1995 through 2010.

Procedures—Positive samples were identified by use of direct fluorescent antibody testing, typed by sequencing of viral genes, and quantified via titration in mice or cell culture.

Results—737 rabid rodents and lagomorphs were reported from 1995 through 2010, which represented a 62.3% increase, compared with the number of rabid rodents and lagomorphs reported from 1979 through 1994. The most commonly reported rodents or lagomorphs were groundhogs (Marmota monax). All animals submitted to the CDC for additional viral characterization were positive for the raccoon rabies virus variant. Infectious virus or viral RNA was detected in salivary glands or oral cavity tissues in 11 of 13 rabid rodents.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The increase in reported rabid rodents, compared with results of previous studies, appeared to be associated with spillover infections from the raccoon rabies epizootic during the first half of the study period. Analysis supported the assumption that rabies remained rare in rodents and lagomorphs. However, transmission of rabies virus via exposure to a rabid rodent or lagomorph may be possible. Given the rarity of rabies in these species, diagnostic testing and consideration of postexposure prophylaxis for humans with potential exposures should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Iodine Disinfection of Sea Trout, Salmo Trutta (L.), Eggs and the Affect on Egg Surfaces
Authors: Zawada Adam , Polechoński Ryszard , Bronowska Anna
Published: July 2014

The aim of the research was to investigate the impact iodine solution disinfection had on Salmo trutta (L.) egg survival rates during incubation, and to determine the effect of the disinfection procedure on egg shells using scanning microscopy. The study groups were bathed in a Desamar K30 solution at a concentration of 100 ml per 10 dm-3 for 10 m once after the eggs had hardened and four times after the eyed stage. Egg samples for scanning analyses were collected on day 30 of incubation at the eyed stage after the first bath in the iodophor solution, and then at the end of incubation. Egg surface images were analyzed for the number of bacteria, the presence of hyphae, and the egg surface area covered with sediments. No statistically significant differences were noted in embryo survival rates in the groups that were disinfected. The highest number of bacteria was observed on egg surfaces which had not been disinfected prior to hatching. A significant amount of sediment was observed on the eggs during incubation. On day 90 of incubation, all of the egg surfaces were covered with sediments. Disinfection was not noted to have had a significant impact on the presence of hyphae. Iodophor preparations can be used for routine disinfection of trout eggs; however, other means of disinfection should be applied before the eyed egg stage.
New Insights into the Anatomy of an Endemic Hladnikia Pastinacifolia Rchb.
Authors: Sajna Nina , Šuštar-Vozlič Jelka , Kaligarič Mitja
Published: July 2014

We studied the anatomy of a rare narrow endemic species belonging to the Slovenian flora - Hladnikia pastinacifolia Rchb. Hladnikia is a monotypic genus with distinct taxonomic position within the Apiaceae family. The anatomical characteristics revealed by light and fluorescence microscopy provided new insights regarding the pollen, leaf and root characteristics of H. pastinacifolia, improving the understanding of its biology and ecology. Pollination, drought tolerance, life cycle and unattractiveness to herbivores explain the species’ persistence in time. Autofluorescence localized bioactive substances within secretory ducts and oil ducts.
Natural Language Generation and Semantic Technologies
Authors: Staykova Kamenka
Published: July 2014

The paper presents a survey of the domain of Natural Language Generation (NLG) with its models, techniques, applications, and investigates how the semantic technologies are drawn into text generation. The idea and facilities of Semantic Web initiative are discussed in connection with the new opportunities offered to the Natural Language Generation.
Secure Routing in Manet Using Synchronization and Data Authencity
Authors: Swathi Gundala , Saravanan R.
Published: July 2014

In recent years synchronization plays a major issue for secure transmission in mobile adhoc networks. When an attacker modifies the time synchronization algorithm, the nodes will have faulty estimates of other nodes location, leading to chaos. While transmitting under these adverse conditions, packets might be lost or might be sent to wrong locations. Data replication and data diffusion are two methods which are used to solve the problem of data availability. In this paper we propose an algorithm for secure multi hop transmission used for external attacks.
Cross Layer Based Congestion Control in Wireless Mesh Networks
Authors: Reddy Ch. Pradeep , Krishna P. Venkata
Published: July 2014

A major issue that attracts the researchers in wireless mesh networks is the issue of performance of the TCP. The role of the congestion control techniques is pivotal in the development of optimal solutions. In wireless mesh networks, the efficiency of bandwidth management in the process of developing optimal solutions depends largely on the congestion control methods used. This paper explores the possibility of such mechanisms which can achieve efficient congestion control in wireless mesh networks. The method proposed is known as Cross Layer Congestion Control (CLCC) and it is developed on the basis of the concept of cross layer optimization. The main purpose of the paper is to provide an efficient bandwidth management scheme for high speed video applications through a congestion control mechanism. The performance evaluation of the proposed method of CLCC for different environments of traffic models, such as single source to single destination and multiple sources to multiple destinations, are appropriate when compared to the existing models.
A Combined Method for On-Line Signature Verification
Authors: Boyadzhieva Desislava , Gluhchev Georgi
Published: July 2014

A combined method for on-line signature verification is presented in this paper. Moreover, all the necessary steps in developing a signature recognition system are described: signature data pre-processing, feature extraction and selection, verification and system evaluation. NNs are used for verification. The influence of the signature forgery type (random and skilled) over the verification results is investigated as well. The experiments are carried out on SUsig database which consists of genuine and forgery signatures of 89 users. The average accuracy is 98.46%.
Adaptive Sliding Mode Control Based on a Filter for Four-Wheel Omni-Directional Mobile Robots
Authors: Chen Jianping , Wang Jianbin , Ouyang Sijie , Yang Yimin
Published: July 2014

Since there are usually parameter uncertainties and influence of the exogenous disturbances on the dynamic model of a four-wheel omni-directional mobile robot (FOMR), the traditional strategy for motion control has not good performance. A sliding mode control based on an adaptive approach and a filter (AFSMC) is presented in this paper. First, according to identifying the reaching gain by a Radial Basis Function based neural network, and combining a filter, AFSMC can reduce the inherent impact that is produced by the normal sliding mode control. Second, the adaptive approach is applied to deal with the uncertainties and the influence of exogenous disturbances. Numerical simulations are carried out to assess the performance of the controller. All the simulation results indicate that the proposed control strategy is efficient to solve the problem.
New Circular model induced by Inverse Stereographic projection on Double Exponential Model - Application to Birds Migration Data
Authors: Girija S.V.S. , Rao A.V. Dattatreya , Yedlapalli Phani
Published: July 2014

This paper introduces Stereographic Double Exponential Model based on inverse Stereographic Projection or Bilinear (Mobius) Transformation, [Minh and Farnum (2003)]. onsidering the data set of 13 homing pigeons were released singly in the Toggenburg Valley in Switzerland under sub Alpine conditions (data quoted in Batschelet (1981)), it is shown that the said model is a good fit by most of the tests at various level of significance. The derivation of the characteristic function for Stereographic Double Exponential Model and its trigonometric moments are presented. Relative performance of Stereographic Logistic [Phani (2013], Wrapped Logistic [Dattatreya Rao et al (2007)] and Stereographic Double Exponential models for the live data of 13 birds is studied. Also graphs of pdf of this new Model for various combinations of the parameters are drawn.
Some Srivastava-Brafman Type Generating Relations For A General Class Of Multi-Index And Multi-Variable Gould-Hopper And Dattoli Type Hypergeometric Polynomials
Authors: Qureshi M. I. , Quraishi Kaleem A. , Pal Ram
Published: July 2014

In this article, we first introduce and study a new family of the multi-index and multi-variable Gould-Hopper and Dattoli type polynomials {Hn(cm, cm-1,…, c3, c2)(a1, a2, …, am} defined by (2.1), which are an extension of different types of Her-mite polynomials defined in section 1. We next consider multi-variable linear, bilinear and bilateral generating relations of the newly defined hypergeometric polynomials, using series iteration techniques. Further, we generalize these generating relations in the forms of multiple series identities involving bounded multiple sequences, Fox-Wright hypergeometric function and Srivastava-Daoust multi-variable hypergeometric function.
Correlation of Neutrosophic Sets in Probability Spaces
Authors: Hanafy I.M. , Salama A. A. , Khaled O. M. , Mahfouz K. M.
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we introduce and study the concepts of correlation and correlation coefficient of neutrosophic data in probability spaces. In the case of finite spaces, these results give the results due to Salama et al. [16, 17, 18] and study some of their properties.
Numerical MLPG Analysis of Piezoelectric Sensor in Structures
Authors: Staňák Peter , Sládek Ján , Sládek Vladimír , Krahulec Slavomír
Published: July 2014

The paper deals with a numerical analysis of the electro-mechanical response of piezoelectric sensors subjected to an external non-uniform displacement field. The meshless method based on the local Petrov-Galerkin (MLPG) approach is utilized for the numerical solution of a boundary value problem for the coupled electro-mechanical fields that characterize the piezoelectric material. The sensor is modeled as a 3-D piezoelectric solid. The transient effects are not considered. Using the present MLPG approach, the assumed solid of the cylindrical shape is discretized with nodal points only, and a small spherical subdomain is introduced around each nodal point. Local integral equations constructed from the weak form of governing PDEs are defined over these local subdomains. A moving least-squares (MLS) approximation scheme is used to approximate the spatial variations of the unknown field variables, and the Heaviside unit step function is used as a test function. The electric field induced on the sensor is studied in a numerical example for two loading scenarios.
Failure Analysis of EN24 Steel Shear Bolt Used in Space Programme
Authors: Jha Abhay K.
Published: July 2014

Cadmium electrodeposited EN24 steel shear bolts were used in space programme. Recently, one of five bolts subjected to wedge test at 18 Nm torque encountered failure. Fracture surface of failed bolt had two distinct regions, when viewed under scanning electron microscope. Outer region consisted of brittle features while inner region had ductile failure. Detailed investigation revealed that the bolt failure was due to hydrogen embrittlement. Electro-deposition of cadmium was main source for hydrogen entrapment, which could not be compelled out by post plating baking treatment.
Colour Metallography of Cast Aluminium Alloys
Authors: García Laura , Dietz Christian , Criado Antonio J. , Martínez J.A.
Published: July 2014

For better observation of the microstructure of cast aluminium alloys under an optical microscope, the contrast obtained for the different micro constituents was enhanced by making use of a copper phthalocyanine based colorant. The proposed method allows distinguishing structural details which would remain hidden or poorly resolved when studying the conventionally etched sample. The method produces high relief for silicon precipitates with the tint further accentuating the outlines, allowing detection of morphology change of the aluminium-silicon eutectic due to chemical modification with strontium. Magnesium micro segregations in the α-aluminium phase, caused by incorrect thermal treatment during ageing, can also be clearly distinguished. The coloured images obtained by optical microscopy are very sharp and provide similar or better information than the corresponding Scanning Electron Microscopy images. The method proved to be suitable for Quality Control in the fabrication of cast aluminium alloy compounds, sourcing down possible errors to different stages of the process.