bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Dynamic Hydraulic and Well Control Modeling has been Utilized for Planning, Well/Rig Specific Training and RT Supervision for HPHT, MPD and DGD Operations in an Integrated Lifecycle Simulation System
Authors: Rommetveit Rolv , Svendsen Morten , Nabavi Josef , Helgeland Stig , Ødegård Sven Inge
Published: August 2016

A dynamic integrated thermal and hydraulic model has been integrated into a lifecycle simulation system and utilized for a number of challenging well projects (HPHT, MPD and DGD projects). The model allows for single phase and multiphase modelling and thus also well control modelling.

The model has been utilized in planning, training and also during real time operations for decision support.

A sophisticated user interface including 3D Visualization of the well has been developed. This has been used to update the risk picture in real time, and communicate this to involved parties.

The same advanced model has been built into a planning system; a downhole training simulator and a real time system.

The real time model can be used in either a control mode or a supervisory mode. In the control mode the real time model has been used for maintaining constant bottomhole pressure with automatic choke control.

During operation a real-time link was established with the rig, and WITSML data in addition to all well, fluid and string data was streamed into a dynamic, real-time simulation system. This simulation system provided the following; i) RT dynamic modelling of the pressure (ECD) and temperature profile in the wellbore; the cuttings distribution and its effects on the ECD; ii) Automatic look-ahead simulations of ECD and temperatures on the fly; iii) RT profiles of simulated versus measured pressure at the PWD, and simulated versus measured standpipe pressure; and iv) RT dynamically updated 3D Visualization of the downhole wellbore with a continuously updated risk picture made available for the drilling teams.

This paper will present the model and results of its use in HPHT, MPD and DGD projects.
Identification of Shallow Gas Leaks Through Multiple Strings Using Slickline With Fiber-Optic Distributed Temperature Sensing
Authors: Setiawan Toto , Lidwin Sharon Ellen , Wei Gan Teik , Widodo Sukarmen Wargo , Sandanasamy Ronfernandez , Rakela Tribor , Sundaralingam Sundaresh , Granados Leidy Pitre , Vaca Juan Cortez
Published: August 2016

Shallow gas formation leaks represent one of the greatest hazards in the industry, especially when they manifest in mature wells where aging is affecting their cement insulation and surface facilities. These formations are normally covered by multiple strings that make it difficult to diagnose and access them.

Distributed temperature sensing (DTS) technology enables permanently installed thermal monitoring of the well, which, in combination with surface well manipulation, can identify temperature anomalies that lead to leak identification.

One of the critical requirements, especially in mature wells where permanent DTS installations are not available, is that the diagnostics are performed efficiently and, in many cases, with the smallest footprint possible.

A fiber-optic DTS line deployed using a slickline unit provides the benefit of a smart completion continuous monitoring with the minimal foot-print and efficiency of a slickline setup. The system employs a modular unit that can be used to perform all the associated slickline operations to prepare the well and then convey the fiber-optic line to perform the survey.

Two examples from offshore Sabah (Malaysia) are presented where completion and casing integrity issues were identified in conditions that would have not been possible by other technologies.
Expanding the Reach of Wireline Perforating
Authors: Aboelnaga Sharif , Salsman Alan , Martin Andy , Singh Kamaljeet , Pandey Arun , Guedes Carlos Eduardo
Published: August 2016

Advances in technology are pushing the boundaries of what is possible with wireline cable conveyance with heavy payloads. New high-strength cables, conveyance systems, wireline tractors, prejob modeling software, and a wide range of additional enabling technologies have shifted the conventional norm for wireline perforating applications, thereby allowing for the successful shooting of very long perforating gun strings. Detailed job planning is required and, with the help of conveyance planning and shock modeling, perforating bottomhole assemblies can be optimized and maximized payloads of perforating guns can be run. Successful operations have been completed in which 100 ft or more of perforating guns from 2 7/8-in. to 7-in. have been deployed and shot in a single descent in many areas including Qatar, Oman, UK, Norway, Mexico, and Brazil.

Combining the new hardware breakthroughs with advanced software modeling has enabled the implementation of ultralong and heavy wireline perforating jobs in both offshore and land operations. These new wireline perforating techniques have improved efficiency and logistics while reducing rig time and cost; they will be of interest to all operators conducting perforating operations.
Efficient Approach for Optimal Well Placement to Optimize the Underwater Distributary-Channel Laminated Reservoir Development in Offshore South China
Authors: Wu Yiming , Li Jian , Chang Botao , Wang Chao
Published: August 2016

Development of a green oil field was started in 2014 with a horizontal well pattern targeting the underwater distributary-channel sand reservoir of the braided-channel deltaic sediment. In this geological environment, the complex uncertainties appear as the irregular superposition of sand bodies and interbeds, lateral changes in sand reservoir property and thickness, and the high structural dip uncertainty. In appraisal wells, the laminated edge water sand reservoir consists of multiple irregular and thin (0.5 to 5.6 m) sand layers and shaly and calcareous interbeds. The crucial points for success in this development are to manage uncertainties and accurately identify the laminated reservoir profile for optimal well placement along discontinuous sweet sand layers and to update the reservoir model for the future development plan optimization.

To manage the uncertainties and challenges, a deep directional electromagnetic resistivity logging-while-drilling tool was introduced to provide a High-definition (HD) Multilayer Bed Boundary Detection Service. The prejob feasibility study revealed this HD service's capability in this complex multilayer environment by delineating the profiles of multiple layers (more than three) simultaneously from a distance of up to 15 ft. The perfect application result of this HD service in the first well proved this service as the effective approach to enhance the reservoir understanding and place the horizontal wells optimally along discontinuous sweet sand layers. Accordingly, a significant start was made to initiate the development breakthrough in this specific underwater distributary-channel laminated reservoir. The success of multiple subsequent wells further validated the high efficiency of this approach.

Several key outcomes have been observed during the execution and upon the completion of the wells as the highlights of this HD service for this complex reservoir, as follows: The HD resistivity automated multilayer inversion could simultaneously reveal up to four boundaries and five layers vertically to clearly identify the subsurface multilayer resistivity profile in real time including several sand bodies.Enhanced understanding of the laminated reservoir helped in proactively landing the smooth trajectory into the uncertain sweet zone and to identify remotely the lateral reservoir thickness variation and its vertical heterogeneity to control the smooth trajectory within the best zone while close to the target top for the maximum oil recovery.The updating of the reservoir model accordingly helped the assessment of the reserve and the optimization of the future development plan.

The implementation of this efficient approach is the key enabler to place efficiently the smooth trajectory along the best position within the sweet zone to develop profitably this specific laminated channel sand reservoir.
Depopulating semi-periphery? Longer term dynamics of migration and socioeconomic development in Romania
Authors: Horváth István , Kiss Tamás
Published: August 2016

Romania is among Eastern European societies facing a massive depopulation in the last two and a half decades. Large-scale emigration has occurred under the circumstances of massive fertility decline and population ageing following 1989. Immigration has been insignificant until now, in spite of the negative natural growth and the presence of large Romanian-speaking populations next to the Eastern borders of the country. Our paper investigates long-term migratory trends and their relation to general macro-economic and macro-social processes. We place the Romanian historical experience concerning developmental aspects of changes in migratory flows and stocks. Existing macro-historical narratives diverge first in their expectations concerning socioeconomic development. On the one hand, models of “migration transition” and “migration cycles” share an optimistic view of developmental prospects of peripheral and semi-peripheral societies. For instance, Skeldon considered the Eastern European region as an “emerging or potential core”. As a consequence, he expected that these societies would become new destinations of global migratory flows. On the other hand, researchers relying on world-system theory emphasize that global structural inequalities are likely to persist, thus Eastern European societies are likely to remain enclosed in their semi-peripheral condition. Under such circumstances massive emigration could continue and could lead to large-scale depopulation of certain regions. Our paper argues that the long-term evolution of macro-structural indicators and migratory flows in Romania do not substantiate developmental optimism. World-system theories could provide useful frame to interpret existing data.
Short-term temperature impact on simultaneous biological nitrogen-sulphur treatment in EGSB reactor
Authors: Sposob Michal , Dinamarca Carlos , Bakke Rune
Published: August 2016

Sulphides are present in many wastewater streams; their removal is important due to corrosiveness, toxicity and unpleasant odour, and can be carried out by anaerobic biological treatment. This study focuses on the temperature effect (25–10 °C) on an expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactor for sulphide removal using nitrate as electron acceptor. The reactor was run at a NO3−/HS− molar ratio of 0.35 and pH of 8.5–9.0. Samples were analysed by ion chromatography (NO3−, SO42− and S2O32−), spectrophotometry (S2−) and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). S2− and NO3− removal was 99.74 ± 0.04 and 99.5 ± 2.9%, respectively. Sulphur (S0) was found on the outer granule surface and struvite inside the granule, by SEM. Sulphide conversion to sulphur was up to 76%. Temperature transitions and levels influenced S2O32− and SO42− concentrations.
Cationic Lipid Content in Liposome-Encapsulated Nisin Improves Sustainable Bactericidal Activity against Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Yamakami Kazuo , Tsumori Hideaki , Shimizu Yoshitaka , Sakurai Yutaka , Nagatoshi Kohei , Sonomoto Kenji
Published: August 2016

An oral infectious disease, dental caries, is caused by the cariogenic streptococci Streptococcus mutans. The expected preventive efficiency for prophylactics against dental caries is not yet completely observed. Nisin, a bacteriocin, has been demonstrated to be microbicidal against S. mutans, and liposome-encapsulated nisin improves preventive features that may be exploited for human oral health. Here we examined the bactericidal effect of charged lipids on nisin-loaded liposomes against S. mutans and inhibitory efficiency for insoluble glucan synthesis by the streptococci for prevention of dental caries. Cationic liposome, nisin-loaded dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/phytosphingosine, exhibited higher bactericidal activities than those of electroneutral liposome and anionic liposome. Bactericidal efficiency of the cationic liposome revealed that the vesicles exhibited sustained inhibition of glucan synthesis and the lowest rate of release of nisin from the vesicles. The optimizing ability of cationic liposome-encapsulated nisin that exploit the sustained preventive features of an anti-streptococcal strategy may improve prevention of dental caries.
The Role of Physicians’ Attitudes and the Provision of Hepatitis C Virus Treatment to People Who Inject Drugs
Authors: Myles Angelique
Published: August 2016

Inadequate hepatitis C virus (HCV) assessment and treatment among people who inject drugs (PWID) is a result of patient, provider and health system level barriers. Low HCV treatment rates continue even though guidelines have been revised to consider HCV treatment among PWID on a case-by-case basis. If accessibility to HCV treatment were increased, especially to PWID this would greatly decrease the pool of communicable disease. In order to successfully control and prevent HCV infection PWID must be actively engaged in the treatment process. Physicians’ attitudes towards HCV treatment can be represented in studies as views that are directly perceived by the physician or indirectly as perceived by the patient who is under the care of the physician. The current review focuses on examining both the indirect and direct views of physician’s attitudes in treating HCV-infected PWID and examines how this influences and impacts provision of HCV treatment. A review of the literature suggests that physician’s have varied attitudes towards their patients who use recreational drugs and who are HCV positive. Moreover it is the negative associations between HCV and drug use that can impact HCV treatment accessibility and affect the number of people who can actively begin treatment.
Lung Function Monitoring; A Randomized Agreement Study
Authors: Berntsen Sveinung , Stølevik Solvor B. , Mowinckel Petter , Nystad Wenche , Stensrud Trine
Published: August 2016

Objective:

To determine the agreement between devices and repeatability within devices of the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and forced expiratory flow at 50% of FVC (FEF50) values measured using the four spirometers included in the study.

Methods:

50 (24 women) participants (20-64 years of age) completed maximum forced expiratory flow manoeuvres and measurements were performed using the following devices: MasterScreen, SensorMedics, Oxycon Pro and SpiroUSB. The order of the instruments tested was randomized and blinded for both the participants and the technicians. Re-testing was conducted on a following day within 72 hours at the same time of the day.

Results:

The devices which obtained the most comparable values for all lung function variables were SensorMedics and Oxycon Pro, and MasterScreen and SpiroUSB. For FEV1, mean difference was 0.04 L (95% confidence interval; -0.05, 0.14) and 0.00 L (-0.06, 0.06), respectively. When using the criterion of FVC and FEV1 ≤ 0.150 L for acceptable repeatability, 67% of the comparisons of the measured lung function values obtained by the four devices were acceptable. Overall, Oxycon Pro obtained most frequently values of the lung function variables with highest precision as indicated by the coefficients of repeatability (CR), followed by MasterScreen, SensorMedics and SpiroUSB (e.g. min-max CR for FEV1; 0.27-0.46).

Conclusion:

The present study confirms that measurements obtained by the same device at different times can be compared; however, measured lung function values may differ depending on spirometers used.
Parental Occupation in Pre and Postnatal among Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Victor Paulraj Smily Jesupriya , Mohamad Salleh Siti Nur Azalia , Vetrayan Jayachandran
Published: August 2016

This study aimed to examine the parental occupation in pre and post-natal among Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to identify the desired factors to work. The 124 samples ages between 26 to 52 years old including 59 males and 65 females from 5 difference rehabilitation centres were recruited. A self-rated parental occupation questionnaire was used to measure. Finding shows the parent who works in the high professionals and technicals has a high risk of having ASD. The factors which contribute to the desired parents to work in that field are earning more money, knowledge development and satisfying basic needs.© 2016. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creative commons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/).Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.Keywords: Parental occupation; Autism spectrum disorder; Prenatal; Post-natal
Attitudes toward Environmental Democracy among Urban Communities
Authors: Hashim Rugayah , Mohamad Ristak Nurul Dalina , Laili Normarliana
Published: August 2016

With global warming and climate change, the demands for food and water have challenged governments and civil societies. In environmental democracy, governments' transparent processes will see positive citizen-centric developments. Through quantitative research design 384 questionnaires were administered to residents in Johor Bharu, Johor, Malaysia. The findings revealed significant, positive attitude towards environmental democracy. From the three variables, community knowledge is rated the most influential predictor towards environmental democracy. The implication from this study showed that the communities are concerned with environmental issues in the district as participation and volunteerism will ensure the wellbeing of their flora and fauna.
Living Environment in Forcibly Isolated People: Lo-sheng Sanatorium in Taiwan
Authors: Soda Masato
Published: August 2016

The establishment of Lo-sheng sanatorium reflected force isolation policy of Hansen's disease (leprosy) in the colonial period. Although segregation policy substantively ended after 1970's, the residents faced difficulties in being reintegrated into society even after their disease cured, compelled to live there for their lifetimes. Under substantive segregation, they constructed the living environment themselves. This research clarifies the process of segregated site transformed into a self-sustaining community. The author not only has engaged in field surveys but supporting residents' movement, through unitizing accumulated participant observation works outcomes, can point out an example of sustainable self-build environments.
Innovative Implementation of Private Finance Initiative (PFI) Procurement: Challenges and Key Issues in Pre-Construction Stage
Authors: Khaderi Shamsida Saidan , Abd Shukor Ani Saifuza
Published: August 2016

Private Finance Initiative (PFI) has been successfully implemented across the globe, however regarding the implementation process; the PFI arrangements are not similar from country to country. Based on the circumstances, this paper investigates the key issues and challenges of PFI implementation in a pre-construction stage in Malaysia compare to other countries. This paper will present the results from a semi-structured interview conducted on key PFI expert group with interesting outcome include the critical issues of relationship and financing. The findings will promote an innovative PFI implementation in pre-construction stage and also innovate industry players in making best decisions.
Supply Chain Integration: Establish the Appropriate Challenges in Improving Integrated SC in an Innovative Approach of IBS
Authors: Abd Shukor Ani Saifuza , Muhammad Muhammad Fadhil , Khaderi Shamsida Saidan , Muhammad Halil Faridah
Published: August 2016

The shift to an integrated IBS construction approach requires enhanced supply chain integration to improve the productivity as well as the poor quality of human behavioual aspect in IBS project. This paper is to identify the challenges at each tier between players to facilitate supply chain integration among the IBS players. Findings adopted from semi-structured interview revealed the critical attitude issues of human factors, lack of interaction and sharing knowledge between interdisciplinary people. The findings of this study is useful to improve integration of supply chain and enhance innovation and sharing interaction between players in the IBS Malaysian construction project environment.
Assessing Readiness for Self-Directed Learning among College Students in the Provision of Higher Learning Institution
Authors: Nordin Norshidah , Abd Halim Nurhazwani , Malik Melissa
Published: August 2016

Readiness for self-directed learning (SDRLS) is a necessary skill for 21st-century learners. Learners are expected to be responsible for their own learning. However, to what extend Malaysian students are ready to facilitate their own learning or are they still being spoon-fed? This study was intended to assess SDLRS among college students. It utilized a survey method research design. There were 136 diploma students participated in this study. The finding revealed that respondents' levels of SDRLS were high. There was significant difference between SDRLS and gender but no significant differences between academic achievement and hometown. The discussion addresses implications to educators in designing instructional strategies.
Attitudes among Medical Imaging Students towards older adults in Malaysia: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Anwar Bashah Farahnaz Ahmad , Mohd Nordin Mohd Zulhilmi
Published: August 2016

A positive attitude is an essential element towards delivering a high-quality patient care for older people. A consequence of aging population in Malaysia is that Medical imaging students are increasingly exposed to older people during their clinical attachments and importantly as a graduated technologist. This study attempted to determine the Medical Imaging students' attitudes towards elderly in Malaysia based on 5 selective characteristics. This study employed a self-administered questionnaire involving 283 students. The finding revealed that well exposed and good result students' have a better attitude towards elderly. This study suggested relevant educational intervention and community engagement program.
Family Environment, Sibling Relationship and Rivalry towards Quality of Life
Authors: Hashim Rugayah , Ahmad Hashim
Published: August 2016

Kinship, family composition and household dynamics among siblings are developed positively or negatively in early life right through adulthood. Hence, the purpose of this paper is highlight the importance of family environment in influencing sibling relationship, with emphasis on sibling rivalry. Determining the factors that contribute towards sibling competition is important in counselling and assisting individuals with family issues. From a quantitative research approach, the findings showed that sibling relationships are problematic and has led to jealousies and prejudices especially if parents take sides. Family ties depend on happy sibling interactions which indirectly affects socio-economic developments as social ills are resolved. In ameliorating these private and sensitive issues among family members, the holistic society will benefit psychologically and happiness as well as a better quality of life will be attained.
Transfer of the Cultural Heritage of the Traditional Thai House: Usiri Family Houses
Authors: Panitchpakdi Kundoldibya
Published: August 2016

Traditional Thai house architecture is a significant part the Thai culture and heritage. One unique attribute of traditional Thai house construction is the modular, pre-fabricated wood components, with non-permanent connections. This allows the house to be dissembled and reassembled in a new location without damage. This is a case study of Thai-style houses built and owned by six generations of the Usiri family. Their houses have been passed down from the first to subsequent generations. From only two Thai-style houses 130 years ago, there are now eleven houses as part of an expanding cultural inheritance.
From Isovist to Spatial Perception: Wayfinding in Historic Quarter
Authors: Chen Chih-Hung , Lin Ting-Ju , Chen Chih-Yu
Published: August 2016

Based on the assumption that human behaviours are mainly affected by physical and animate environments, this empirical research takes the changeful and complex historical district in Tainan to observe wayfinding behaviours. An a priori analysis of the isovist fields is conducted to identify spatial characteristics. Three measures, the relative area, convexity, and circularity, are applied to scrutinize the possible stopping points, change of speed, and route choices. Accordingly, an experiment is carried out to observe spatial behaviours and different influences of social stimuli. Results show that social interactions afford groups and pairs to perform better than individual observers in wayfinding.
Walkability Design for Urban Public Housing Park
Authors: Omar Dasimah , Omar Kamarul Ariff , Othman Saberi , Mohd Yusoff Zaharah
Published: August 2016

The walkability approach is essential to ensure the connectivity among space in the urban area. The design should be appropriate, safety, maximize and capable of reaching every inch of the spaces, just by walking. Good connectivity must allow people to walk freely and accessible in many ways. People have great chances to meet each other or having potential outdoor activities without any challenges. This study aims to measure the user perception of the existing spaces in the urban public housing environment that been covered and uncovered with the walkability linkages. The objectives of this study are to identify the existing pedestrian linkages in the study area; to investigate the user perception of the existing walkability system in the study area, and finally to conclude and provide a better solution for better walkability opportunity among residents to access the public park.
The Common p.R114W HNF4A Mutation Causes a Distinct Clinical Subtype of Monogenic Diabetes
Authors: Laver Thomas W. , Colclough Kevin , Shepherd Maggie , Patel Kashyap , Houghton Jayne A.L. , Dusatkova Petra , Pruhova Stepanka , Morris Andrew D. , Palmer Colin N. , McCarthy Mark I. , Ellard Sian , Hattersley Andrew T. , Weedon Michael N.
Published: August 2016

H N F4A mutations cause increased birth weight, transient neonatal hypoglycemia, and maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY). The most frequently reported HNF4A mutation is p.R114W (previously p.R127W), but functional studies have shown inconsistent results; there is a lack of cosegregation in some pedigrees and an unexpectedly high frequency in public variant databases. We confirm that p.R114W is a pathogenic mutation with an odds ratio of 30.4 (95% CI 9.79–125, P = 2 × 10−21) for diabetes in our MODY cohort compared with control subjects. p.R114W heterozygotes did not have the increased birth weight of patients with other HNF4A mutations (3,476 g vs. 4,147 g, P = 0.0004), and fewer patients responded to sulfonylurea treatment (48% vs. 73%, P = 0.038). p.R114W has reduced penetrance; only 54% of heterozygotes developed diabetes by age 30 years compared with 71% for other HNF4A mutations. We redefine p.R114W as a pathogenic mutation that causes a distinct clinical subtype of HNF4A MODY with reduced penetrance, reduced sensitivity to sulfonylurea treatment, and no effect on birth weight. This has implications for diabetes treatment, management of pregnancy, and predictive testing of at-risk relatives. The increasing availability of large-scale sequence data is likely to reveal similar examples of rare, low-penetrance MODY mutations.
Youth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes Consensus Report: Current Status, Challenges, and Priorities
Authors: Nadeau Kristen J. , Anderson Barbara J. , Berg Erika G. , Chiang Jane L. , Chou Hubert , Copeland Kenneth C. , Hannon Tamara S. , Huang Terry T.-K. , Lynch Jane L. , Powell Jeff , Sellers Elizabeth , Tamborlane William V. , Zeitler Philip
Published: August 2016

Type 2 diabetes is a significant and increasing burden in adolescents and young adults. Clear strategies for research, prevention, and treatment of the disease in these vulnerable patients are needed. Evidence suggests that type 2 diabetes in children is different not only from type 1 but also from type 2 diabetes in adults. Understanding the unique pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes in youth, as well as the risk of complications and the psychosocial impact, will enable industry, academia, funding agencies, advocacy groups, and regulators to collectively evaluate both current and future research, treatment, and prevention approaches. This Consensus Report characterizes type 2 diabetes in children, evaluates the fundamental differences between childhood and adult disease, describes the current therapeutic options, and discusses challenges to and approaches for developing new treatments.
Analysis of Strategies for Truck Platooning: Hybrid Strategy
Authors: Saeednia Mahnam , Menendez Monica
Published: August 2016

Trucks typically use the same infrastructure as cars do, and this imposes negative effects on the overall traffic operations. To mitigate such effects as well as their negative environmental impacts, platooning of trucks can be considered a potential solution. For platooning a set of trucks, two main strategies are typically assumed: a catch-up strategy (i.e., the upstream trucks accelerate to catch up with the leading trucks) and a slow-down strategy (i.e., the leading trucks decelerate so that the upstream trucks can catch up and platoon with them). The behavior of trucks when platooning with either of these two strategies was analyzed. Then a hybrid platooning strategy was developed that combined the two approaches in an optimal manner. The performance of the hybrid strategy was further analyzed and compared with that of the individual approaches. Results show that the hybrid strategy is the most general scheme capable of forming a platoon in various cases. Moreover, it is the fastest strategy considering the required time for platooning. In regard to performance, the hybrid strategy is capable of forming a platoon using the maximum platooning speeds of trucks. These characteristics make it a suitable strategy for large-scale deployment in truck platooning.
Estimation of an Origin–Destination Table for U.S. Imports of Waterborne Containerized Freight
Authors: Wang Hao , Gearhart Jared , Jones Katherine , Frazier Christopher , Nozick Linda , Levine Brian , Jones Dean
Published: August 2016

This paper presents a probabilistic origin–destination table for waterborne containerized imports. The analysis makes use of 2012 Port Import/Export Reporting Service data, 2012 Surface Transportation Board waybill data, a gravity model, and information on the landside transportation mode split associated with specific ports. This analysis suggests that about 70% of the origin–destination table entries have a coefficient of variation of less than 20%. This 70% of entries is associated with about 78% of the total volume. This analysis also makes evident the importance of rail interchange points in Chicago, Illinois; Memphis, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; and Kansas City, Missouri, in supporting the transportation of containerized goods from Asia through West Coast ports to the eastern United States.
Dynamic Programming Model for Attended Delivery Time Slot Management
Authors: Chen Cheng-Chieh (Frank) , Chen Yu-Chieh (Cindy)
Published: August 2016

Offering customers the choice of delivery time slots is an emerging business strategy in attended home delivery service because this option has the potential to improve service level and reduce the risk of delivery failure. A dynamic programming model was developed for assisting attended delivery service providers with pricing decisions in managing time slots. Since the choice of delivery time slots involves both marketing and operational issues, a proposed dynamic pricing model maximizes the total system expected revenue while also improving the matches between customers’ and service providers’ preferred time slots and fees. The study started by managing homogeneous time slots with three kinds of customer behaviors (i.e., price taker, price negotiator, and leave-without-pay) and then considered heterogeneous time slots. The study found that the optimal price might vary depending on customers’ arrival rates in the system, the remaining capacities of available time slots, the percentages of customers who are price negotiators, and the time left in the sales periods.
Analysis of Profitability for Container Shipping on Arctic Routes by Navigation Speed and Risk of Disruption
Authors: Zheng Binglei , Jin Jian Gang , Hu Hao
Published: August 2016

Arctic sea routes have long been a worldwide focus because they create shorter distances between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans and because of their role in relieving pressure on the two busiest traditional routes for maritime shipping. Models used to address the profitability of Arctic shipping have neglected the variety of navigation speeds along Arctic routes related to various ice situations in the Arctic zone. As well, risks of disruption and recovery costs are seldom taken into account in the models. To improve the accuracy of assessments, this paper analyzes disruptions and delays along Arctic container shipping routes and presents a nonlinear programming model for minimizing operation costs, including penalties for deviations in arrival time and for undelivered containers. Piecewise linear interpolation is used to transform this nonlinear problem into a mixed-integer linear programming problem. Results of a case study are discussed for validity and improvements. This study could help shipping liners design a service network of container shipping through the Arctic routes.
Evaluation of Low versus High Volume per Minute Displacement CO2 Methods of Euthanasia in the Induction and Duration of Panic-Associated Behavior and Physiology
Authors: Hickman Debra , Fitz Stephanie , Bernabe Cristian , Caliman Izabela , Haulcomb Melissa , Federici Lauren , Shekhar Anantha , Johnson Philip
Published: August 2016

Current recommendations for the use of CO 2 as a euthanasia agent for rats require the use of gradual fill protocols (such as 10% to 30% volume displacement per minute) in order to render the animal insensible prior to exposure to levels of CO 2 that are associated with pain. However, exposing rats to CO 2 , concentrations as low as 7% CO 2 are reported to cause distress and 10%–20% CO 2 induces panic-associated behavior and physiology, but loss of consciousness does not occur until CO 2 concentrations are at least 40%. This suggests that the use of the currently recommended low flow volume per minute displacement rates create a situation where rats are exposed to concentrations of CO 2 that induce anxiety, panic, and distress for prolonged periods of time. This study first characterized the response of male rats exposed to normoxic 20% CO 2 for a prolonged period of time as compared to room air controls. It demonstrated that rats exposed to this experimental condition displayed clinical signs consistent with significantly increased panic-associated behavior and physiology during CO 2 exposure. When atmospheric air was then again delivered, there was a robust increase in respiration rate that coincided with rats moving to the air intake. The rats exposed to CO 2 also displayed behaviors consistent with increased anxiety in the behavioral testing that followed the exposure. Next, this study assessed the behavioral and physiologic responses of rats that were euthanized with 100% CO 2 infused at 10%, 30%, or 100% volume per minute displacement rates. Analysis of the concentrations of CO 2 and oxygen in the euthanasia chamber and the behavioral responses of the rats suggest that the use of the very low flow volume per minute displacement rate (10%) may prolong the duration of panicogenic ranges of ambient CO 2 , while the use of the higher flow volume per minute displacement rate (100%) increases agitation. Therefore, of the volume displacement per minute rates evaluated, this study suggests that 30% minimizes the potential pain and distress experienced by the animal.
Dissociation and Re-Aggregation of Multicell-Ensheathed Fragments Responsible for Rapid Production of Massive Clumps of Leptothrix Sheaths
Authors: Kunoh Tatsuki , Nagaoka Noriyuki , McFarlane Ian , Tamura Katsunori , El-Naggar Mohamed , Kunoh Hitoshi , Takada Jun
Published: August 2016

Species of the Fe/Mn-oxidizing bacteria Leptothrix produce tremendous amounts of microtubular, Fe/Mn-encrusted sheaths within a few days in outwells of groundwater that can rapidly clog water systems. To understand this mode of rapid sheath production and define the timescales involved, behaviors of sheath-forming Leptothrix sp. strain OUMS1 were examined using time-lapse video at the initial stage of sheath formation. OUMS1 formed clumps of tangled sheaths. Electron microscopy confirmed the presence of a thin layer of bacterial exopolymer fibrils around catenulate cells (corresponding to the immature sheath). In time-lapse videos, numerous sheath filaments that extended from the periphery of sheath clumps repeatedly fragmented at the apex of the same fragment, the fragments then aggregated and again elongated, eventually forming a large sheath clump comprising tangled sheaths within two days. In this study, we found that fast microscopic fragmentation, dissociation, re-aggregation and re-elongation events are the basis of the rapid, massive production of Leptothrix sheaths typically observed at macroscopic scales.
The Role of the C-Clamp in Wnt-Related Colorectal Cancers
Authors: Ravindranath Aditi , Cadigan Ken
Published: August 2016

T-cell Factor/Lymphoid Enhancer Factor (TCF/LEF) transcription factors are major regulators of Wnt targets, and the products of the TCF7 and TCF7L2 genes have both been implicated in the progression of colorectal cancer in animal models and humans. TCFs recognize specific DNA sequences through their high mobility group (HMG) domains, but invertebrate TCFs and some isoforms of vertebrate TCF7 and TCF7L2 contain a second DNA binding domain known as the C-clamp. This review will cover the basic properties of C-clamps and their importance in Wnt signaling, using data from Drosophila, C. elegans, and mammalian cell culture. The connection between C-clamp containing TCFs and colorectal cancer will also be discussed.
Recent Progress on MOF-Derived Nanomaterials as Advanced Electrocatalysts in Fuel Cells
Authors: Song Zhongxin , Cheng Niancai , Lushington Andrew , Sun Xueliang
Published: August 2016

Developing a low cost, highly active and durable cathode material is a high-priority research direction toward the commercialization of low-temperature fuel cells. However, the high cost and low stability of useable materials remain a considerable challenge for the widespread adoption of fuel cell energy conversion devices. The electrochemical performance of fuel cells is still largely hindered by the high loading of noble metal catalyst (Pt/Pt alloy) at the cathode, which is necessary to facilitate the inherently sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Under these circumstances, the exploration of alternatives to replace expensive Pt-alloy for constructing highly efficient non-noble metal catalysts has been studied intensively and received great interest. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) a novel type of porous crystalline materials, have revealed potential application in the field of clean energy and demonstrated a number of advantages owing to their accessible high surface area, permanent porosity, and abundant metal/organic species. Recently, newly emerging MOFs materials have been used as templates and/or precursors to fabricate porous carbon and related functional nanomaterials, which exhibit excellent catalytic activities toward ORR or oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this review, recent advances in the use of MOF-derived functional nanomaterials as efficient electrocatalysts in fuel cells are summarized. Particularly, we focus on the rational design and synthesis of highly active and stable porous carbon-based electrocatalysts with various nanostructures by using the advantages of MOFs precursors. Finally, further understanding and development, future trends, and prospects of advanced MOF-derived nanomaterials for more promising applications of clean energy are presented.
Australian Tropical Marine Micromolluscs: An Overwhelming Bias
Authors: Middelfart Peter , Kirkendale Lisa , Wilson Nerida
Published: August 2016

Assessing the marine biodiversity of the tropics can be overwhelming, especially for the Mollusca, one of the largest marine phyla in the sea. With a diversity that can exceed macrofaunal richness in many groups, the micro/meiofaunal component is one of most overlooked biotas in surveys due to the time-consuming nature of collecting, sorting, and identifying this assemblage. We review trends in micromollusc research highlighting the Australian perspective that reveals a dwindling taxonomic effort through time and discuss pervasive obstacles of relevance to the taxonomy of micromolluscs globally. Since a high during the 1970s, followed by a smaller peak in 2000, in 2010 we observe a low in micromolluscan collection activity in Australia not seen since the 1930s. Although challenging, considered planning at each step of the species identification pathway can reduce barriers to micromolluscan research (e.g., role of types, dedicated sampling, integration of microscopy and genetic methods). We discuss new initiatives to trial these methods in Western Australia, an understudied region with high biodiversity, and highlight why micromolluscs are worth the effort. A number of important fields that would benefit from increased focus on this group (e.g., ecological gaps) are considered. The methods and strategies for resolving systematic problems in micromolluscan taxonomy are available, only the desire and support to reverse the decline in knowledge remains to be found.
Food Antioxidants and Their Anti-Inflammatory Properties: A Potential Role in Cardiovascular Diseases and Cancer Prevention
Authors: Griffiths Keith , Aggarwal Bharat , Singh Ram , Buttar Harpal , Wilson Douglas , De Meester Fabien
Published: August 2016

Mediterranean-style diets caused a significant decline in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in early landmark studies. The effect of a traditional Mediterranean diet on lipoprotein oxidation showed that there was a significant reduction in oxidative stress in the intervention group (Mediterranean diet + Virgin Olive Oil) compared to the low-fat diet group. Conversely, the increase in oxidative stress causing inflammation is a unifying hypothesis for predisposing people to atherosclerosis, carcinogenesis, and osteoporosis. The impact of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents on cancer and cardiovascular disease, and the interventive mechanisms for the inhibition of proliferation, inflammation, invasion, metastasis, and activation of apoptosis were explored. Following the Great Oxygen Event some 2.3 billion years ago, organisms have needed antioxidants to survive. Natural products in food preservatives are preferable to synthetic compounds due to their lower volatility and stability and generally higher antioxidant potential. Free radicals, reactive oxygen species, antioxidants, pro-oxidants and inflammation are described with examples of free radical damage based on the hydroxyl, nitric oxide and superoxide radicals. Flavonoid antioxidants with 2- or 3-phenylchroman structures such as quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, apigenin, and luteolin, constituents of fruits, vegetables, tea, and wine, which may reduce coronary disease and cancer, are described. The protective effect of flavonoids on the DNA damage caused by hydroxyl radicals through chelation is an important mechanism, though the converse may be possible, e.g., quercetin. The antioxidant properties of carotenoids, which are dietary natural pigments, have been studied in relation to breast cancer risk and an inverse association was found with plasma concentrations: higher levels mean lower risk. The manipulation of primary and secondary human metabolomes derived especially from existing or transformed gut microbiota was explored as a possible alternative to single-agent dietary interventions for cancer and cardiovascular disease. Sustained oxidative stress leading to inflammation and thence to possibly to cancer and cardiovascular disease is described for spices and herbs, using curcumin as an example of an intervention, based on activation of transcription factors which suggest that oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and cancer are closely linked.
A Novel Image Encryption Scheme Using the Composite Discrete Chaotic System
Authors: Zhu Hegui , Zhang Xiangde , Yu Hai , Zhao Cheng , Zhu Zhiliang
Published: August 2016

The composite discrete chaotic system (CDCS) is a complex chaotic system that combines two or more discrete chaotic systems. This system holds the chaotic characteristics of different chaotic systems in a random way and has more complex chaotic behaviors. In this paper, we aim to provide a novel image encryption algorithm based on a new two-dimensional (2D) CDCS. The proposed scheme consists of two parts: firstly, we propose a new 2D CDCS and analysis the chaotic behaviors, then, we introduce the bit-level permutation and pixel-level diffusion encryption architecture with the new CDCS to form the full proposed algorithm. Random values and the total information of the plain image are added into the diffusion procedure to enhance the security of the proposed algorithm. Both the theoretical analysis and simulations confirm the security of the proposed algorithm.
Relations between Child Poverty and New Migrant Child Status, Academic Attainment and Social Participation: Insights Using Social Capital Theory
Authors: Forbes Joan , Sime Daniela
Published: August 2016

Currently, around one in five children in the United Kingdom and the United States live in poverty. This has a devastating effect on their wellbeing, education and broader socio-political participation, and life chances. In this paper, Scottish policy documentary data are used to discuss the effects of relations amongst categories of children in poverty, migrant child status, and academic under-attainment. The study draws on social capital and intersectionalities theory to explore some of the power and knowledge relations that are effects of policy statements. The paper concludes by suggesting that addressing the issues of poverty and educational under-attainment, including for migrant children, requires a policy strategy beyond education. Disconnections across social, cultural, and economic child policy need to be redesigned in order to change the very real socio-economic-cultural-political relations which policy produces; these relations can lead to either high levels of social participation and potential academic attainment of new arrival children or to their social exclusion. Accordingly, knowledge practices aiming to improve the socio-economic-cultural-political inclusion of migrant children make central the conditions and experiences constitutive of new migrants’ lived social lives.