bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Field Management Using Advanced Techniques for Offshore Gas Condensate Field
Authors: Fadel A.. , Safwat H.. , Dabbour M.. , Labib A.. , Belli A.. , Darwish H.. , Nagy M..
Published: September 2015

Abu Qir Petroleum Company (AQP) is one of the most important gas operators In Egypt. AQP Holds 100% of the exploration, development and production rights of the Abu Qir concession in the Nile Delta offshore. The offshore facilities include six platforms, 34 wells and a network of sea pipelines. Abu Qir Petroleum Company currently is interested in modeling their entire production system from the perforations to the onshore Facility to understand and identify all constraints in the system and the way to improve it. In addition, AQP is interested in identifying any bottlenecks either currently or in the future after adding any platforms or wells according to their intended FDP and to test some operational scenarios like changing terminal pressure, separator pressure, installing compression station, etc.

The main objective of this project is to identify any current and future bottlenecks in the production system while honoring operational constraints on wells, production separators, pipelines, and total field gas/liquid processing capacity and identifying any flow assurance issues taking into consideration different field development scenarios for an offshore gas condensate field in the Mediterranean (Abu Qir Field). In many mature gas fields, reservoir pressure decline as a result of gas depletion tends to lead to the onset of liquid loading. Liquid loading in gas wells occur when the gas flow rate falls below a critical rate due to reservoir depletion where the accompanying liquids cannot be lifted to surface. Such liquid accumulations at the wellbore can cause the gas well to cease production eventually. Transient simulation was used to build transient well models that replicate observed field data, and these models are then used to evaluate specific gas well deliquification techniques.

This document summarizes the methodology and the results of the complementary work carried out to conduct the project. The document presents the methodology to review, evaluate and optimize the offshore production system from reservoir sand-face up to wellhead starting from data gathering and QC up to estimating the missing reservoir parameters needed for well history matching ending with history matched well models and surface network ready for any optimization if the conditions change.
Core Study of Tunisian Late Jurassic Mrabtine Reservoir: Lithological Heterogeneity and Rock Typing
Authors: Alaya S. Ben , Reguiga M. S.
Published: September 2015

Late Jurassic Mrabtine formation, limited at the bottom by Tlalett formation and overlain by Early Cretaceous silicoclastics, is both reservoir and seal. It is a proven oil bearing complex sandstone reservoir, in southern Gulf of Gabes, onshore Tunisia. The seal consists in the upper evaporitic Member of Mrabtine formation. Detailed core study provided better knowledge of its heterogeneous lithology and petrophysical properties, in order to identify the different rock types and evaluate the reservoir potential.

In Jeffara Basin, the gross reservoir thickness can reach more than 300 m. Detailed sedimentological and petrophysical study of more than 40 meters of core, consisting in core logging, microfacies analysis, SEM analysis and routine core analysis (He-porosity, horizontal air-permeability and grain density) were undertaken to determine the different facies types and their relative petrophysical properties. In fact, the sampling was made considering the changes in the lithology. Both sedimentological and petrophysical analyses were used to define the different rock types characterizing Mrabtine reservoir.

The study revealed complex lithology and mineralogy of Mrabtine formation. The sandstone levels are, indeed, intercalated by several thin (millimetric to centimetric) and relatively thick carbonate layers (up to 60 cm). At the base of the reservoir, the carbonates thickness may extend to 7 m. Furthermore, there are frequent silty and shaly layers intercalated within the reservoir. Eight facies types may be distinguished: 1) sandstones with small scale cross-stratifications, 2) bioturbated sandstones, 3) silty sandstones, 4) bioturbated dolomites, 5) dolomitic limestones, 6) bioclastic limestones and/or dolomites, 7) siltstones and shales and 8) Evaporites. The sandstones are mostly fine quartzitic, with common occurrence of clay minerals (kaolinite, dickite and illite) and some iron sulfides and carbonates (pyrite, ankerite and siderite). The facies associations correspond to shallowing upward cycles, going from shaly, carbonate and silty deposits, to mostly fine sandy wave- and tidal-dominated shallow marine sediments, capped by evaporitic chicken-wire anhydrites. The routine core analysis confirmed the heterogeneity of the reservoir due to its complex lithology and mineralogy. The sandstones present the best reservoir potential (up to 25 % porosity and up to 425 mD permeability) and the best poroperms are recorded within cross-stratified sandstones.

The fine low poro-perm carbonate, silty and shaly layers constitute flow barriers which should be considered in geological reservoir modeling. The complex lithology of the Mrabtine formation should also be taken into account in case of scale prevention studies to avoid injecting fluids which are incompatible with the variable matrix nature of Mrabtine reservoir.
Integrated CMR, FMI and Facies Analyses to Assess Porosity Types and Distribution of the Middle Eocene Limestones- Case Study of Gas Reservoir, Pelagean Sea, Tunisia
Authors: Bey S.. , Ben Alaya S.. , Fakhfakh Ben Jemia H..
Published: September 2015

Lower Reineche hydrocarbon-bearing limestones is subdivided into four different layers the first three ones (LRN1, LRN2, LRN3) belong to nummulite-rich unit and represent the main reservoir however the fourth layer (LRLs), which corresponds to an argillaceous limestones, is not considered as reservoir layer although its fair porosities. The sedimentological study based on CL description, USB, TS, and SEM analyses allowed the identification of eight facies. In the cored wells, the specified facies coupled to the FMI interpretation are used in order to recognize the specific response of each facies. Then the comparison of the FMI logs of the non-cored wells with those of the cored ones assists the prediction regarding facies and reservoir characteristics and helps to fill interpretive gaps when comprehensive formation evaluation data is not available. The CMR Logs show generally one modal T2 distribution illustrating the existence of only one fluid type except the LRN2 showing bimodal T2 distribution. In addition, this T2 signal is wide expressing a large pore size distribution (micro- to macroporosities). The sedimentological study proved the existence of matrix microporosity, an intergranular porosity between Nummulite tests and an intragranular porosity within Nummulites which is effective only when affected by microfractures (meso- to macroporosities). For Lower Reineche limestones, integration of sedimentological, RCA, FMI and CMR studies specified the different facies in addition to the porosity and permeability distribution in the reservoir. Nummulit biofabric and early diagenesis are the main factors that control the petrophysical characteristics of the Nummulit bearing limestones. The understanding of the heterogeneity and the distribution of the porosity and the permeability in this area is important for the reservoir modeling and the hydrocarbon (gas mainly) saturation.
Challenging Field Management of Thin Oil Rim Reservoir in Nile Delta of Egypt
Authors: Rabie Ahmed , Ghoneim Saad , Ali Mahmoud T.
Published: September 2015

West Dikirnis field is located in the Nile delta of Egypt. It contains a thin oil rim with a thick gas cap and strong water aquifer. It is considered the second oil discovery in the Nile delta after El Tamad Field (Operated by Petroceltic & El Mansoura Pet Co). The development of this thin oil rim is very challenging due to: 1) complexity of the fluid system (volatile oil, retrograde condensate gas cap gas), 2) complexity of the geology of the field (compartmentalization, fracturing, and rapid lithological variation), 3) high heterogeneity in reservoir properties (permeability ranges from 200 mD to 11 D), and 4) strong water drive.

This paper represents a case history of developing WD field. It presents a complete development plan of this thin oil rim and its rich gas cap and how to maximize liquid (oil & condensate and LPG) recovery through different stages by optimizing drilling/completion strategy, reservoir management, and production processing.

The production strategy of this field was put into phases. In the first phase, the thin oil rim reservoir was developed through vertical and deviated wells for the purpose of collecting geological and reservoir engineering data required for full field development. In this phase the simulation studies showed positive effects of recycling the produced gas into the reservoir gas cap for the purpose of maintaining the reservoir pressure and decreasing the liquid losses due to the expected retrograde condensation in the gas cap gas. This first phase has shown strong, but variable, aquifer effects on the production wells. It also showed a great deal of lithological variations within very short distances in the field. In the second phase, and to overcome the geological and aquifer heterogeneities, it was decided to develop the field with horizontal wells completed with ICD's (Inflow Control Devices). This type of development helped achieve the following: (i) overcome the geological complexity, and (ii) to keep the well away from the water table, (iii) control the water rise by gas cap gas recycling, and iv) normalize the water moving front towards the well bore by the use of ICD's. The studies have shown that the above strategy increases the oil recovery factor by about 50%.

In the third phase an LPG & Refrigeration project was constructed in order to maximize the liquid production from this field.

Currently, an EOR project is put in focus for further increasing of the liquid recovery from this field partly through vaporizing the remaining oil.
Case Studies of Formation Isolation Valves for ESP and Intelligent Completions in Multi-Lateral Wells and Horizontal Wells
Authors: Shafiq Muhammad , Arraour Ali Adlene
Published: September 2015

This paper describes case-studies of Formation Isolation Valve design, completion options, installations, well bore access for Intelligent Completions and successful replacement of electrical submersible pump (ESP). These completions are installed for production optimization in multilateral and horizontal wells. ESP completions has a long history in oil field and intelligent completions have been nearly stared 15years back.

Isolation Valves have been installing for over 20 years and more than 2000 wells have been successfully completed. In few wells upper completions have been successfully recompleted with ESP. The technology has provided real value in these ESP wells and also in intelligent completions wells.

There are several measures such replacement of underperforming ESP systems, sidetracks in more prolific zones and upsizing of the pumps have been taken. The formation isolation valves were used with ESP completion to protect reservoir formation from drilling and work over fluids during replacement of pump. This saves fluid cost, rig time, reduce rig cost, avoid formation damage and improve productivity. Few benefits are below: Allows multiple pump replacements without killing the wellIsolates formations without applying kill fluid to the formationReduces fluid losses during completion installationsImproves well productivity by preventing formation damageReduces costs associated with well interventions

ESP systems with formation isolation valve are delivering the industry the solution to achieve production targets while protecting reservoir damage due to kill fluid during work over operations for pump replacement and at the same time allowing access to mother bore for stimulation and logging in ESP and Intelligent Completions.
An Experimental Investigation of Silica Nano Particles for Enhanced Oil Recovery Applications
Authors: Ragab Adel M. , Hannora Ahmed E.
Published: September 2015

By increasing worldwide energy demand and reducing reserves, enhanced oil recovery (EOR) from current fields has become more and more important. Moving from polymer to surfactant flooding, Chemical EOR has been considered an expensive method, and field applications have been decreased during the past two decades. Currently with the advent of nanotechnology, nanomaterials has been created and proposed to be used for EOR. Different nano materials with different sizes have been proposed. Among the various nano-material used for EOR applications, nano-silica with different sizes has been suggested.

In this paper, a ball milling attritor has been used to produce nano silica from white sand. By operating the attritor for a different time, different sized formed. Four different sizes have been created after 5, 10, 15, and 25 hours milling. The size and shape of the powder particles were examined using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission-scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) while their microanalysis was performed by energy dispersive system (EDS). The prepared nano particles were found 140, 122, 100, and 87 nm after 5, 10, 15, and 25 hours of milling respectively.

Several flooding scenarios have been tried to identify potential applications that will benefit upstream sector and oil recovery. A base run with water flooding (WF) was performed. The ultimate recovery factor by WF was found 67%. The ultimate recovery factors have been measured for these four nano materials and they are ranging from 65% to 77 %. To combine chemical EOR and nano materials, a mixture of nano material (87-nm) and polymer (xanthan gum) has been used as well, and its recovery factor is found 80%. The mechanisms of this development in the recovery has been explained.

This paper summarizes new findings from several different experimental runs which shows the effectiveness of the nano silica particles for improving oil recovery over the traditional methods. Ultimately, the knowledge gained from this work can be used to improve and narrow the range of nano-size applications for improving the recovery factors and proposed a roadmap for ongoing and future research.
Organic Geochemistry of the Paleozoic Source Rocks in the Chotts Basin, Southern Tunisia
Authors: Mohamed A. Belhaj , Saidi M.. , Soussi M..
Published: September 2015

This paper describes a detailed geochemical evaluation of the Paleozoic source rocks in the Chotts basin- Southern Tunisia. Cutting samples collected from Middle Ordovician Azzel Formation (Fm), Late Silurian-Early Devonian FegaguiraFm and Permian ZoumitFm were analysed using Rock-Eval pyrolysis, GC and GC/MS techniques.

The FegaguiraFm is the principal petroleum source rock (SR) in the basin with Total Organic Carbon (TOC) values ranging from 1 to 20%. The Petroleum Potential (PP) and the Hydrogen Index (HI) values average 8 kg HC/t rock and 225 mg/g of TOC respectively indicate that the sediments have oil and gas generating potential. The terpanes series are dominated by the tricyclic and tetracyclic terpanes comparatively to hopanes with C23, C24 and C21 tricyclic terpane as prominent compounds. The diasterane contents are relatively high confirming the shaly character of the SR.

The Azzel shales has poor to moderate, occasionally good, potential for sourcing oil and gas with TOC and PP values varying from 0.80 to 4.49 % and from 0.68 to 9.20 kg of HC/t rock respectively. The HI values of 95–165 mg S2/g TOC and Tmax value of 435–448°C indicate mainly mature oil-prone kerogen. The biomarker features are characterized by high proportion of tricyclic terpanes that are dominated by C23 and C21 tricyclic terpanes. The hopanes fraction is dominated by C29 and C30 hopanes. The diasterane content are relatively high supporting the shaly character of the SR.

The ZoumitFm shows fair to excellent TOC ranging from 0.06 to 6.84% and fair to good PP (reaching 4.77 kg of HC/t of rock) and both HI and Tmax values indicate mainly immature oil-prone kerogen. The biomarker analysis reveals a low content of trictyclic terpanes relative to pentacyclic terpanes. The content of C29 and C30 hopane is relatively high. The diasteranes are present in moderate to high proportions and are less abundant than regular steranes. These biomarker features indicate a marine OM associated with marly to argillaceous limestone SR, deposited in suboxic, normal salinity depositional environment.
Mitigation of Stuck Pipe Challenges in HTHP conditions Using Acid Soluble Blend of Barite and Manganese Tetroxide as Weighting Materials for Drilling Fluids
Authors: Wagle Vikrant , Al-Yami Abdullah S. , AlAbdullatif Ziad , Bubshait Abdulaziz S. , AlSafran Ali
Published: September 2015

Horizontal wells drilled in the Marrat (lower Jurassic), Minjur and Jilh (upper and middle Triassic) formation in Saudi Arabia are known to present severe stuck-pipe challenges. Stuck pipe in a horizontal well is a problem that can result in loss of tools, non-productive time, sidetracks and loss of well thereby increasing the wellbore construction cost.

Thus to mitigate the problems arising due to stuck-pipe issues, a new drilling fluid was formulated using a combination of barite and manganese tetroxide (Mn3O4) as weighting agents. The use of such a combination as a weighting material in a drilling fluid provides both operational and monetary benefits.

Mn3O4 with a smaller particle size (D50=1 µm), spherical shape, and high specific gravity (4.95 g/cm3) makes it a good weighting material to reduce solids loading and settling compared to barite (SG= 4.20 and D50=20 µm). The fact that manganese tetroxide is also acid-soluble provides more operational benefits when a fluid with a combination of barite and Mn3O4 is used as weighting agent. In the event of a stuck-pipe incident during drilling, the use of acids or acid precursors would result in the dissolution of the Mn3O4 thereby resulting in a partial breakage of the manganese tetroxide-barite filter cake formed in a well during drilling. This partial breakage of the filter cake is expected to free the pipe thereby mitigating the problems associated with stuck pipe incidents. The use of a barite along with Mn3O4 would also result in a reduced fluid cost as compared to a fluid formulated with Mn3O4 alone as the weighting agent.

Thus, this paper showcases the benefits of using such a combination of barite and manganese tetroxide as weighting materials in 100pcf, 120pcf and 150pcf drilling fluids hot rolled at 250°F/300°F. The experimental work in this paper involves measuring rheological properties, thermal stability, HTHP filtration and static sagging resistance of the fluid at 250°F/300°F. The paper also describes the results of using different acid based filter-cake breaker fluids for the partial dissolution of manganese tetroxide based filter cake.

A blend of manganese tetroxide and barite provides increased sag resistance as compared to a drilling fluid formulated with barite alone as the weighting agent.
Utilizing of Waste Heat in Natural Gas Processing Plants for Efficiency Improvement by Using of Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC)
Authors: Hameed Ahmed Haridy , Zayed S..
Published: September 2015

In recent years energy debates and emission regulations have pushed the whole world to explore alternative forms of energy, therefore it is important to explore innovative Measures to overcome the challenges of future fuel gas production shortage, future electric demand increase and GHG emission reduction. Industrial waste heat refers to energy that is generated in industrial process without being used, Waste heat recovery entails capturing and reusing the waste heat.

This paper introduces a case study to utilize the new ORC technology (Organic Rankine Cycle technology) on an existing El Gamil gas treatment plant, in order to recover the waste heat produced from no.4 turbo compressors exhaust with the aim of using it for process heating and power generation. A simulation model has been built up for two different types of engineering cycle, Different types of working fluids have been investigated for each cycle through different technical parameters in order to choose the best cycle and working fluid.

The simulation model shows that the regenerative cycle and cyclo-pentane as a working fluid is the most suitable selection for recovering the waste heat and convert it to process heating and power generation. The selected solution shows that the maximum power generated is 36 MW, the maximum cycle efficiency is 27% and the lowest working fluid volumetric flow rate is 7000 ACMH. On the other hand the economic study shows that the ORC technology is feasible, where the payback period is 4.5 year and IRR is 29%. The ORC technology saved fuel gas by 5,000,000 MMBTU/year, which environmentally decrease the CO2 emissions by 300,000 ton/year. And this enhances confidence towards applying the ORC technology in such gas treatment plants.
The Use of an Operational Filter Boosted Artificial Neural Network for Selection of Enhanced Oil Recovery Technique
Authors: Samuel Armacanqui J.. , Hassan Ahmed Mohamed
Published: September 2015

The variety of available EOR techniques requires an in-depth screening to select a viable method that matches well to the reservoir rock and fluid parameters and still remains economically attractive. In the present paper a Comprehensive Integrated EOR Workflow is proposed that starts with an Advanced EOR Screening Method. This is comprised of both a Neural Network Part and an Operational Module. While the First part uses proven data mining techniques the Operational Module considers the specific features of the screened EOR Method influencing the field implementation.

The Neural Network Part is based on an exhaustive review and selection of successfully deployed literature case. It uses the rock, fluid and other reservoir parameters to screen various EOR methods considering their technical-economical applicability. This Artificial Intelligence approach utilizes data mining techniques in the form of a hybrid system that makes use of a neural network as a screening tool and the genetic algorithm as an optimization tool to land into the optimum recommendation. The Operational Part enables to evaluate the implementation capability on the given field based on the specific requirements of the preselected EOR Method.

The system works its way through the literature data of successful EOR projects trying to detect patterns and learning from the data the relationship between these characteristics and the feasibility of applying each EOR technique mimicking the ability of the human mind to learn from previous experience. The system is a multi-layers neural network whereby the input layer is composed of seven key reservoir parameters (depth, temperature, porosity, permeability, initial oil saturation, oil gravity and in-situ oil viscosity) while the output layer is composed of the probability of success of the evaluated EOR methods (steam, CO2 miscible, hydro-carbon miscible, in-situ combustion, polymer flooding). The number of hidden layers and neurons are optimized using genetic algorithm for best matching of the training data set and accurate prediction of the testing set.

Comparing the system output with the actual applied EOR techniques in the field shows a reliable result with only a 5% miss-prediction of the total test fields. The Operational Module determines the deployment capabilities in the given reservoir considering the specific parameters of the pre-selected EOR Method, production-pressure history, Formation fluid flow properties and the actual field and well set up, thus providing an advanced EOR Screening.
Multilevel Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MLMCMC) For Uncertainty Quantification
Authors: Elsakout Doaa , Christie Mike , Lord Gabriel
Published: September 2015

Uncertainty quantification is an important task in reservoir simulation studies used for decision making. There have been many techniques proposed in the SPE literature for quantifying uncertainty, such as Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC).

MCMC is statistical method for sampling from an arbitrary probability distribution to quantifying uncertainty in reservoir simulation. The major difficulty in applying MCMC methods is high computational cost.

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the performance of a new technique – Multilevel Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MLMCMC) – for quantifying uncertainty in reservoir simulation with less computional cost compared to Standard MCMC.

MLMCMC algorithm is based on decomposing the desired results into a set of components calculated with different level of coarsening level. This technique demonstrated a speed up and provided a forecast with no significant loss in accuracy compared to Standard MCMC. It makes Monte Carlo estimation a feasible technique for uncertainty quanti?cation in reservoir simulation applications.

There are only a few applications of MLMCMC in the petroleum industry as it is a new technique. We show results for two fields. The first is Teal South in the Gulf of Mexico and the second is Scapa in a North Sea.
Application of Using Fuzzy Logic as an Artificial Intelligence Technique in the Screening Criteria of the EOR Technologies
Authors: Nageh Mohamed , El Ela Mahmoud Abu , El Tayeb El Sayed , Sayyouh Helmy
Published: September 2015

Screening criteria stage for the EOR applications is useful for many candidate reservoirs before expensive reservoir descriptions and economic evaluations are done. This paper presents the application of using fuzzy logic as an artificial intelligence technique in the screening criteria of the EOR technologies. EOR screening criteria have been developed based on field results. The database of 347 successful EOR projects worldwide is used to carry out statistical analysis which resulted in determination of four critical values (minimum, maximum, r1, r2) for each fluid and rock property.

The determined values identify the suitable range of the rock and fluid properties and the screening criteria for each EOR method. In addition, these ranges can rate the properties of any field under study from 0 to 1 (through fuzzy logic membership functions). The minimum and the maximum values represent the successful boundaries of the fluid or rock properties for the studied EOR method; while r1 and r2 values represent the ranges with maximum rating (best conditions) for the fluid or the rock properties.

Not all fields are amenable to EOR processes. Effective screening practices must be employed to identify suitable candidates. In the developed screening tool, there are 15 inputs representing EOR screening criteria of the reservoir rock and fluid properties including: API gravity, oil viscosity, reservoir depth, rock permeability, oil saturation, reservoir temperature, formation water salinity, net pay thickness, permeability variation coefficient (representing heterogeneity index), formation type, minimum miscibility pressure, initial reservoir pressure, current reservoir pressure, fracture pressure and an option showing if the reservoir is dip or not.

The developed screening tool is characterized by an easily and friendly interface with additional options comparing to the other existing software or expert systems. The proposed tool can be used to support the decision making during the critical technology selection phase. Such study is an original contribution to achieve successful EOR applications.
Accumulation of three different sizes of particulate matter on plant leaf surfaces: Effect on leaf traits
Authors: Chen Xiaoping , Zhou Zhixiang , Teng Mingjun , Wang Pengcheng , Zhou Lin
Published: September 2015

Plants not only improve air quality by adsorbing particulate matter (PM) on
leaf surfaces but can also be affected by their accumulation. In this study,
a field investigation was performed in Wuhan, China, into the relationship
between seven leaf traits and the accumulation of three different sizes of PM
(PM11, PM2.5 and PM0.2) on leaves. The retention abilities of plant leaves
with respect to the three sizes of PM differed significantly at different
sites and species. The average PM retention capabilities of plant leaves and
specific leaf area (SLA) were significantly greater in a seriously polluted
area, whereas the average values of chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl
b), total chlorophyll, carotenoid, pH and relative water content (RWC) were
greater at the control site. SLA significantly positively correlated with the
size of PM, but Chl a, Chl b, total chlorophyll, RWC significantly negatively
correlated with the size of PM, whereas the pH did not correlate
significantly with the the PM fractions. Additionally, SLA was found to be
affected by large particles (PM11, p<0.01); PM2.5 had a more obvious effect
on plant leaf traits than the other PM (p<0.05). Overall, the findings from
this study provide useful information regarding the selection of plants to
reduce atmospheric pollution.
One-pot preparation of carbamoyl benzotriazoles and their applications in the preparation of ureas, hydrazinecarboxamides and carbamic esters
Authors: Mao Hui , Liu Huili , Tu Yawei , Zhong Zhiyun , Lv Xin , Wang Xiaoxia
Published: September 2015

Carbamoyl benzotriazoles were conveniently synthesized in one-pot from
carboxylic acids, diphenylphosphorazidate (DPPA) and benzotriazole (BtH). The
reactivity and applications of carbamoyl benzotriazoles were also explored.
Carbamoyl benzotriazoles react smoothly with amino acids, hydrazines and
alcohols respectively, thus providing facile access to the corresponding
ureas, hydrazinecarboxamides and carbamic esters in good to excellent yields.
Economics of Organic Vs Inorganic Carrot Production in Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Raj Kumar
Published: September 2015

During February-April 2008, a study was conducted to compare the yield and economics of organic and inorganic carrot production and its profit volume in Chitwan district of Nepal. Face to face interview method was used to collect the primary information from randomly selected organic and inorganic carrot producers. Among the cost components, per unit cost on female labor and organic fertilizer were found to be higher in organic production system where as higher per unit cost on seed, tillage operation and male labor were found in inorganic production system. Higher cost and higher revenue was found in inorganic production system but higher benefit cost ratio was found in organic production system. This revealed that adoption of organic carrot production system was economically profitable than inorganic production system.  Key words: Benefit cost ratio; Carrot; Cost; Gross margin; Organic agricultureThe Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:10, Jun.2009 Page: 27-33
Comparitive Benefits of Beekeeping Enterprise in Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Pokhrel Suroj
Published: September 2015

Based on the survey cunducted in 2004, beekeepers in Chitwan had small and fragmented land holdings with lower rate of return from subsistence crop farming. They are keeping Apis mellifera L.in Langstroth hive in Terai and A. cerana Fab. in improved, traditional-log and wall hives in hills, for honey production purpose. The honey productivity in Terai was 3.54 folds higher (28.7 vs 8.1 kg/yr/hive) than in hills with highest average annual income in Bharatpur area followed by East and West Chitwan. Moreover, the income of the beekeepers in Chitwan from honey production was 3.62 folds higher than crop farming (NRs 83,996.88 vs NRs 23,214.22 /house hold/year). It clearly showed that beekeeping with A. mellifera in the Terai is potential enterprise for higher income compared to crop production. Key words: Annual income; Apiculture; Crop production; Honey productivity; Land holding The Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:10, Jun.2009 Page: 46-59
Vulnerability of Mountain Communities to Climate Change And Adaptation Strategies
Authors: Lama Sarina , Devkota Bhupendra
Published: September 2015

Climate Change, one of the most important global environmental challenges facing humanity, has implications on food production, natural eco-systems, fresh water supply and health in Nepal. It is contributing mostly to the rise in air temperature leading to rapid melting of glaciers and increment of glacier lakes. Exploitation of natural resources associated with growing population has led to increasing pollution, declining water quality, land degradation, etc. Extreme climate events including flooding, heavy rainfall, droughts, heat wave and cold stream etc. are also the consequences of climate change in Nepal. Moreover, Nepal is largely dependent on climate-sensitive sectors, such as rain-fed agriculture; its fragile mountain ecosystems and dramatic topography make the country prone to flooding. Due to such events, agricultural productivity is declining with increasing problem of food security in mountainous regions. In recent years, the signs of such changes are being observed and may become more prominent over next couple of decades. Many rural communities are struggling through different adaptation measures as an attempt to reduce the risk of climate change vulnerability.The Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:10, Jun.2009 Page: 76-83
Perspectives of Organic Agriculture and Policy Concerns in Nepal
Authors: Pokhrel Deepak Mani , Pant Kishor Prasad
Published: September 2015

Agriculture production worldwide has been intensified with a simultaneous expansion in pesticides,fertilizers and other agro-chemicals use to meet growing peoples' demands for food. Indiscriminate use of agrochemicals has however resulted in several problems such as pests' resistance to pesticides and resurgence due to elimination of natural enemies, toxic residues in food, water, air and soil, degrading soil environment and ecosystem, animal and human health hazards and ultimate economic losses. Realizing the facts, organic farming is becoming popular recently, and there have been growing concerns on its importance and promotion in number of countries irrespective of their stage of development. Consequently, farming system paradigms have now shifted from mere increased production and productivity to resource sustainability and eco-friendly production techniques in their emphasis. Higher cost due to agro-chemicals and resulting environmental losses incurred in conventional agriculture on one side and higher advantages of ecological diversities available in the country on the other have proved that Nepal has high potentialities and  comparative advantages of producing quality organic products. A high majority of mountain farmers in Nepal, excluding a few of the agricultural pockets where so-called commercial agriculture has already introduced, do not use any chemicals. Owing to globally increasing trend of demand for organic food, Nepal can benefit from such exports. The government based on some of its policy instruments is also committed to promoting organic farming in the country. However, the instruments are inadequate and not well integrated. Inadequate research, extension services and manpower especially on production and marketing information and input supply have hindered promotion of organic agriculture. Organic product legislation, standardization, certification and infrastructure in such development are also major issues of policy concerns.Key words: Organic-certification; Organic-farming; Organic-standard; Policy; Nepal; etc.The Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:10, Jun.2009 Page: 103-115
Pesticide Application and Food Safety Issue in Nepal
Authors: Koirala P. , Dhakal S. , Tamrakar A. S.
Published: September 2015

It has been increasing pest population including weeds, invasive species, insects and insect vectors and plant diseases, which lead to increase pesticides on crop production. Some of the pesticides also contribute to global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer. Pesticides are the potential health hazards which have drawn attention to everyone. The current practice adopted in pesticides control in Nepal appears not enough in line with food safety. This has created a promising threat in food safety and human health. In turn, global warming is also likely to increase pesticide use and degrade food safety situation. Necessary measures should be adopted to curb upcoming alarming situation in food safety.Key words: Food safety; Global warming; Pesticides; NepalThe Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:10, Jun.2009 Page: 128-132
Land Degradation Issues in Nepal and Its Management Through Agroforestry
Authors: Acharya Anil Kumar , Kafle Narayan
Published: September 2015

Land degradation is major challenge of Nepal. The paper focuses mainly on causes and consequences of land degradation and their management approaches. Land degradation may occur through different physical, chemical and biological processes induced directly or indirectly by human activities like deforestation, shifting cultivation, overgrazing, steep slope farming, over use of chemical fertilizers and forest resources. These create many social problems like poverty, poor health and nutrition and demographic dynamics by lowering agricultural productivity. Agroforestry approaches like use of Multi Purpose Tree Species (MPTs), relay-cropping, terracing and contour cultivation, strip and alley cropping are appropriate to fulfill the needs of low resource farmers by restoring and increasing land productivity. The potentiality of the approach can be made more effective through holistic efforts, based on needs with active participation of farmers in planning and implementation stage. Key Words: Biodiversity; Deforestation; Ecosystem; Natural resource; Productivity; Erosion The Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:10, Jun.2009 Page: 133-143
Microbial Control of White Grubs in Nepal: The Way Forward
Authors: GC Yubak Dhoj
Published: September 2015

Nepalese economy is largely dependent on agriculture. Over the time, there has been gradual transformation in the agricultural production system and the hitherto dominant chemical based agricultural system has been gradually changing with the latest aspects of bio-rational approaches. Emphasis towards these aspects has been seen both in the governmental and non-governmental level through their commitments in long term prospective plans. However, there is long way to go towards bio-rational approach of pest control in Nepal. This aspect is newer concept in case of Nepal. Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Department of Entomology, Rampur, in support of Helvetas had initiated bio-pesticides production. The major effort was the production and use of biopesticide based on fungal pathogen (Metarhizium anisopliae Sorokin) against white grubs in particular and soil insect in general. The research was carried out for about a decade and results so far indicated the ample scope of producing and using this agent against this dreaded pest. The research results so far obtained are at get set position, however, to gear up the further works, it has been felt that joint efforts from possible counterparts such as Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), IAAS, Department Of Agriculture (DOA), private organisations, NGOs and INGOs would be vital. It has been realised to form national working groups for the development of microbial pest control. Major lead should be taken by national organisations in full support of private organisations. This paper has been brought forth in order to bring into the information of the works so far done in Nepal and to arouse the interest among the possible counterparts, producers, consumers, planners, and policy makers. Key words: Bio-rational compounds; Bio-pesticides; IPM; Metarhizium anisopliae; White grubs The Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:10, Jun.2009 Page: 156-165
Algebras of Definable and Rough Sets in Quasi Order-based Approximation Spaces
Authors: Kumar Arun , Banerjee Mohua
Published: September 2015

A pair of approximation operators, based on the notion of granules in generalized approximation spaces, was studied in an earlier work by the authors. In this article, we investigate algebraic structures formed by the definable sets and also by the rough sets determined by this pair of approximation operators. The definable sets are open sets of an Alexandrov topological space, and form a completely distributive lattice in which the set of completely join irreducible elements is join dense. The collection of rough sets also forms a similar structure. Representation results for such classes of completely distributive lattices as well as Heyting algebras in terms of definable and rough sets are obtained. Further, two unary operators on rough sets are considered, making the latter constitute a structure that is named a ‘rough lattice’. Representation results for rough lattices are proved.
Interval-valued Hesitant Fuzzy Soft Sets and their Application in Decision Making
Authors: Peng Xindong , Yang Yong
Published: September 2015

The soft set theory can be used as a newly mathematical tool to handle uncertainty. However, the classical soft sets are not appropriate to deal with imprecise and fuzzy parameters. In this paper, we propose the interval-valued hesitant fuzzy soft sets which are a combination of the interval-valued hesitant fuzzy sets and soft sets. Then, the complement, AND, OR, union, intersection, restricted union, extended intersection, difference, average, and geometric operations are defined on the interval-valued hesitant fuzzy soft sets, and some basic properties are also discussed in detail. Finally, by means of TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) and the maximizing deviation method, an algorithm is presented, and a comprehensive sensitivity analysis is employed, and the effectiveness is proved by a numerical example.
Hypertension : Guidelines and Bangladesh Perspective
Authors: Majumder Abdullah Al Shafi
Published: September 2015

Abstract not availableCardiovasc. j. 2015; 8(1): 1-2
Can we eliminate nutritional anaemia in the near future?
Authors: Das Palash
Published: September 2015

Abstract not availableSouth East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.5(1) 2015: 1-3
Role of mass media in increasing knowledge and practices of mothers on IYCF: findings from a community trial in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Mashreky Saidur Rahman , Rahman Fazlur , Rahman Aminur , Talab Abu , Rahman Zakia
Published: September 2015

Poor IYCF (Infant and Young Children Feeding) practices are factors of poor nutrition among infants and young children in developing countries including Bangladesh. To address this problem, a national mass media campaign was launched using television channels along with home counseling. The study was designed to explore the effect of IYCF intervention on changing knowledge and practices of mothers in rural Bangladesh. The study used a cluster randomized trial design where six unions were randomized to allocate them to 'only mass media intervention (intervention-I)' or 'mass media + direct counseling (Intervention-II)'. Three unions were subjected to 'intervention-I' and the other three were subjected to 'intervention-II'. In intervention-I areas, the knowledge of initiation of breast feeding was improved by 8.5% and practice was improved by 23.7%. It was 17.9% and 16.6% respectively in intervention-II areas. In intervention-I areas knowledge about initiation of complementary feeding improved by 2.7% and in practice it was 19.3%. In intervention-II areas it was 8.6% and 21.3% respectively. Regarding giving the right quantity of complementary food, in intervention-I areas the improvement rate was 6.2% for children between 7-8 months old and 34% for children between 9-12 months old. In intervention-II areas it was 13.7% for children between 7-8 months old and 56.8% for children between 9-12 months old. Significant improvements were found in both the intervention areas, but changes were almost similar in both groups. Coverage of interpersonal communication was found to be very low. Improvement of IYCF knowledge and practice might be the contribution of mass media.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.5(1) 2015: 18-24
Assessment of HIV knowledge among university students using the HIV-KQ-18 scale: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Talwar Prashanth , Rahman Mohd Fadzil B Abd
Published: September 2015

Globally, the spread of HIV/AIDS has become a major health concern due to its pandemic proportions. Although people of any age are vulnerable to HIV, the younger populace are more at risk of becoming infected due to their lifestyle choices. The aim of the study was to assess the level of HIV-related knowledge among undergraduate university students using the HIV-KQ-18 scale, and thereby determine a relationship between the selected demographic variables and HIV knowledge. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 405 students enrolled in a Malaysian University, using a self-administered questionnaire. The HIV-KQ-18 scale was used to measure participants basic knowledge about HIV, modes of its transmission and prevention. The study indicated that majority of the students (64%) had adequate HIV-related knowledge. Accounting for socio-demographics, it was noted that lower age group, male and Faculty of Science students were the variables associated with higher HIV knowledge scores. Multiple regression analysis predicted three variables namely gender, faculty and relationship status as being significantly associated with knowledge. Essentially, findings from the study indicate significant differences in the gendered knowledge of HIV, demonstrating a need to conduct more gender-based studies in different settings. Furthermore, it is recommended that age and gender specific educational interventions strategies could be implemented to address misconceptions about HIV, modes of its transmission and effective prevention.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.5(1) 2015: 33-38
The facile construction of the phthalazin-1(2H)-one scaffold via copper-mediated C–H(sp2)/C–H(sp) coupling under mild conditions
Authors: Zhu Wei , Wang Bao , Zhou Shengbin , Liu Hong
Published: September 2015

A novel strategy for the construction of the phthalazin-1(2H)-one scaffold has been developed by means of a copper-mediated cascade C–H/C–H coupling and intramolecular annulations and a subsequent facile hydrazinolysis. This C–H activation transformation proceeds smoothly with wide generality, good functional tolerance and high stereo- and regioselectivity under mild conditions. Through the removal of the directing group, the resulting moiety could easily be transformed into the phthalazin-1(2H)-one scaffold, which is known to be a privileged moiety and a bioactive nucleus in pharmaceuticals.
Falls Self-Efficacy in German Nursing Home Residents: Assessment of Validity and Determination of a Cutoff Point
Authors: Könner Franziska , Kuhnert Ronny , Kalinowski Sonja , Dräger Dagmar , Kreutz Reinhold , Wulff Ines , Budnick Andrea
Published: September 2015

Approximately one in every two German nursing home residents falls at least once in a 1-year period and just as many report a fear of falling. It has been hypothesized that falls self-efficacy mediates the relationship between fear of falling and functional ability. The aim of the current study was to develop the German Nursing Home Falls Self-Efficacy Scale, examine its validity, and estimate a cutoff point to differentiate nursing home residents with low or high falls self-efficacy. Nursing home residents were assessed at baseline (
n
= 178, mean age = 83.7 years) and 6-month follow up (
n
= 115, mean age = 83.9 years). Factorial and construct validity analyses provided preliminary support for the validity of the scale. A cutoff point of 11.5 was generated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. This scale may assist health care professionals in differentiating between nursing home residents with low and high falls self-efficacy and supporting residents in providing appropriate interventions.

[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2016; 9(3):134–144.]