bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of BAP and IBA on shoot regeneration of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) through runner tip culture
Authors: Madumali H. K. C. , Abeythilakarathna P. D. , Seran T. H.
Published: October 2019

Effect of three concentrations (0, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/L) of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) in combination with three concentrations (0, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/L) of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on shoot regeneration of strawberry runner tips was investigated. Runner tips were rinsed with water containing Teepol™ for 5 min., kept under running tap water for 30 min, and immersed in 0.5% Topsin™ for 30 min before sterilizing with 20% sodium hypochlorite solution (Clorox™) for 12 min. followed by 70% Ethyl alcohol for 1 min. After sterilization, explants were trimmed and tips of runners (1.0-1.5 cm long) were isolated and cultured on MS media supplemented with different concentrations of BAP and IBA. Among nine treatments, highest number of shoot buds were observed in 0.5 mg/L BAP alone medium followed by 0.5 mg/L BAP + 0.5 mg/L IBA supplemented medium. Highest number of leaves was also observed at the same concentrations. Among nine BAP and IBA concentrations, highest shoot and root length were observed at hormone free medium. Highest shoot girth was observed at 0.5 mg/L BAP + 0 mg/L IBA supplemented medium. It can be concluded that MS basal medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L BAP could be used to regenerate shoots from runner tips for plant propagation of strawberry.
Evaluation of Karst Porosity Morphological Properties through Borehole Image Logs – Correlation with Dynamic Reservoir Properties from a presalt Oil Field
Authors: de Jesus Candida Menezes , Compan André Luiz Martins , Coêlho Jéferson Rômulo Pereira , de Sá Silveira Alysson Espindola , Blauth Marcelo
Published: October 2019

The representation of karst petrophysical properties on geologic models has been a challenge, mostly because of the lack of reliable information about the mega and giga pore network, such as large vugs, caves, conduits and enlarged fractures. Since image logs currently have provided the capability of measuring morphological properties in this pore scale, specific techniques have been developed with the objective of obtaining quantitative data that capture these properties.

In order to evaluate morphological properties that are representative of mega and giga pores, it is necessary to individually segment each pore structure. A set of computational geometry and image processing techniques were used to measure morphological properties, such as area, perimeter, longest internal path (LIP), internal length (IL), and structure diameter. The area and perimeter of the structure are computed directly on the segmented borehole image log data. The application of this technique allows the classification of different mega and giga pore types.

The quantitative evaluation of karst porosity developed in this work has been applied in a brazilian karstified pre-salt carbonate reservoir. The results have shown good correlation with dynamic properties, such as fluid losses while drilling and high productivity intervals measured in production logs. It was possible to identify two distinct correlations between the increase of pore diameter and permeability response of fractured and vuggy-cavy reservoirs. This new technique is helpful for improving the knowledge and representability of the pore scales in order to honor the complexity of the structures generated by the karstification processes. Additionally, new workflows have been developed to incorporate the pore diameters in the geological modeling of karstified reservoirs. The distinct properties of each medium, in the future, might be represented in a model with the assignment of specific fluid mechanics equations, such as Darcys and Hagen-Poiseuilles, for each one.

There is a new ground to be gained in fluid flow simulation at these wide ranges of scales and heterogeneous distribution. For that reason, one of the aims of this paper is to stimulate the petrophysical and geological communities towards this goal, as more representative properties of karst porosity heterogeneity become available.
A Deep Dive into Disruptive Technologies in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Wishnow David , Rokhsari Azar Hossein , Pashaei Rad Maziar
Published: October 2019

We have conducted research with 50 E&P companies to identify the emerging technologies that would have the potential to disrupt oil and gas industry in the next three to five years. Examples of these technologies include: Aerial Data Gathering & Interpretations, Artificial Intelligence including Machine & Deep Learning, Biosciences including DNA Sequencing CRISPR Editing, Blockchain, Micro fluidics, Digital Twin 2.0., Nanotechnology, Natural Language Processing, Quantum Computing, and 3D Printing.

The scope of this research will include identification of those disrupting technologies, field level tactical applications of those technologies and use cases, the potential impact of those technologies voted by the 50 operators, and required conditions for top selected technologies to flourish.

In this paper we will not review an individual technology to utmost technical depth but we will provide a portfolio view of emerging technologies and their level of impact on the industry.

The foresight into the future technological disruptions is critical for the E&P companies who are investing millions of dollars each year in upgrading their equipment and infrastructure. Without this foresight, much of their investments could rapidly become obsolete.

Our approach involved deep interviews with subject matter experts within 50 oil companies to collect a database of interests and needs by them.

Then we investigated more than 150 technology innovators and startups to identify disruptive solutions that could match those particular needs of the operators.

Finally, we brought the top selected technologies in touch with the operators in a one full day workshop to high-grade and discuss the implications.

We have reviewed 20 technology trends that have the potential to be disruptive and found out that 5 of these technology trends attracted and were viewed as top areas for disruption by 80% of the operators. We also found out that a few of these technology themes are more fundamental and the enablers for the broader set of disruptions to happen, while a number of them are more secondary or consequential.

Up to this date all research on frontier technologies that could have an impact on oil and gas industry have been studied academically and/or by industry on a one by one basis. This paper for the first time collects a statistically valid interpretation on the importance of these technologies by the resource holders themselves and takes a portfolio view on emerging technologies versus the silo view that makes it difficult to prioritize resources and technology roadmaps. This will benefit all stakeholders of the oil and gas industry ranging from operators, innovators, investors, and to the resource holder nations in large.
Deepwater Riser Systems – Historical Review and Future Projections
Authors: Simpson Pete James , Lima Alexandre Jorio
Published: October 2019

The objective of this paper is to present the historical development of installed riser systems from the earliest offshore installations to the current state of the art and into the future.

The paper describes the main driving forces during the riser design process and presents the evolution of riser technology in a range of different regions and describes the influencing factors behind each development and the propagation of technology around the world. Using graphical visualizations of an extensive dataset of installed riser systems, the paper breaks down the global trends in riser by type, size, water depth and market dominance.
How Repeatable will Libra Pre-Salt PRM Permanent Reservoir Monitoring be ? A Full Wave Elastic and Acoustic Study
Authors: Deplante Christian , Sansonowski Rui Cesar , Garcia Diego Chagas , Mereilles Bernardo Radefeld , Da Costa Monica Muzette , De Melo Dias Roberto
Published: October 2019

Mero (Libra NW) is a field with high Gas Oil Rate (GOR) and high CO2 content, therefore the produced gas is reinjected in the reservoirs and the reservoir management strategy revolved around mitigating gas to maximize oil production within the limitations of surface gas reinjection capability. The reservoirs are thick but present 4 orders of magnitude in the variations of permeability (Fig. 1 left), including presence of high porosity/high permeability units that we anticipate will channel part of the gas injection, but are generally impossible to map from 3D seismic.

The production strategy put in place by Libra Join Project Team (JPT) to address this setting combines several technologies that combine together with others such as HiSep CO2 separation:

An injection strategy combining Water Alternating Gas (WAG) to slow the gas, with injection of gas into the most porous parts of aquifers in order to delay the increase of GOR around the producers.

The use of intelligent well completions with several levels that can be de-activated in order to limit the amount of gas injected or produced in various zones.

A monitoring strategy combining the usage of tracers with high-quality 4D in order to detect and track the gas fronts.

Firstly, combining the two first strategies should provide efficiency in reactive reservoir management, adressing the risks induced by locally strong values of respectively high horizontal (Kh) or vertical (Kv) permeability (Fig. 1 right).
A New Maintenance Era with Digitalization
Authors: Ribas Paulo Ramos , Barbosa Anderson Fabiano Monsores , Coutinho Carlos Juliano
Published: October 2019

This paper presents a digitization process that utilizes laser scanning techniques as the design basis for a process plant web-based 3D navigable model.

The solution is based on gathering a points cloud from the digitalized plant using the LiDAR surveying method, also commomly called 3D laser scanning, that measures the distance to target by illuminating the target with a pulsed laser light and measure the reflected light by a probe. The digital 3D model is assembled made from the laser return time and wavelength. Each scene is catalogued into a database and further presented into an interactive model of an industrial plant.

3D scanning techniques had been utilized in the Manufacturing and Construction businesses thoroughly and it has been proven very efficient. Constructability of like-for-like replacements and/or new installations, along with computer-based analysis of interreferences with millimetric dimensional verifications, are some of the most usual benefits. The WebScan-360 approach introduces a new portfolio of benefits where the conversion of the gathered scenes into construction drawings are faster, less prone to human error and a precise replica of the reality, especially when compared with the normal surveying method. Documents generation are quicker, more reliable and reduce exponentially the time for information gathering on existing documentation. Construction workpacks development and plant familiarization are much easily to be done, helpin in shutdown/campaign planning. Reduing the risks of misinterpretation and improves the communication across the involved teams with an easy and interactive reference.

The novelty of the WebScan-360 application lies in the interaction of a solid and precise engineering database to create efficients and quicker outputs for the entire industrial plants maintenance and modifications business.
New Compact Gas Dehydration Technology
Authors: Neumann Bjorn Kristian , Seltveit Tor Olav
Published: October 2019

Drying natural Gas must be done to prevent corrosion and deterioration to the export/transport piping and equipment.

Today, the most common way of dehydrating Gas is by Tall and heavy contactor tower units. Contactor tower are sensitive to movements and not possible to install subsea. The towers take up valuable topside space, and today space and weight is limited.

New Compact DryGas is an all new technology for Gas-Dehydration where Company utilize its competence, experience and the field prooven «Company Technology». This will give the Client Low height and weight, smaller and cheaper units with Flexible installation and independant of movement. Company DryGas can reduce TEG circulation rate at higher pressure / lower temperature. The Compamy are probably! the only gas de-hydration technology capable for subsea installation (today)!
Epoxy Resin Ends 45 Days of Nonproductive Time in Deepwater Wells: Case History
Authors: Blanc Rômulo Vieira , Brunherotto Leonardo Rodrigues
Published: October 2019

A major cause of remedial operations from production liner cementing is not achieving isolation from reservoir to surface. Occurrences increase in wells with inclinations of approximately 90° and necessitate isolating areas close to the liner overlap because of the difficulty reaching satisfactory standoff of the liner in relation to the wellbore or poor mud conditioning before the cement operation. During cement slurry displacement, a preferred circulation path for the cement slurry may cause poor or even nonexistent isolation. An even greater challenge is remediating this type of failure, because leakages at the top of liners may have extremely low injectivity. Conventional remediation systems, such as Class G cement slurries, are often ineffective because of the high concentration of solids present within these systems. Applying an epoxy resin (a solids-free system) combined with best practices of plug positioning to restore well integrity was achieved on the first attempt, ending 45 days of nonproductive time (NPT) for a deepwater operator.
Life Extension of Mooring Systems- A Structured Approach
Authors: Del Vecchio Cesar , Biasotto Paulo
Published: October 2019

Life extension of ageing floating production facilities can be an effective way to maximize profitability of mature assets by extending production and offset decommissioning expenditures, increasing profitability. Utilizing existing assets can be also an option to develop and tie-back new marginal fields in a more economical way rather than develop new large greenfield facilities.

Nonetheless, the benefits of extending the life of the production system might be reverted not only due to the installed capital cost of replacement of a mooring system, but also due to loss or deferred production.

The present paper proposes a holistic approach for assessment of the mooring system in order to achieve the intended performance of the asset, taking into consideration not only the system design but also the knowledge accumulated during the original operational life of the legacy system.
Treat-to-target (T2T) of serum urate (SUA) in gout: a clinical audit in real-world gout patients
Authors: Teh C.L. , Cheong Y.K. , Wan S.A. , Ling G.R.
Published: October 2019

Treat-to-target (T2T) for gout has been established recently to improve its management, which has been reported to be sub-optimal with significant gaps between the goals of treatment and day-to-day clinical practice. T2T recommended a goal of serum urate (SUA) target of <360 μmoI/L in all patients with gout and <300 μmoI/L in patients with tophaceous or severe gout. T2T strategy was applied in the management of gout patients in two Rheumatology clinics from 1 January 2016 onwards. We performed a clinical audit to assess T2T of SUA in gout patients and to identify causes for failure to achieve target SUA among them. There were a total of 304 patients for our analysis. They were of multi-ethnic origin with male predominance (88.8%). They had a mean age of 57.7+13.7 years and mean disease duration of 10.1+8.7 years. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (76.2%), dyslipidemia (52.5%) and diabetes mellitus (DM) (27.4%). Our patients’ body mass indexes showed that 47.7% were obese while 34.2% were overweight. Up to 62.4% of our patients had tophi and 42.6% had joint deformities. Only 34.9% of patients achieved target SUA. Nonadherence (52.3%) was the main reason identified for failure to achieve target SUA. The independent predictors for failure to achieve target SUA were nonadherence (HR=7.84, p=0.000) and presence of tophi (HR=1.95, p=0.001).
Faire réaliser des travaux d'arpentage
Authors:   Canada Surveyor General Branch
Published: October 2019

This publication provides information on the administrative requirements and procedures for surveys on Canada Lands. It is intended to assist government departments and First Nations administering Canada Lands, entities or persons requiring a survey and Canada
Lands Surveyors. It does not include the technical standards that must be followed by professional Canada Lands Surveyors. Those are published in the National Standards for the Survey of Canada Lands.
Sea-gravimeter trials on the Halifax test range aboard CSS BAFFIN
Authors: Bower D R , Loncarevic B D
Published: October 2019

Two precisely located and calibrated lines on the Halifax Sea Gravimeter Testing Range were traversed back and forth for a total of 100 times while gravity measurements were made with both the LaCoste and Romberg and the Askania-Graf sea-surface gravimeters.
During the three-week test, which was concluded in October 1963, the rms heave accelcrations experienced varied from 2 to 78 gals with a median value of 13 gals. Useful gravity readings were obtained with t he LaCoste gravimeter up to heave accelerations of about 30 gals and up to at least 50 gals
for the Askania. (Cross coupling determinations were not possible at greater accelerations.) The LaCoste gravimeter occasionally hit its stops at accelerations greater than 35 gals, and the results in general were 'noisier' than those for the heavier-damped A kania gravimeter. Gravimeter errors were
determined by subtracting observed values, corrected for Eotvos effect, from reference values determined previously from ocean-bottom measurements. The mean LaCoste gravimeter error observed during a traverse varied from run to run to form a near normal distribution with mean +0.6 mgal and tandard
deviation 3.9 mgal. Corresponding figures for the Askania were: mean -0.4 mgal and standard deviation 2.7 mgal. The distribution, however, was markedly skewed toward negative values. Long-period accelerations recorded by the horizontal accelerometers used with the LaCoste gravimeter frequently
proved to be fictitious and the computed Browne corrections accordingly to be too large. Corrections for cross-coupling effect were determined after the test by using magnetic-tape records of heave and surge acceleration. Thesc determinations generally agreed closely with the observed Askania errors
except in very rough scas and when course-keeping was poor. Instrument drift, determined by periodic dockside mcasurements, was negligible for the LaCoste gravimeter and somewhat irregular over a 7.0-mgal range for the Askania.
Stress and resilience among women living with HIV in Nigeria
Authors: Adamu Aliyu , Mchunu Gugu , Naidoo Joanne R.
Published: October 2019

Background: Psychological morbidities concurrent with HIV have been the focus of considerable scientific investigations. However, researchers have largely overlooked HIV-related stress and resilience among women living with HIV in rural communities.Aim: This study explored the associations between psychological resilience and HIV-related stress among women living with HIV.Setting: The study was conducted in three randomly selected hospitals that provide primary HIV care in Niger state, Nigeria.Methods: A predictive cross-sectional design was used to describe the relationship between perceived stress and resilience among the study population.Results: Out of 748 participants who completed the Connor–Davidson resilience scale and the perceived stress scale questionnaires, 676 returned the questionnaire in usable form. While the results showed moderate levels of perceived stress and a high level of psychological resilience, there was a significant and negative relationship between HIV-related stress and psychological resilience (r = -0.601, p = 0.001). Also, higher resilience was significantly associated with decreased perceived stress.Conclusion: It is concluded that measures to promote resilience and employment opportunity may ameliorate HIV-related stress among women living with HIV.
Walking epidural with low-dose levobupivacaine with fentanyl versus patient-controlled analgesia with fentanyl during painless labor
Authors: Abd-Elgaleel Ahmed M , AbdallahBadr Osama I , Rezq Hanan A
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Adequate pain relief is essential for patient healthcare, as it decreases hormonal stress response and hazards of postoperative analgesic drug effect, provides early ambulation and better wound healing, and is highly economical.

Aim

The aim of this study as a primary outcome is to compare and evaluate the efficacy and duration of analgesia between walking epidural analgesia using low-dose levobupivacaine with fentanyl versus intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) with fentanyl during labor, and also, maternal satisfaction by visual analogue pain scale, whereas the secondary outcomes are maternal hemodynamic stability, obstetric outcomes, postoperative complications, and neonatal outcomes in terms of APGAR score and arterial blood gases.

Patients and methods

Eighty full-term primigravida patients, with American Society of Anesthesiologist status I and II scheduled for elective spontaneous vaginal delivery and requested analgesia, were divided into two groups: group I (n=40) was the epidural levobupivacaine with fentanyl (ELF) group, which received levobupivacaine 0.0625% with fentanyl 1 mcg/ml, 15 ml as initiation injection, followed by top-up doses of 5 ml in epidural catheter every 1 h or on patient's request, whereas group II (n=40) was the IV-PCA group, which received 1 mcg/kg fentanyl intravenous as bolus dose, and then fentanyl 20 mcg increment (2 ml) with lockout interval of 5 min and at basal rate of 2 ml/h.

Results

On comparing ELF with IV-PCA groups, obstetric patient's satisfaction was significantly more in ELF group (P<0.001), cervical dilatation was significantly rapid in ELF group (P=0.028), and also the duration to vaginal delivery was significantly lower in ELF group (P=0.037), whereas the results were insignificant for spontaneous vaginal delivery (P=0.728), instrumental vaginal delivery (P=0.526), and occasionally cesarean section (P>0.05). Maternal visual analogue pain scale was significantly less in ELF group from the fourth hour (P<0.001). Postoperative complications were insignificantly different between both the groups (P>0.05).

Conclusion

Epidural analgesia using low-concentration levobupivacaine 0.0625% with fentanyl 1 mcg/ml during early labor provided better analgesia and resulted in short duration for vaginal delivery than systemic analgesia. Patient-controlled analgesia is a good technique for the patients during labor if they refuse epidural analgesia or patients have any other contraindication to epidural analgesia.
Surgical treatment of spinal ependymomas
Authors: Al-Shyal Gasser H , Shehab Abd-El-Fatah A
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Spinal ependymom as are rare tumors and present mainly around 40 years of age. Total resection is claimed to be the best option for the treatment, but it carries some risk and it needs good evaluation and may be some proper facilities to get satisfactory results.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the surgical strategies and outcomes for spinal ependymomas of different lengths and locations. We present our surgical experience in Al-Zahraa University Hospital (Al-Azhar University) for managing spinal cord ependymomas.

Patients and methods

We report the results of eight patients over a 2-year period (2016–2018). All cases were managed in Al-Zahraa University Hospital. Surgery was recommended for all patients who have symptoms. Preoperative and postoperative clinical assessments were done for all cases.

Results

There were six men and two women. The mean age was 36.4 years (range, 24–60 years). The follow-up period ranged from 1 month to 2 years. Gross total resection was done in six (75%) cases. Near-total resection was done in one case, and partial resection was done in one cervical case. The overall postoperative complications rate was 12%. Seven of the eight cases improved clinically. Pain improved in seven (87.5%) cases. All three cases with weakness improved within the first week of surgery or during the first 6 months (postoperative follow-up period). Sphincters improved in three out four cases that had been presented with sphincters.

Conclusion

Most spinal ependymomas can be managed by gross total resection without significant morbidity. Neurological deficit occurred more in tumors that extend more than two spinal levels. Some cases have early postoperative neurological functions declination, but these cases improved during follow-up. It is better to use neurophysiological monitoring, but it is not essential for achieving good outcome.
Dexmedetomidine infusion for prevention of emergence agitation in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy under sevoflurane anesthesia
Authors: Sabra Mostafa M
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) under general anesthesia is more susceptible for developing emergence agitation (EA).

Aim

This randomized double-blinded, prospective, comparative, clinical study was aimed to evaluate dexmedetomidine efficacy for EA prevention in patients undergoing PCNL.

Patients and methods

A total of 44 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists grades I–II aged between 21 and 70 years, experiencing an elective PCNL under general anesthesia, were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups: group C and group D. Placebo was given to group C, whereas a bolus dose of dexmedetomidine 1.0 µg/kg was given to group D patients, followed by 0.4 µg/kg/h after anesthesia induction. Adjustment was made to end-tidal sevoflurane to keep bispectral index at 45–55. Sevoflurane and the study drug were stopped when surgical dressing was applied. Evaluation of EA was made from extubation until the patients was transferred to postanesthesia care unit. EA incidence was the primary outcome, whereas sevoflurane requirement, hemodynamic stability, and recovery from anesthesia were the secondary outcomes.

Results

There was a significant reduction of EA incidence (group C 54.5%; group D 9.1%) with dexmedetomidine infusion to 90.9% (P=0.0001). There was also significant lowering of the end-tidal sevoflurane concentration and an average 38.87% reduction in required concentration in group D, in contrast to group C (P<0.001). There was significantly higher average mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate in group C compared with group D (P<0.001). There is significantly lesser time to extubation, lesser time to achieve bispectral index 90, and lesser time in reacting to verbal command in group C when compared with group D (P<0.0001).

Conclusion

The EA incidence and sevoflurane requirement among patients experiencing PCNL are significantly decreased by dexmedetomidine infusion. Moreover, dexmedetomidine was associated with delayed extubation time, residual sedation, and prolonged postanesthesia care unit stay.
Comparative study between paracervical block and general anesthesia for pain control in first-trimester surgical abortion
Authors: Hanafy Madiha M , Elkafrawy Mona E , Mohamad Sawsan G , Hussien Shimaa E
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Pain perception is a complex phenomenon that impacts the selection of analgesia. The majority of first-trimester surgical abortions in United States are performed with a paracervical block (PCB). Satisfactory pain control for women undergoing surgical abortion is important for patient comfort and satisfaction.

Aim of the work

The aim of this study was to estimate the pain related to first-trimester abortion under local or general anesthesia.

Patients and methods

A hundred female patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists)(ASA) I-II undergoing dilatation and curettage were randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group A (n=50): they received a PCB with 5 ml of 2% lidocaine injected into each side of cervix at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions. Group B (n=50): they received general anesthesia with intravenous bolus of 2.5 to 4 mg/kg propofol and 1 µg/kg fentanyl, and maintained anesthesia by 1 mac isoflorine in oxygen as inhalational anesthesia by face mask.

Results

The study showed that the most commonly prevalent type of pain by the visual analog scale is in group A during aspiration, curettage, and immediately postoperatively as 41; 27 and 48 patients felt mild pain, respectively; while during dilatation increase incidence of moderate pain as 26 (52%) patients felt moderate pain.

Conclusion

The PCB is more preferred than general anesthesia under condition that we wait a few minutes before beginning the procedure as it insures the satisfaction of the patient while avoiding the side effects of general anesthesia and is also not as expensive.
Electrolyte disturbances in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Maklad Sameh F , Basiony Fareed S
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a cover term that includes a variety of progressively debilitating lung diseases. COPD includes both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Although COPD is mainly a chronic disease, a substantial number of patients experience exacerbations that are related to a significantly worse survival outcome, especially with abnormal serum electrolyte level.

Aim

To detect the serum electrolytes disturbances in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD.

Patients and methods

A prospective study was conducted at Chest Department, El-Hussein University Hospital, Al Azhar University, on patients with acute exacerbation of COPD. The study was approved by the hospital ethics committee, and a written consent was obtained from each patient before the procedure.

Results

We found a significantly low level of serum sodium (Na) (131±4.45 mEq/l), potassium (3.19±0.96 mEq/l), magnesium (1.85±0.17 mEq/l), and chloride (84.75±7.31 mEq/l) in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD than their healthy controls (Na+=138±2.28 mEq/l, potassium=4.50±0.02 mEq/l, magnesium=2.20±0.14 mEq/l and chloride=100.30±2.67 mEq/l) (P<0.05).

Conclusion

In patients with acute exacerbation of COPD, there are abnormal serum electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride levels.
Different methods for surgical treatment of ectopic parathyroid in the mediastinum
Authors: Abogamela Rezk Z
Published: October 2019

Background

Ectopic parat hyroid glands result from aberrant migration during early stages of development. They constitute a common etiology of persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism when they are missed at initial diagnosis. Ectopic inferior parathyroid glands are most frequently found in the anterior mediastinum, in association with the thymus or the thyroid gland.

Patients and methods and results

Eight cases of ectopic parathyroid in the mediastinum underwent surgery with different methods of surgical management. Hyperparathyroidism diagnosis is usually assisted by parathyroid hormone (PTH) measurement in peripheral blood after resection of a suspected adenoma and by frozen section histology. Intraoperative PTH levels are reduced within 10 min. The PTH levels should fall to at least 50% of the preoperative level or time of gland removal concentrations and should be measured at least for 15 min after excision. If they persist, the ectopic gland or multiple-gland disease is suspected. Seven patients with hyperparathyroidism and ectopic parathyroid glands were identified from a parathyroid database. Laboratory data, gland weights, and surgical outcomes were obtained. The locations of the ectopic glands were correlated with results of technetium-99-m-sestamibi-imaging. Of the operated eight patients with ectopic parathyroid glad, 50% in the anterior mediastinum were treated by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, 12.5% in middle mediastinum treated by mediastinoscopy, and 37.5% treated by neck exploration.

Conclusion

All glands were successfully identified preoperatively and subsequently resected. Ectopic mediastinal parathyroid glands may be safely and accurately resected using VATS, and mediastinoscopy, to avoid open approaches.
Асимптотика погранслойного решения стационарной частично диссипативной системы с кратным корнем вырожденного уравнения
Authors: Butuzov Valentin Fedorovich
Published: October 2019

Построена и обоснована асимптотика по малому параметру погранслойного решения краевой задачи для системы двух обыкновенных дифференциальных уравнений, одно из которых второго, а другое первого порядка, с малым параметром при производных в обоих уравнениях. Система такого типа возникает в химической кинетике при моделировании стационарного процесса в случае быстрых реакций и отсутствия диффузии одного из реагирующих веществ. Существенной особенностью рассматриваемой задачи является двукратный корень одного из уравнений вырожденной системы. Это приводит к качественному изменению погранслойной компоненты решения по отношению к случаю простых корней вырожденных уравнений. Пограничный слой становится многозонным, стандартный алгоритм построения погранслойных рядов оказывается непригодным и заменяется новым.
Библиография: 13 названий.
Por “desinteligência” e questiúnculas: representações do cotidiano e do trabalho nas docas do Recife (1891-1920)
Authors: Rosa Silva José Bento
Published: October 2019

Este artigo busca, através das notícias veiculadas nos jornais de maior tiragem no período compreendido entre 1891 e 1920, na cidade do Recife, identificar as formas como tais veículos de comunicação representavam os trabalhadores portuários e como muitas vezes eram formas estereotipadas de ver o outro. Partindo do pressuposto de que nem sempre as representações se aproximam do acontecimento real, seguimos a proposição de Walter Benjamim, qual seja, fizemos uma leitura a contrapelo, que nos possibilitou enxergar para além do que os periódicos apresentaram, inclusive o cotidiano tenso do trabalho nas docas do Porto do Recife.
Das esteiras para as ruas: fatores que levam os alunos de academias às corridas de rua
Authors: Rodrigues Jorge Pereira , Triani Felipe Da Silva , Malina André , Telles Silvio De Cassio Costa
Published: October 2019

O estudo buscou conhecer os fatores que têm contribuído para os alunos das academias trocarem as esteiras pelas ruas. Para atingi-lo, foram entrevistados 10 corredores do sexo masculino e 10 do feminino. O tratamento das entrevistas se deu por meio da técnica de análise de conteúdo. Os resultados desvelaram a composição de grupos, o discurso da saúde, a presença da competição e a cultura do consumo como os fatores que levam os alunos de academias às práticas de corridas de rua. Portanto, o estudo concluiu que a substituição das esteiras pelas ruas constitui uma decisão multifatorial.
Acoustic Territories
Authors: Labelle Brandon
Published: October 2019

The revised edition of Acoustic Territories: Sound Culture and Everyday Life offers an expansive reading of auditory life. It provides a careful consideration of the performative dynamics inherent to sounding and listening, and discusses how sound studies may illuminate understandings of contemporary society. Combining research on urbanism, popular culture, street life and sonic technologies, Acoustic Territories opens up a range of critical perspectives--it challenges debates surrounding noise pollution and charts an "acoustic politics of space" by engaging auditory experience as found within particular cultural histories and related ideologies. Brandon LaBelle traces sound culture through a topographic structure: from underground territories to the home, and further, into the rhythms and vibrations of streets and neighborhoods, and finally to the sky itself as an arena of transmitted imaginaries.

The new edition includes an additional "global territory" of the relational, positioning acoustics as a range of everyday practices that rework dominant tonalities. Questions of orientation and emplacement are critically raised, reframing listening as multi-modal and intrinsic to resistant socialities and what the author terms "acts of compositioning." The book is fully updated to include new relevant research and references surfacing since 2010, as well as a new preface to the second edition. Acoustic Territories continues to uncover the embedded tensions and potentialities inherent to sound as it exists in the everyday spaces around us.
SEA FOG DETECTION BASED ON DYNAMIC THRESHOLD ALGORITHM AT DAWN AND DUSK TIME
Authors: Wan J. H. , Jiang L. , Xiao Y. F. , Sheng H.
Published: October 2019

Abstract. Dawn and dusk time is the high frequency period of sea fog occurrence, which is very important for all-day sea fog remote sensing detection. Most polar orbit satellites are limited by time resolution and transit time, and can not detect sea fog at dawn and dusk. Based on the Himawari-8 geostationary satellite data and the analysis of the spectral characteristics of sea fog at dawn and dusk, this paper determines the variation law of the reflectivity and brightness temperature of sea fog at dawn and dusk, chooses sensitive bands, sets the detection index of sea fog and its corresponding dynamic threshold, and realizes the detection of sea fog at dawn and dusk. The case study results indicate that our dynamic threshold algorithm can effectively detect the sea fog at dawn and dusk.
THE SPATIOTEMPORAL VARIATION OF HEAVY NO2 POLLUTION CENTER (HPC): A CASE STUDY IN THREE CHINESE URBAN AGGLOMERATIONS
Authors: Gao Y. , Li J. , Huang X.
Published: October 2019

Abstract. Air pollution episode, which are periods with excessive air pollutants, can cause a sharp increase in mortality and morbidity. Nitrogen oxides have an adverse impact on human health and the environment. Previous studies mainly focus on the time period, the frequency, and the duration of heavy NO2 pollution, while ignored its spatial extent which is pivotal in providing early warning and prediction. In this study, we investigated the spatiotemporal variation of the heavy NO2 pollution extent (i.e., heavy pollution center), analyzed its association with meteorological condition and further predicted its distribution in the future. A case study in Jing-Jin-Ji (JJJ), Yangtze River Delta (YRD) and Pearl River Delta (PRD) urban agglomerations showed that the HPC exhibited evident seasonal (winter > summer) and inter-city (mega and medium cities > small cities) differences. In concretion analysis, the HPC areas were negatively correlated with temperature and precipitation, suggesting that dry and cold meteorological conditions were responsible for the severe NO2 pollution events. Trend analysis showed that the small and medium cities may serve as the HPC in the future. During the 2005–2016, the medium and small cities in JJJ experience a more rapid increase in NO2 concentration in comparison to mega cities. Meanwhile, in YRD and PRD, a more rapid decrease was witnessed in the mega cities. The results of this study would provide support for early warning and prediction of heavy air pollutants and offer scientific insights for air pollution episode management.
VALIDATION AND COMPARISON OF FINE-MODE AEROSOL OPTICAL DEPTH PRODUCTS BETWEEN MODIS AND POLDER
Authors: Ge B. Y. , Li Z. Q. , Hou W. Z. , Zhang Y. , Li K. T.
Published: October 2019

Abstract. Fine-mode aerosol usually comes from anthropogenic emissions. The fine-mode aerosol optical depth (AODf) is an important parameter for estimating the particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter little than 2.5 μm (PM2.5). Compared to the ground-based observations, AODf products from satellite remote sensing have an advantage of high spatial coverage, which is suitable for monitoring the air quality at a regional or global scale. Up to now, AODf products have been released by several sensors, such as the single-angle multi-spectral intensity sensor MODIS and multi-angle multi-spectral polarization sensor POLDER, then what’re the different performances of AODf products from them? In this study, the different spatial resolution AODf products respectively from MODIS latest Collection 6.1 (C6.1, 3 and 10 km) and POLDER latest level 2 version 1.01 (L2, 18 km) were firstly compared with each other in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) domains. Then those products were validated against the ground-based AERosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) measurements, where has been suffering the severe air pollution since decades ago. The comparison of yearly averaged AODf products between MODIS and POLDER shows a good consistency on the spatial distribution, the higher spatial resolution products of MODIS show more details, both low values of AODf appeared in the northwest area with small population and industry, high values appeared in the southeast area with lots of cities, industries, and large population. However, the whole yearly AODf average values of MODIS are higher than that of POLDER. The results of validation against AERONET show that the accuracy of AODf products at 865 nm from POLDER (R = 0.94, RMSE = 0.05) is high than that at 550 nm of MODIS (3 km: R = 0.69, RMSE = 0.32; 10 km: R = 0.76, RMSE = 0.3). In this study, the performance of different spatial resolutions AODf products retrieved from the intensity (MODIS 3 and 10 km) and polarized sensors (POLDER 18 km) were evaluated. Those results not only have a great significance to provide users amore appropriate choice of the AODf products in the BTH region but also display that the accuracy and spatial resolution of MODIS and POLDER AODf products need to be improved.
PRELIMINARY SENSITIVITY STUDY OF AEROSOL LAYER HEIGHT FROM SYNTHETIC MULTIANGLE POLARIMETRIC REMOTE SENSING MEASUREMENTS
Authors: Hou W. Z. , Wang H. F. , Li Z. Q. , Qie L. L. , Ge B. Y. , Fan C. , Li S.
Published: October 2019

Abstract. Many previous studies have shown that multiangle, multispectral polarimetric remote sensing can provide valuable information on aerosol microphysical and optical properties, in which the aerosol layer height (ALH) is an important parameter but with less studies, especially in the near-ultraviolet (near-UV) and visible (VIS) wavelength bands. Based on the optimal estimation (OE) theory and information content analysis method, we focus on the sensitivity study of ALH with the synthetic data in the near-UV and VIS wavelength in the range of 410–865 nm, and further to assess the capability of multiangle intensity and polarization measurements for the retrieval of ALH. Unified Linearized Vector Radiative Transfer Model (UNL-VRTM) has been used as the forward model to simulate the intensity and polarized radiance at the top of atmosphere (TOA), as well as the Jacobians of TOA results with respective to corresponding parameters. The degree of freedom for signal (DFS) and a posteriori error are introduced to quantity the information content of ALH from the intensity and polarization measurements, respectively. By assuming the surface type, aerosol model, aerosol loads, prior errors and observation geometries, the sensitivity of ALH has been preliminarily investigated. The sensitivity study results show that the near-UV and polarization measurements are the important source of information content for the aerosol height retrieval in satellite remote sensing.
AENN: A GENERATIVE ADVERSARIAL NEURAL NETWORK FOR WEATHER RADAR ECHO EXTRAPOLATION
Authors: Jing J. R. , Li Q. , Ding X. Y. , Sun N. L. , Tang R. , Cai Y. L.
Published: October 2019

Abstract. Weather radar echo is one of the fundamental data for meteorological workers to weather systems identification and classification. Through the technique of weather radar echo extrapolation, the future short-term weather conditions can be predicted and severe convection storms can be warned. However, traditional extrapolation methods cannot offer accurate enough extrapolation results since their modeling capacity is limited, the recent deep learning based methods make some progress but still remains a problem of blurry prediction when making deeper extrapolation, which may due to they choose the mean square error as their loss function and that will lead to losing echo details. To address this problem and make a more realistic and accurate extrapolation, we propose a deep learning model called Adversarial Extrapolation Neural Network (AENN), which is a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) structure and consist of a conditional generator and two discriminators, echo-frame discriminator and echo-sequence discriminator. The generator and discriminators are trained alternately in an adversarial way to make the final extrapolation results be realistic and accurate. To evaluate the model, we conduct experiments on extrapolating 0.5h, 1h, and 1.5h imminent future echoes, the results show that our proposed AENN can achieve the expected effect and outperforms other models significantly, which has a powerful potential application value for short-term weather forecasting.
Cash Conversion Cycle: Which One and Does It Matter?
Authors: Tan Xin , Tuluca Sorin A.
Published: October 2019

In the present study, we attempt to investigate the information validity of an important financial metric, the cash conversion cycle (CCC.) A survey of scholarly papers and textbooks reveals that multiple methods to compute the CCC components are employed. Based on a relatively large dataset for six public companies, we explore two of the different methods and their effect on the resulting CCC value. We find that the means of the time series of the two methods over 20 years have only mild statistically significant differences. However, there are important differences in several annual periods for some of the firms analyzed. Since financial managers and financial analysts use the CCC for decision-making, analysis and valuation purposes, the findings of this research represent a warning that the CCC computations might not yield reliable conclusions, as they are dependent on the input used in the calculations.
Organic matter and soil aggregation in agricultural systems with different adoption times
Authors: Rosset Jean Sérgio , Lana Maria do Carmo , Pereira Marcos Gervasio , Schiavo Jolimar Antonio , Rampim Leandro , Sarto Marcos Vinicius Mansano
Published: October 2019

In conservation management systems, such as no-till (NT), it is important to analyze the pattern of changes in soil quality as a function of the time since adoption of the system. This study evaluated the physical fractions of organic matter and soil aggregation in management systems in areas cultivated with different times since implementation of NT: 6, 14, and 22 successive years of soybean and maize/wheat crops (NT6, NT14, and NT22, respectively); 12 years of no-till with successive years of soybean and maize/wheat crops, and the last 4 years with integration of maize and ruzi grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) - (NT+B); pasture; and forest. Physical fractionation of organic matter determined the total carbon (TC), particulate organic matter (POM), and mineral organic matter (MOM) by calculating the carbon management index (CMI) and variables related to soil structural stability. Forest and pasture areas showed the highest contents of TC, POM, and MOM, as well as higher stocks of POM and MOM. Among the cultivated areas, higher TC and particulate fractions of organic matter and the best CMI values were observed in the area of NT22. There were changes in aggregation indices, depending on the time since implementation of NT. Areas of NT22, pasture, and forest showed the greatest evolution in C-CO2, indicating increased biological activity, with positive effects on soil structural stability.