bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Suspended and Dissolved Substances on Formation and Dissociation of Gas Hydrates
Authors: Laik Sukumar , Mandal Ajay , Saw Vikash Kumar , Gupta Pawan
Published: January 2010

In the permafrost region and ocean bottom where gas hydrates are formed in the form of nodules mound etc, it mixes up with the clay and other substances at subsea soil. Naturally its property gets changed during formation as well as dissociation. Therefore the present study aims at studying the effect of extraneous material like Bentonite with different composition and surfactant on formation and dissociation of gas hydrates. Extensive observation of pressure temperature equilibrium during formation and decomposition of methane hydrate under different conditions have been made. The effect of bentonite and anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) on the rate of hydrate formation is thoroughly investigated in this work. Three different concentrations (3%, 5%, and 10%) of bentonite are tested followed by three different concentration of SDS (300 ppm, 500 ppm, 1000 ppm) in unique concentration of 5% bentonite. For comparison purpose, the formation and dissociation of pure water has been also conducted. All the experiments are started with same pressure i.e. 440.2 psi. It has been found that addition of Bentonite inhibit the hydrate formation as compared to water, however SDS speed up the hydrate formation effectively.
Immiscible Hydrocarbon Wag: Laboratory to Field
Authors: Ramachandran Kudal Purakkal , Gyani Omkar Nath , Sur Sidhartha
Published: January 2010

A sandstone reservoir at a depth of 2800 m in a western India onshore field contains highly under saturated light oil of 470 API with viscosity of 0.2 cp. The reservoir has a permeability ranging 50 to 300 md and high temperature of around 130 Deg C. It is exploited by supplementing the partial water drive with water injection. Water injection was initiated in the early part of its producing life and has recovered more than 30% of OIIP. Meanwhile, availability of natural gas from deeper reservoirs in the field initiated a thinking process to examine the processes involving both miscible and immiscible displacement with gas injection to improve the recovery factor from the reservoir. The reservoir was not found suitable for miscible process due to higher miscibility pressure as compared to prevailing reservoir pressure of 250 Kg/cm2. Viability of immiscible WAG was ascertained through both laboratory investigations and numerical simulation prior to its testing on a pilot scale in the field. The process resulted in an increase in oil production along with reduction in water cut from the pilot and offset wells. Encouraging pilot results led to the decision of expanding the process to the entire field. The paper also evaluates the effects of different critical parameters on the recovery factor from immiscible WAG process through reservoir simulation studies.
Drilling Hazard Mitigation Technologies Key in Eliminating Non-Productive Time in Challenging Wells
Authors: Gala Deepak M. , York Patrick , Pritchard David , Dodson James K. , Dodson Ted , Rosenberg Steven , Utama Budi
Published: January 2010

Cost overruns can easily manifest during well construction because of unexpected issues including lost returns, differential sticking, and narrow pore pressure/fracture gradients. To better plan for potential overruns, operators sometimes earmark 10 to 25% of the Authorization for Expenditures (AFE) to cover the unexpected costs, which can significantly affect drilling budgets. Technical and operational risks versus the potential return on investment (ROI) are critical factors in determining whether a project will proceed.

Too often the best drilling practices used to address trouble zones are limited to a few conventional methods with a narrow range of effectiveness. Also, a lack of rock mechanics knowledge can prevent the most efficient solution being applied.

Some operators are implementing planning programs that assess and integrate the latest processes and technologies to address drilling risks up-front. Cutting-edge technologies such as managed pressure drilling methods, drilling with casing, drilling with liners, and solid expandable casing have been highly effective. Implementing proactive evaluation processes and applying the latest tools and techniques can efficiently address operational risks and trouble zones to ultimately reduce nonproductive time (NPT) and associated costs.

Employing common practices and technologies that are typically ineffective and that drive up NPT cost should be considered unacceptable. Common-sense, well-construction evaluation processes that are used with validated conventional and new technologies have proven their worth by reducing expenditures and risks—preventing the loss of wells and increasing the operator’s ROI.

This paper reviews real drilling challenges that have been encountered and the common practices that were employed to address these drilling hazards. Also this paper compares and contrasts how these same circumstances have and can be addressed much more efficiently with engineering evaluation processes that help determine the best drilling tool and/or technique to mitigate risks and reduce NPT.
Elegant Completion Optimization and Enhanced Production With Borehole Images and Advance Production Logs: An Integrated High-End Technology Approach, Bombay Offshore, India
Authors: Sinha R. K. , Sikdar K. , Avtar R. , Majithia P. P. , Baishya R. C. , Pandey A. , Shrivastava C. , Roy D. B. , Kumar A.
Published: January 2010

Evaluating critical petrophysical and geological properties is the key in determining completion strategy. To optimize completions in a highly heterogeneous formation, segmented completion design was planned. Integration of borehole images with conventional openhole logs and dynamic mud loss data distinguished between facies and subfacies which can have different flow behaviors. Based on the integrated formation evaluation, placement of swell packers, slotted liners and blind liners were decided in the study area.

Advanced processing results from the borehole images (e.g. secondary porosity, connectedness, etc.) were used to evaluate the heterogeneity in the drainhole, suggesting the zones that needed special attention for completion planning. This type of segmented well completion in a horizontal well was decided to compensate for the effects of variable vug size distribution and encountered fractures and dissolution seams.

With this completion design being the first of its kind for the operator, the first objective was to evaluate its efficiency (sealing efficiency of the swell packers). The conventional production logging sensors were combined with advanced electrical and optical probe, along with the "beyond-the-pipe" vision of the neutron tool to produce a consolidated and accurate image of the flow profile. This not only helped in compartmentalized production profiling of the well, but also made it possible to evaluate the sealing efficiency of the swell packer.

A diagnosis was made based upon the results, and a remedial plan was suggested. All swell packers were found to be effectively sealing, and couple of water humps were detected to be acting as barrier to flow. It was decided to increase the drawdown to knock out the water hump, and it immediately led to a significant increase in production. Being the first such job in a developmental field, this study developed a method for an innovative completion strategy that helps production enhancement.
Challenge Of Completion In Low Productive Grey Fields
Authors: Srivastava A.K. , Mandal B.
Published: January 2010

In context with the low productive fields of Western Offshore where the production in the range of 500 to 1000 BOPD the field specific completion techniques in commensurate with the reservoir characteristic is a big challenge.

The main reservoir of Western Offshore is a fractured limestone reservoir with high degree of heterogeneity. In general, such reservoirs offer the best prospects for open hole completions that offer several benefits including cost effectiveness and ease of execution. But these long horizontal open hole adds major risk component to well design for such heterogeneous, water flooded carbonate reservoirs and increases the potential risk of exposing undesirable geologic portions such as water filled fracture networks, zones of high water saturation, high permeability thief zone intervals etc. and decline in production generally happens due to the sudden increase in water break-through and hole collapse attributed due to the following reason: High degree of Resistivity difference (heterogeneity) along the horizontal open hole.Presence of shale in some portion of the open hole section.Water coning from heel due to high drawdown.

In some reservoir of Bassein field there are thin oil rim with a huge overlain gas cap and underlain water.

It is important to establish a cost effective completion techniques to exploits such grey fields comparing highly expensive smart wells.

A Coil Tubing Friendly Segmented Completion with open hole packer along with coil tubing operated Sliding Sleeve or without sliding sleeve / Perforated liner has been established as an economic and successful completion to mitigate the aforesaid problems. The use of uniform flow system in conjunction with open hole packer may be an appropriate and economic method for exploiting oil from thin oil rim.

This paper contains cost effective case histories of reservoir specific completions and looking for future challenges.
A Thermal Gas Production System from Methane Hydrate Layers by Hot Water Injection
Authors: Sasaki K. , Ono S. , Sugai Y. , Tenma N. , Ebinuma T. , Narita H.
Published: January 2010

A gas production system by injecting hot water into a methane hydrate layers with lower aquifer under the sea bottom has been studied using with horizontal wells in radial arrangements. In order to overcome extremely low permeability and large dissociation heat of the MH layer, the system forming dissociated chamber with high permeability and communication to lower aquifer has been proposed and evaluated by physical and numerical models. The numerical simulations were successfully matched with experiments using the physical model. Moreover, numerical simulations of gas production by the hot water injection into a field of methane hydrate sediment using dual horizontal wells 500 m in length were carried out for a methane hydrate reservoir of 15m in layer thickness, 60% of hydrate saturation, 100 and 25 md in horizontal and vertical absolute permeabilities, respectively. In this study, after getting communication between hot water chamber and lower aquifer, a gas production scheme for the area of 1km×1km has been proposed by using radial flow between different horizontal well pair through lower aquifer. At the beginning, dual horizontal wells was preheated by hot water circulation in the wells for 90 days to get communication of area between two horizontal wells. After gas production with four pairs of dual wells for one year, radial hot water flow can be used to make the chamber expand in horizontal section of the reservoir. The simulations were performed under the following conditions: hot water temperature of 85°C, injection rate of 2000 ton/day, horizontal wells 500 m in length, and a hydrate layer 15m in thickness with vertical absolute permeability of 25 md horizontal one of 100 md and methane hydrate saturation of 60%. The cumulative gas production during 15 years, it was estimated as 1.3×108 std-m3 during 15 years by using with the injection scheme with radial hot water flow between different wells pair after one year.
Impact of Changing Mdea Parameters on Absorption of H2S and CO2 and its Implications—A Case Study of Hazira Plant
Authors: Mehta Kunal , Jain P. K. , Pathak S. K. , Panwar M. L.
Published: January 2010

On account of the poisonous nature of Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) gas, removal of H2S or sweetening of natural gas is one of the most critical activities in gas processing. For sweetening of natural gas, Methyl Di-Ethanol Amine (MDEA) is successfully used all over the world. In MDEA based gas sweetening units, removal of H2S is carried out in the Absorber Column using counter – current principle. Due to acidic nature of H2S and CO2 both, removal of H2S is accompanied by absorption of CO2 by MDEA. For regeneration, MDEA is heated in the Regeneration Columns where H2S and CO2 both are liberated as Acid Gas.

The basic aim of the gas sweetening process is to remove H2S almost completely with minimum absorption of CO2 in MDEA in order to reduce the quantum of Acid Gas generation. To achieve these objectives temperature, concentration and flow rate of MDEA solution along with contact time and other operational parameters are adjusted and optimized. For improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the process, a study on Impact of changing MDEA parameters (temperature and concentration) on absorption of H2S and CO2 was carried out.

The study revealed that with change in parameters of MDEA, the H2S content and the CO2 content of rich MDEA changed appreciably. Hence by proper optimization of different parameters the absorption of H2S and CO2 in MDEA can be controlled to suit to our need and operational limitations. CO2 alone accounts for nearly 90 % of the volume of the acid gas. Restricting the absorption of CO2 in MDEA column itself can control the generation of acid gas. Lower temperature of MDEA along with lesser contact time will mitigate the dissolution of CO2 in MDEA solution. As in CO2 - MDEA reaction, the rate determining process is the dissolution of CO2 in water, by merely restricting the dissolution of CO2 in water, volume of acid gas generated can be reduced.

Hence by maintaining proper parameters of MDEA solution, effective removal of H2S along with controlled generation of acid gas is possible which in turn can mitigate several operational problems. Controlled generation of acid gas will not only lessen the load of acid gas treatment but will also have significant financial implications.
Implementing Knowledge-Management Systems: Collaboration Tools Create Efficient and Synergistic Operations Between Oil-Service and Energy Companies
Authors: Jaripatke Omkar , McElroy Monty , Potala Srikanth
Published: January 2010

In today’s world, the success of a corporation is closely linked with the success and health of the industry itself. In the oil and gas industry, achieving long-term technology and performance goals is dependent on the synergistic sharing of efficient "cost savings-driven operations" through knowledge collaboration between global oil-services and energy companies. Knowledge-management systems (KMS) are a great tool to collaborate and integrate a knowledge base between global oil and energy and service companies. In the global marketplace, considering the bleak outlook for the economy, successful oil-service companies must tailor their business models to continually increase efficiency for proven revenue-generating processes by reducing costs associated with operations, while increasing the service quality to the global energy companies. On the other hand, both the oil-service and the energy companies can benefit from the knowledge-sharing of the technology/services and logistics.

The concept of knowledge management (KM) has been implemented in global oil-service and energy companies by creating KM communities in various service segments. By implementing KMS, the scope of KM teams has expanded from the original intent to where the KM portals are the first choice for collaboration in diverse projects on a daily basis to bring together different ideologies and functionalities within a company to achieve the business objectives discussed above.

This paper discusses the need, importance, benefits, and implementation methodology for a shared KMS platform between a global oil-service company and a global energy company. It discusses, in detail, the required setup on both sides for successful project initiation and implementation. Additionally, the key stages for this joint KM mechanism to work are also discussed: (1) the initiation stage, (2) development stage, (3) implementation stage, and (4) expansion stage.
A Methodology Aid in Production Enhancement by Segmented Completion using Sonic and Resistivity Imaging data in Horizontal Drain-holes
Authors: Ghosh Arnab , Shrivastva Chandramani , Sikdar Koushik , Ghosh Krishnendu , Avtar Ram , Majithia P. P. , Baishya R. C.
Published: January 2010

Well completion is a critical interface between the productive formation and the wellbore. The optimization of well completion to improve the production performances of horizontal wells in a heterogeneous carbonate reservoir is always a challenge. Carbonate reservoir of an offshore field located at south-east of well-known Mumbai High is extremely heterogeneous. This reservoir has a thin oil-rim which is the the key target for horizontal drain-hole placemnt. Segmented completion is used to address this lateral heterogeneity and to avoid water-breakthrough with enhanced oil production. The present study is focussed on an effective drain-hole compartmentalization using a robust work-flow in a rational and timely manner.

A methodology has been adopted using a set of well-logs in several horizontal drain-holes. Apart from basic open- hole logs (gamma-ray, resistivity, density and neutron measurements), borehole sonic imager derived results have been integrated with resistivity micro-imager analysis, which helped in isolation of heterogeneous zones. Formation slowness were extracted and used for rock-mechanical property determination. Stoneley waveform derived analysis in association with cross- dipole derived shear anisotropy results helped in swell-packer placements and segmented completion. In addition, advanced sonic analysis derived radial profiling results are also incorporated for successful placement of swell-packers by avoiding altered zones. A detailed quantification of secondary porosity and connectedness in addition with other formation-textural analysis has been incorporated from micro-resistivity imager data.

The result shows the success of swell-packer placement for segmented completion. The integrated solution, using basic and advanced well-log interpretation, was carried out within a few hours of the wireline logging for effective completion design in all the study wells. A cumulative oil production of 6000 BOPD with 5- 6% water-cut was achieved from five such wells in the same field using this methodology of completion optimization and production enhancement.
Successful Application of Acid-Soluble Plugs in Open Hole Slotted-Liner Completion
Authors: Repetto C. , Moroni N. , Pilia L. , D’Ancona E. , Ravi K. , Santra A.
Published: January 2010

Drilling and cementing naturally fractured carbonate reservoirs can be challenging and cause serious well-control issues because of the high probability of heavy or total losses. The Kashagan field located in the Caspian Sea area is characterized by a carbonate reservoir with high pressure, high contents of H2S and CO2, and presence of natural karsts/fractures.

Because of well-control issues resulting from heavy losses while entering the reservoir section, the closed-hole circulation drilling (CHCD) technique is often used to mitigate the problem. As a standard configuration, the reservoir section is cased with a 5 1/2-in. liner, cemented, and then perforated, but the heavy losses sometimes limit the casing and cementing zones. The alternative completion architecture is to deploy a 4 1/2-in. slotted liner with a preinstalled plug, properly tested either at surface or at bottomhole, to act as a second barrier while running the liner using the mud-cap technique and also while running in hole with the upper completion.

Different types of plugs were investigated and evaluated, considering the minimum rating requirements (6,500 psi as maximum differential pressure across the plug), the ease of installation, and testing and retrieving procedures. The main criteria for the selection of the best solution were simplicity and reliability.

Among all the possible options, three different plugs were selected and deemed fit-for-purpose for the completion design. Among these options, the simplest solution was deemed to be a chemical cement plug for ease of installation and the removing procedures. To confirm reliability in terms of load capability, different laboratory tests were carried out to determine the mechanical properties of the plug and the removal of the plug on demand.

The plugs were placed in a blank joint of a 4 1/2-in. slotted liner and laboratory tests conducted to test the integrity of the plug. The lab results were successful and subsequently three chemical cement plugs have been run in the field. Subsequent well operations such as running the completion assembly and displacing the balanced fluid to the lighter packer fluid have been carried out without any problem.

Laboratory tests, field installation, and results are presented here and discussed. This should help the industry solve challenges in running slotted liners in difficult well conditions.
The lower cretaceous paraflysch of the Vardar zone: Composition and fabric
Authors: Dimitrijevic Mara , Dimitrijevic Milorad
Published: January 2010

The Lower Cretaceous paraflysch forms an outstanding, 250 km-long belt in the Vardar Zone. It is composed of a basal unit, uncomformable over Jurassic limestones and older rocks, and of two megasequences with the a clastic lower and clastic-carbonate upper member. In this study, We analyzed the orientation of the sedimentary bedding, cleavage and schistosity, fold hinges and axial surfaces and cleavage - bedding intersection lineation, were analysed. The area experienced two phases of folding, first with fold hinges oriented NNW and the second with hinges oriented WSW. The regularities of these structures and their relationships are, as shown by these investigations, only statistically to be used in practical study of fabric.
Geology and hydrogeology of the Cemernica mountain massif, Western Serbia
Authors: Milenic Dejan , Rabrenovic Dragoman , Milankovic Djuro , Vranjes Ana
Published: January 2010

The mountain massif of Cemernica, Western Serbia, is an orogenic feature of the Inner Dinarides. Hitherto, hydrogeological prospecting of the Massif was all on a regional scale, not detailed. Only scanty data, previously collected, were mappable on a scale larger than 1:100 000. The 2005 to 2008 research of the Cemernica Mountain Massif included geological and hydrogeological reconnaissance and mapping, the employment of remote sensing, a geophysical survey, the monitoring of quantitative and qualitative groundwater variation parameters, etc. The groundwaters of Cemernica are a large potential resource of water supply to multiple users. This paper is a contribution to the study of the geology and hydrogeology of the Cemernica Mountain Massif.
Smart hydrogels based on itaconic acid for biomedical application
Authors: Tomic Simonida , Micic Maja , Krezovic Bojana , Dobic Sava , Suljovrujic Edin , Filipovic Jovanka
Published: January 2010

pH and temperature sensitive hydrogels, based on 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and itaconic acid (IA) copolymers, were prepared by gamma irradiation and characterized in order to examine their potential use in biomedical applications. The influence of comonomer ratio in these smart copolymers on their morphology, mechanical properties, biocompatibility and microbe penetration capability was investigated. The mechanical properties of copolymers were investigated using the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), while their morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The morphology and mechanical properties of these hydrogels were found to be suitable for most requirements of biomedical applications. The in vitro study of P(HEMA/IA) biocompatibility showed no evidence of cell toxicity nor any considerable hemolytic activity. Furthermore, the microbe penetration test showed that neither Staphylococcus aureus nor Escherichia coli passed through the hydogel dressing; thus the P(HEMA/IA) dressing could be considered a good barrier against microbes. All results indicate that stimuli-responsive P(HEMA/IA) hydrogels have great potential for biomedical applications, especially for skin treatment and wound dressings.
The influence of monomer molar ratio on the properties of copolymers based on methyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid
Authors: Ristic Ivan , Nikolic Ljubisa , Nikolic Vesna , Budinski-Simendic Jaroslava , Zdravkovic Vladimir
Published: January 2010

The application of polymers for controlled drug delivery is influenced by no toxicity and solubility in different pH mediums. There already are existing pharmaceutical medicaments based on aqueous dispersion of an anionic copolymer methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid. The aim of this work was to synthesise copolymers of methyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid and to estimate the effects of monomers ratio (1:1 and 1:2) on the molecular mass, polydispersity index, and solubility of obtained polymers. Acetone was used as a solvent because both monomers and the initiator azobisisobutyronitrile are soluble in it. FTIR method was used for functional group characterization, the gel permeation chromatography method for average molecular weights and the distribution of molecular weights determinations. High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied for the estimation of residual monomers in obtained copolymers. The titration with ethanol solution of NaOH was used for assessing of monomer units in copolymers. The copolymer with the molar ratio of monomers 1:1 was soluble in water bufer with pH values higher then 6, while the copolymer with the molar ratio of monomers 1:2 was soluble in bufer with pH higher then 9.
Effect of gluten-free diet on the growth and nutritional status of children with coeliac disease
Authors: Radlovic Nedeljko , Mladenovic Marija , Lekovic Zoran , Zivanovic Dragana , Brdar Radivoj , Radlovic Vladimir , Ristic Dragana , Pavlovic Momcilo , Stojsic Zorica , Vuletic Biljana , Djurdjevic Jelena , Gajic Milan
Published: January 2010

Introduction. Gluten-free diet (GFD) presents the basis of coeliac disease (CD) treatment. If strictly applied, the disorders of the small bowel mucosa and other disease signs rapidly resolve. Objective. The goal of the study was to evaluate the effect of GFD on the growth and nutritional status of children with the classical form of CD. In addition, we analyzed the differences between these parameters with the duration and the patients' compliance with GFD. Methods. The study goals were achieved on a sample of 90 children, 56 female and 34 male, aged 0.5-7.5 (1.53?1.05) years, with the classic CD diagnosed on the basis of typical pathohistological findings of the small bowel mucosa and clinical recovery of patients on GFD. The duration of the patients' follow-up was 1.08-8.75 (3.03?1.14) years, i.e. until the age of 2.5-15 (4.59?1.78) years. The initial and control values of body height (BH) in relation to matched values for age and gender were expressed in percentiles, while the deviation in body weight (BW) for the matched values of height and gender was expressed in percentages. The referent haemoglobin (Hb) rate in blood, as a laboratory indicator of nutritional status in children aged up to 5 years was ?110 g/L, and for those aged above 5 years it was ?115 g/L. Compliance with GFD was based on the pathohistological findings of the small bowel mucosa or determination of tissue transglutaminase. Results. Over the studied period, the effect of GFD was highly significant, both on the increase of BH percentiles (37.62?26.26 vs. 57.22?25.29; p<0.001), and on the decrease of BW deficit 11.58?10.80 vs. 0.89?8.194; p<0.001). After the treatment period, none of the children showed slowed growth rate or BW deficit above 20%, while BW deviation ranging between 10-20% in relation to the referent values was registered in 17 (18.19%) and the excess of over 20% in 2 patients. In 86 (95.56%) patients, control Hb values in blood were normal, while mild anaemia was registered in 4 patients, all compliant with GFD. The difference between the compliant and non-compliant patients with GFD was not detected either in BH percentiles (p=0.586) or in BW percentage deviation as compared to standard values (p=0.516) or in blood Hb values (p=0.445). In addition, differences between the children on GFD lasting over and below 3 years were not detected either in BH percentiles (p=0.915) or in BW deviation percentages in relation to the ideal rate (p=0.476). Conclusion. GFD applied for 1-3 years has a highly significant effect on the growth rate and nutritional status of children with the classical form of CD. Significant differences in these parameters of the disease were not detected between strictly compliant and non-compliant patients on GFD.
Numerical simulation of the influence of stationary louver and coal particle size on distribution of pulverized coal to the feed ducts of a power plant burner
Authors: Zivkovic Goran , Nemoda Stevan , Stefanovic Predrag , Radovanovic Predrag
Published: January 2010

One of the key requirements related to successful utilization of plasma technology as an oil-free backup system for coal ignition and combustion stabilization in power plant boilers is provision of properly regulated pulverized coal distribution to the feed ducts leading the fuel mixture to a burner. Proper regulation of coal distribution is deemed essential for achieving an adequate pulverized coal concentration in the zone where thermal plasma is being introduced. The said can be efficiently achieved by installation of stationary louver in the coal-air mixing duct ahead of the feed ducts of a burner. The paper addresses numerical simulation of a two-phase flow of air-pulverized coal mixture in the mixing ducts, analyzing the effects of particle size distribution on pulverized coal distribution to the burner feed ducts. Numerical simulation was performed using the FLUENT 6.3 commercial code and related poly-dispersed flow module, based on the PSI-CELL approach. Numerical experiments have been performed assuming a mono-dispersed solid phase with particle diameter ranging from 45 mm to 1200 mm. Distance between the louver blades and the resulting effect on the flow profile was analyzed as well. Results obtained indicate that the size of coal particles considerably influence the overall solid phase distribution. While fine particles, with diameters at the lower end of the above specified range, almost fully follow the streamlines of the continuous phase, coarser particles, which hit the louver blades, deflect towards the thermal plasma zone. In this manner, a desired phase concentration in the considered zone can be reached. For the said reason, installation of stationary louver have been deemed a very efficient way to induce phase separation, primarily due to more pronounced impact of the installed louver on discrete phase flow then the impact on the flow of the continuous phase.
Finding Space for Agency in Permanent Exclusion from School
Authors: Carlile Anna
Published: January 2010

This article aims to examine the experiences of pupils and professionals who are affected by permanent exclusion (what used to be called being expelled) from school. An ethnographic study conducted during the author's employment as a Pupil Support Officer within secondary schools and the children's services department of an urban local authority in England explores the idea that professionals may be forced to make inequitable decisions about including or excluding pupils in the face of powerful competition between the politically unchallengeable concepts of tolerance, inclusivity, attainment, and choice. The article argues that the tensions of multi-agency working are focused within what will be described as the contested space of the young person's ‘extended body’. However, whilst the contested nature of this space renders it vulnerable to negative description and to the biased judgements of authoritarian power, it also offers itself as a space for emancipatory self description by the young person and for the expression of agency on the part of those professionals working for social justice.
Power and the Subversion of Stories
Authors: Choi Tat-Heung
Published: January 2010

Language is a multiplicity of meaning-making systems, which are connected with social, cultural and psychological networks. Focusing on issues of power, this article is concerned to explore how the readings of a European folktale triggered attempts among teenage girls in Hong Kong to make their own feminist and subversive interpretations in English. The reconstructed stories are more than a partial reproduction of the conventional text, they are also a useful reflection of the teenage girls' literacy and gender experience, as well as of their generic and social knowledge. With a resistance to textual conventions, the teenage girls demonstrate their written competence to create alternative subject and reading positions, which are textually motivated by their sense of difference. The material realisation of the stories is also characterised by splits and instabilities, in the negotiation of a new boundary for femininity. This negotiation demonstrates how the teenage girls are on the move, facing and settling contradictory possibilities in acquiring literacy and social roles. Along these lines of observation, the synchronic view of language, characterised by regularity and internal consistency, needs to be challenged in second-language writing instruction.
Articulating the Power of Dance
Authors: Ridley Barbara
Published: January 2010

Making some minor changes to the syllabus of a peripheral GCE subject – Advanced Level (A-level) Dance – would hardly seem to be of much importance to anyone except dance students and their teachers. But the loss of dance notation is not as unimportant as it might appear: there are implications for the status of dance in the curriculum, for its ability to attract a range of students and for the development of the subject itself. Whilst being a popular social activity, in UK schools dance is constructed as a physical subject with an aesthetic gloss, languishing at the bottom of the academic hierarchy. Dance as a discipline is marginalised in academic discourse as an ephemeral, performance-focused subject, its power articulated through the body. Yet dance is more than just performance: to dismiss it as purely bodies in action is to ignore not only the language of its own structural conventions but also the language in which it might be recorded. Using the notion of docile bodies, the author considers the centrality of the body as instrument in defining the power of dance and how Foucault's mechanisms of power and knowledge are exemplified in current conceptions of dance in education.
The Power and Promulgation of the Claimed Links between Human and Animal Abuse
Authors: Piper Heather , Cordingley Debbie
Published: January 2010

In this article the authors identify and discuss what they consider to be some of the underlying arguments and approaches currently promulgated in teaching and training in relation to abuse. Their focus is the assumption that all violence is linked, especially the belief that those who harm animals will harm people. This under-theorised but overtly applied phenomenon, referred to as ‘the links’, is increasingly evident on both sides of the Atlantic where it is supported and promoted by powerful non-governmental organisations. The authors draw attention to current teaching (and practice) in this area, which they consider to be flawed as well as unethical and unjust. They critique both the cycles of abuse models of the past and more recent manifestations - for example, retrospective constructions of profiles of ‘abusers’, dubious professional practice, and infringements of human rights purportedly supported by ‘science’. While their argument is initially theoretical, they draw on a focused study of a conference they both attended, which provided the opportunity for a limited linguistic and symbolic analysis. This illustrates the way in which the links idea is spread, supported by the institutional and moral power of significant agencies and organisations that are arguably operating as a ‘community of practice’.
Approaching the Concepts of ‘Educational Achievement’ and ‘Best Practice’: Delphi Methodology as a Tool for Building Consensus
Authors: Ballesteros Belén , Mata Patricia
Published: January 2010

This article presents the results of applying the Delphi technique to build a consensus around the concepts of ‘educational achievement’ and ‘best practice’ in compulsory education. After defining their key informants, including different groups of educational agents (teachers, families, students, academics and experts), the authors developed two different questionnaires. The first questionnaire aimed to gather the informants' opinions and the second was developed on the basis of the results of the first in an attempt to to reach the desired degree of consensus. Two rounds of consultation were enough to allow the authors to indicate tendencies and points of debate regarding what is meant by educational achievement and best school practice.
The Internationalization of Higher Education in East Asia: A Comparative Ethnographic Narrative of Japanese Universities
Authors: Howe Edward R.
Published: January 2010

How is Japan becoming internationalized? A common response is ‘through student mobility’. But can Japanese universities continue to attract thousands of East Asian students annually, given increasing competition from other Pacific Rim nations like Australia, South Korea and Singapore? Japan's internationalization, a focus of educational reforms for decades, is mainly driven by neo-liberal globalism. Marginalized transborder students require our attention. A hegemony of Western knowledge combined with critical social justice issues including access, diversity and equity concerns demands further research. Moreover, much work is needed to foster global citizenship and critical thinking among local students. Nevertheless, systemic changes in society can originate from innovative teacher education programmes focused on internationalization and global citizenship. It is up to internationally minded teachers to lead the way.
Who Should Be Minding Our Children? A Cross-Cultural Study of American and Japanese Pre-Service Teachers' Perceptions of Childcare for Children under Age Three
Authors: Izumi-Taylor Satomi , Ito Yoko , Saito Masako , Kaneda Toshiko
Published: January 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine American and Japanese pre-service teachers' understanding of the notion of whether or not children under age three should be cared for by their mothers at home. The participants were 87 female Japanese and 64 female American college students majoring in Early Childhood Education. The participants responded to the instrument assessing their concepts of who should care for children under age three. Factor analysis yielded six factors for the Japanese sample (communication; a mother as a primary attachment figure; blood relations; multiple attachment figures; the quality of attachment; and needs of the child), while five factors emerged from the American sample (a mother as a primary attachment figure; the quality of attachment; multiple attachment figures; constant care; and secondary attachment). The implications for early childhood teacher education are presented.
Higher Education and Some Upper Egyptian Women's Negotiation of Self-Autonomy at Work and Home
Authors: El-Halawany Hanan Salah El-Deen
Published: January 2010

This research aims to compare the effect of higher education on some Upper Egyptian women's practice of self autonomy at both work and home. The most important revelation this research makes is the fact that although no one can deny the importance and significance of higher education to Upper Egyptian women, yet it failed to challenge the traditional gender division of work. Hence, it affected negatively Upper Egyptian women's perceptions of self-autonomy. The empirical evidence laid down in this research emphasizes that the relationship between women's higher education and their self-autonomy, empowerment, and gender equality yields consistently positive effects of education on some aspects, especially on their participation in decision-making at home. However, women seem to be unaware of their possession of such power. For other aspects of women's life, the empirical evidence suggests that a range of underlying social, cultural and especially economic conditions need to be more favourable in order for women's higher education to have a beneficial effect on gender equality and women's mastery of self-autonomy.
Comparison of Radioimmunoprecipitation With Luciferase Immunoprecipitation for Autoantibodies to GAD65 and IA-2β
Authors: Burbelo Peter D. , Hirai Hiroki , Issa Alexandra T. , Kingman Albert , Lernmark Åke , Ivarsson Sten-A. , Notkins Abner L. , Iadarola Michael J.
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVE

To compare the sensitivity and specificity of luciferase immunoprecipitation (LIPS) with radioimmunoprecipitation (RIP) for the measurement of autoantibodies to the type 1 diabetes autoantigens glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) and insulinoma-associated protein (IA)-2β.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Sera from 49 type 1 diabetic patients and 100 nondiabetic control subjects from Diabetes Antibody Standardization Program 2007 were used to screen for autoantibodies to GAD65. An additional 200 type 1 diabetic patients and 200 nondiabetic control subjects were used to validate the GAD65 results and screen for autoantibodies to IA-2β.

RESULTS

LIPS showed equal sensitivity and specificity to RIP for detecting autoantibodies to GAD65 and IA-2β. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis revealed that the detection of autoantibodies to GAD65 and IA-2β by LIPS and RIP were not statistically different.

CONCLUSIONS

The LIPS assay does not require the use of radioisotopes or in vitro transcription/translation and is a practical alternative at the clinical level for the RIP assay.
Peripartum hysterectomy and cesarean delivery: a population‐based study
Authors: STIVANELLO ELISA , KNIGHT MARIAN , DALLOLIO LAURA , FRAMMARTINO BRUNELLA , RIZZO NICOLA , FANTINI MARIA PIA
Published: January 2010

Objective. To estimate the incidence of peripartum hysterectomy in an Italian Region (Emilia‐Romagna) and investigate its association with cesarean delivery. Design. Population‐based retrospective study using hospital discharge records. Setting. All public and private hospitals in Emilia‐Romagna region, Italy. Population. A total of 151,494 women delivering between 2003 and 2006, 131 of whom had a peripartum hysterectomy. Methods. Peripartum hysterectomy was defined as a hysterectomy performed at the time of delivery or afterwards during the same hospitalization. Incidence rates were calculated by type of delivery. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated with logistic regression to evaluate the association between peripartum hysterectomy and delivery type. Main outcome measures. Incidence rates of peripartum hysterectomy by type of delivery; odds of peripartum hysterectomy after primary or repeat cesarean compared with vaginal delivery without previous cesarean. Results. A total of 131 peripartum hysterectomies were performed among 151,494 deliveries (0.86/1,000 deliveries; 95% CI 0.72–1.03) with 20.7% primary and 9.6% repeat cesarean deliveries. Women undergoing a primary caesarean delivery were more likely to have a peripartum hysterectomy than women having a vaginal delivery who had never had a cesarean delivery (OR 6.48; 95% CI 4.16–10.07). Women undergoing a repeat caesarean delivery were also at increased risk (OR 3.69; 95% CI 2.11–6.46). Conclusions. In this population, primary and repeat cesarean deliveries are associated with an increased risk of peripartum hysterectomy. These results are of particular concern given the steady increase in the cesarean delivery rate in many countries. The pathological mechanism of this association requires further investigation.
Comparison of gestational sac volume by 3D‐sonography using planimetric, virtual organ computer‐aided analysis and extended imaging virtual organ computer‐aided analysis methods between 7 and 11 weeks of pregnancy
Authors: MACHADO NARDOZZA LUCIANO MARCONDES , ROLO LILIAM CRISTINE , JÚNIOR EDWARD ARAUJO , NOWAK PAULO MARTIN , FILHO JOÃO BORTOLETTI , MORON ANTONIO FERNANDES
Published: January 2010

Objective. To compare different three‐dimensional (3D) methods in the assessment of gestational sac volume (GSV). Design. Cross‐sectional study involving 74 normal pregnancies between 7 and 11 weeks. Setting. Department of Obstetrics, São Paulo Federal University (UNIFESP). Methods. GSV was measured through 3D ultrasound using the planimetric, virtual organ computer‐aided analysis (VOCAL) and extended imaging virtual organ computer‐aided analysis (XI VOCAL) methods. The planimetric method used a sequence of adjacent planes that are 3 mm thick. For the VOCAL methods, six adjacent planes and a 30° rotation were used. A total of 15 adjacent planes were used for the XI VOCAL method. Regression models with a determination coefficient (R2) were created to assess the correlation between GSV and gestational age (GA). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland‐Altman graphs were used to assess the correlation between the three methods and ANOVA was used to compare means. Results. All three methods showed a correlation between GSV and GA (R2 = 0.65 for XI VOCAL, R2 = 0.65 for planimetric and R2 = 0.66 for VOCAL). There was a strong correlation between the three methods (XI VOCAL vs. planimetric ICC = 0.995; XI VOCAL vs. VOCAL ICC = 0.998 and planimetric vs. VOCAL ICC = 0.995) without any significant differences according to the Bland‐Altman graphs or ANOVA (p < 0.002). Conclusions. The three 3D ultrasound methods used for GSV assessment between 7 and 11 weeks are concordant. These methods can be used interchangeably during the first trimester of pregnancy to measure GSV.
Does antenatal care facilitate utilization of emergency obstetric care? A case‐referent study of near‐miss morbidity in Bolivia
Authors: RÖÖST MATTIAS , ALTAMIRANO VÍCTOR CONDE , LILJESTRAND JERKER , ESSÉN BIRGITTA
Published: January 2010

Objective. To determine whether lack of routine antenatal care (ANC) is associated with near‐miss morbidity upon arrival at hospital. Design. Case‐referent study. Setting. Four maternity hospitals in La Paz and El Alto, Bolivia, where free maternal health care is provided through a government subsidized program. Sample. Women with severe maternal morbidity upon arrival at hospital (n = 297). Facility‐matched referents with an uncomplicated childbirth at hospital (n = 297). Methods. Prospective inclusion of participants over a period of six months, using clinical and management‐based criteria for near‐miss. Multivariate logistic regression. Main outcome measures. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Individual and joint effects of interacting variables. Results. Lack of ANC, lower education levels, and rural residence were interactively associated with near‐miss upon arrival. Lack of ANC among women with limited education resulted in a four‐fold greater risk for this condition. Such risk was considerably increased for women who lived in rural areas (OR 12.6; 95% CI 2.8–56.6). In addition, high maternal age and first time pregnancy were associated with near‐miss upon arrival. Conclusions. This study identified subpopulations most likely to benefit from interventions designed to enable timely care‐seeking for obstetric complications. ANC appears to facilitate utilization of emergency obstetric care, especially for women with socio‐demographic disadvantages. Targeted initiatives to increase routine ANC may reduce severe maternal morbidity and mortality, both in urban and rural areas.