bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of parent education program on rearing attitude of the Vietnamese immigrant women with young children
Authors: Lee Kyung-sook
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study was to find effects of Parent Education Program on rearing attitude of the Vietnamese marriage immigrant women with young children. 24 Vietnamese marriage immigrant women within the U city and Y city in Gyeonggi area were selected(12 experimental group, 12 control group) to conduct 10 theme-based programs every Wednesday for 2 hours from October 8 to December 10, 2014. While the 12 mothers in the experimental group received the 10 sessions Parent Education Program, the others in the control group did not receive Parent Education Program during this study. To investigate the effects of the program, the questionnaire of maternal rearing attitude were conducted before and after conducting the program. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS WIN 18.0 through frequency analysis and One-way ANCOVA. Through such processes, the effects of applying the Parent Education Program for Vietnamese marriage immigrant women are as follows. First, after applying the Parent Education Program for Vietnamese marriage immigrant women, warmth & affection attitudes were increased. Consequently, it can be inferred that the program is effective in improving maternal rearing attitudes. Second, after applying the Parent Education Program for Vietnamese marriage immigrant women, hostility & aggression, indifference & neglect, and undifferentiated rejection attitudes were reduced. In conclusion, the maternal rearing attitudes have changed more positively after Parent Education Program for the Vietnamese marriage immigrant women with young children. Mothers look squarely at the prevalent parental passion for children's education in Korean society and set unyielding rearing standards and goals to fulfill their responsibilities in raising their children in order to become mothers ready for their children's future growth.
Language test for citizenship as a sociopolitical tool: Focus on KINAT
Authors: Park Sung-won , Shin Dong-il
Published: June 2015

Although Korea has had language requirements for migrants in order to select the potential citizens among newcomers, little research has taken place in the area of multilingualism & multiculturalism, second language testing, or Korean language for specific purposes. The main question addressed in this article is to explore whether language testing for citizenship is used as a neutral tool or as a device of social policy. On the basis of textual analysis of relevant newspaper articles and policy-implementing documents, we explored the purpose, content and procedures of KINAT(Korea Immigration and Naturalization Aptitude Test), and citizenship applicants' attitudes toward the testing practices as well. It is shown that such a test does not assess linguistic and sociocultural knowledge required for full participation of the applicants to Korean communities. Rather, it plays as a social and political mechanism for distinguishing the eligibles from the ineligibles in the name of social cohesion and security, which would allow for the classification of social groups.
A study on the changing patterns of newspaper article frames about the language of married immigrant women
Authors: Choi Eun-jeong , Choi Shin-in
Published: June 2015

This study analyzes the changing patterns of newspaper articles frames, with the aim to understand the contemporary recognition in the language used by married immigrant women. As a result of analyzing 109 articles selected from the last decade from 2004 to 2014, “Korean” and their “native language” were found to be the frame of language used by married immigrant women. 4 relevant frames were derived for the “Korean” language, which were “life adaptation tools”, “basis of children's education”, “resources for social participation”, and “conditions for social integration”. 4 frames were derived for their “native language”, and they were “subjects for removal”, “sources of identity”, “competitive resource”, and “subject for identity”. The result is the following: First, from the newspaper articles during this period, the two languages of married immigrant women are generally represented by positive resources. This is interpreted to mean that as the multi-cultural society started to take shape, their overall Korean language proficiency improved, and their native language competence became regarded as an asset in society. Second, a pattern was confirmed showing a shift in meaning of the Korean language proficiency of married immigrant women, from an “instrumental means” of social adaptation to that of “linguistic resource” for social participation. The negative perception of their native language as “a factor that prevents social integration”, changed to one of positive values involving “competitive resource and source of identity”. Third, a study conducted by information sources found that a high ratio of articles were using the voices of married immigrant women themselves and their families. This shows that contrary to the past when their language skills were neglected by experts, they are now represented as a subject of language usage.
The Major Roles Of Long Distance Bus Transport In Developing Countries With Emphasis On Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Kassa Fekadu
Published: June 2015

This article presents the major roles of long distance bus transport that radiates from Addis Ababa to the hinterland. The purpose is to assess and identify the major roles of Long Distance Bus Transport in Addis Ababa. The methodology is focused on both primary and secondary sources. The primary informants, who were principally distinguished from the passengers, operators, and key government officials from the transport office, include the head of bus terminal and Association, and selected experts. In terms of analysis, the qualitative approach was used by applying a thick description of the issue. The findings revealed that the availability of towns comes mainly because of the routes which give access and distribution of road passenger transport. The LDB (Long Distance Bus) along the line has played a great role in the making of metropolitan linkage. The presence of these routes contributes more to the rise of urbanization and it has also played a role in the creation of towns and rural areas found around certain radius at the two sides of highways. Thus, it has a high probability for the expansion of urban sprawl and formation of conurbation in the future. The prescription for this study is to work with stakeholders to reduce the congestion of passengers in the terminals and the association also should serve the society 24/7 or 18/7.
Sleep-disordered Breathing in Heart Failure – Current State of the Art
Authors: Cowie Martin R , Woehrle Holger , Oldenburg Olaf , Damy Thibaud , Meer Peter van der , Erdman Erland , Metra Marco , Zannad Faiez , Trochu Jean-Noel , Gullestad Lars , Fu Michael , Böhm Michael , Auricchio Angelo , Levy Patrick ,   Imperial College London, London, Dovehouse Street, London SW3 6LY, UK. E: m.cowie@imperial.ac.uk,   Sleep and Ventilation Center Blaubeuren, Respiratory Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany,   ResMed Science Centre, ResMed Europe, Munich, Germany,   Heart and Diabetes Center North Rhine-Westphalia, Ruhr University Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany,   Henri Mondor Hospital, Créteil, France,   University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands,   University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany,   University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy,   Academic Hospital (CHU), Nancy, France,   University Hospital (CHU), Nantes, France,   Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Norway,   Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Östra Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden,   University of the Saarland, Hamburg, Germany,   Fondazione Cardiocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland,   University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
Published: June 2015

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), either obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) or central sleep apnoea (CSA)/Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) and often a combination of the two, is highly prevalent in patients with heart failure (HF), is associated with reduced functional capacity and quality of life, and has a negative prognostic impact. European HF guidelines identify that sleep apnoea is of concern in patients with HF. Continuous positive airway pressure is the treatment of choice for OSA, and adaptive servoventilation (ASV) appears to be the most consistently effective therapy for CSA/CSR while also being able to treat concomitant obstructive events. There is a growing body of evidence that treating SDB in patients with HF, particularly using ASV for CSA/CSR, improves functional outcomes such as HF symptoms, cardiac function, cardiac disease markers, exercise tolerance and quality of life. However, conflicting results have been reported on hard outcomes such as mortality and healthcare utilisation, and the influence of effectively treating SDB, including CSA/CSR, remains to be determined in randomised clinical trials. Two such trials (SERVE-HF and ADVENT-HF) in chronic stable HF and another in post-acute decompensated HF (CAT-HF) are currently underway.
Management of Heart Failure in Patients Nearing the End of Life–There is So Much More To Do
Authors: LeMond Lisa , Goodlin Sarah J ,   Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, US,   Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, P3-Med, PO Box 1034, Portland OR 97207-1034, US. E: sarah.goodlin@va.gov
Published: June 2015

As the population of patients living with heart failure increases, the number of patients who will die with and from heart failure increases as well. End-of-life care in patients with heart failure is an additive process, whereby therapies to treat symptoms not alleviated by guideline-based medical therapy are integrated into the care of these individuals. This review focuses on providing clinicians with a basic framework for administration of end-of-life care in patients with heart failure, specifically focusing on decision-making, symptom management and functional management.
Pulmonary Oedema—Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Chioncel Ovidiu , Collins Sean P , Ambrosy Andrew P , Gheorghiade Mihai , Filippatos Gerasimos ,   Institute of Emergency for Cardiovascular Diseases University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, Bucuresti, Romania. E: ochioncel@yahoo.co.uk,   Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, US; 3. Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, US,   Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, US,   Center for Cardiovascular Innovation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, US,   Athens University Hospital, Attikon, Athens, Greece
Published: June 2015

Pulmonary oedema (PO) is a common manifestation of acute heart failure (AHF) and is associated with a high-acuity presentation and with poor in-hospital outcomes. The clinical picture of PO is dominated by signs of pulmonary congestion, and its pathogenesis has been attributed predominantly to an imbalance in Starling forces across the alveolarcapillary barrier. However, recent studies have demonstrated that PO formation and resolution is critically regulated by active endothelial and alveolar signalling. PO represents a medical emergency and treatment should be individually tailored to the urgency of the presentation and acute haemodynamic characteristics. Although, the majority of patients admitted with PO rapidly improve as result of conventional intravenous (IV) therapies, treatment of PO remains largely opinion based as there is a general lack of good evidence to guide therapy. Furthermore, none of these therapies showed simultaneous benefit for symptomatic relief, haemodynamic improvement, increased survival and end-organ protection. Future research is required to develop innovative pharmacotherapies capable of relieving congestion while simultaneously preventing end-organ damage.
Assessment for Exercise Prescription in Heart Failure
Authors: Guazzi Marco ,   Heart Failure Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, University of Milano, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Heart Failure Unit-Cardiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza E. Malan 2, 20097, San Donato Milanese, Milano, Italy. E: marco.guazzi@unimi.it
Published: June 2015

Exercise training (ET) is a Guidelines Class 1A level of evidence adjunct therapy for heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction treatment. As yet less certain is the role of ET for HF with preserved ejection fraction. Different ET types (endurance and resistance) and levels of intensity or domains (light, light-to-moderate and high-to-moderate) are used for ET programmes in patients with cardiac failure. Assessment of ET prescription can be performed through indirect (heart rate reserve) or direct metabolic measures (VO2 reserve, ventilatory threshold) with the most precise methodology based on the analysis of VO2 kinetics during constant work rate protocols of different workloads. The goals of assessing the effects of exercise prescription on functional capacity are traditionally represented by changes in VO2 during peak exercise by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Nonetheless, the specific evaluation of how ET may favourably affect the abnormal patterns of VO2 linearity for work rate increase and the effects on ventilation seem important adjunctive parameters to be evaluated and monitored. Although a minority, some HF patients may not respond to ET programmes. This specific phenotype, once appropriately identified, needs a different approach and  intriguingly  should be switched to a higher ET intensity domain to yield the most comprehensive benefits from a personalised ET intervention.
Gaps in the Heart Failure Guidelines
Authors: Tran Bao , Fonarow Gregg C ,   Ahmanson-UCLA Cardiomyopathy Center, Ronald Reagan-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA,   Ahmanson-UCLA Cardiomyopathy Center, Ronald Reagan-UCLA Medical Center, 10833 LeConte Ave, Room 47-123 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1679, US. E: gfonarow@mednet.ucla.edu
Published: June 2015

There are still many aspects of heart failure care for which gaps remain in the evidence base, resulting in gaps in the guidelines. We aim to highlight these guideline gaps including areas that warrant further research and other areas where new data are forthcoming.
Real World Outcomes of Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion
Authors: Apostolos Tzikas , Darren Mylotte , Martin Bergmann ,   AHEPA University Hospital, Asklipiou 10, 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece. E: aptzikas@yahoo.com,   Galway University Hospital, Galway, Ireland;,   Cardiologicum Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Published: June 2015

Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a device-based therapy for the prevention of stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Recently, the Watchman device (Boston Scientific, St Paul, MN, US) was approved in the US by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) based on the results of two randomised clinical trials that evaluated LAAO in patients eligible for oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy. However, in real-word clinical practice LAAO is typically offered to patients ineligible for OAC therapy, as they appear to have limited treatment options and consequently worse prognosis. Although LAAO has shown favourable clinical outcomes in OAC-ineligible patients in single or multicentre observational studies, these results need to be confirmed in randomised clinical trials.
Is Hyperaemia Essential for Accurate Functional Assessment of Coronary Stenosis Severity?
Authors: Barry Hennigan , Keith Robertson , Colin Berry , Keith Oldroyd ,   Barry Hennigan, Cardiology Department, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Clydebank, UK,   Barry Hennigan, Cardiology Department, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Clydebank, UK,   Barry Hennigan, Cardiology Department, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Clydebank, UK,   Barry Hennigan, Cardiology Department, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Clydebank, UK
Published: June 2015

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) requires the use of maximal hyperaemia as described in the original preclinical and clinical validation studies and subsequent practice changing randomized controlled trials. A perception that the need for hyperaemia (usually induced with adenosine) was one of the obstacles to more widespread adoption of FFR has led to interest in the use of resting non-hyperaemic indices to assess the functional significance of coronary stenoses. We examine the current evidence base and conclude that resting indices agree with FFR in only 80 % of lesions when a binary cut-off is employed but closer to 90 % when hybrid strategies utilising both resting indices and FFR are utilised. It seems counter intuitive to sacrifice diagnostic accuracy when in most patients and healthcare systems the induction of hyperaemia with adenosine is safe and emminently affordable.
AXXESS– Stent: Delivery Indications and Outcomes
Authors: John Rawlins , Jehangir Din , Suneel Talwar , Peter O–Kane ,   Dorset Heart Centre, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Castle Lane East, Bournemouth, BH7 7DW, UK. E: peter.o–kane@rbch.nhs.uk,   Dorset Heart Centre, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Castle Lane East, Bournemouth, BH7 7DW, UK. E: peter.o–kane@rbch.nhs.uk,   Dorset Heart Centre, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Castle Lane East, Bournemouth, BH7 7DW, UK. E: peter.o–kane@rbch.nhs.uk,   Dorset Heart Centre, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Castle Lane East, Bournemouth, BH7 7DW, UK. E: peter.o–kane@rbch.nhs.uk
Published: June 2015

The successful treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions remains one of the challenges of interventional cardiology. The current consensus of the European Bifurcation Club based on published data advocates a provisional strategy, treating the main vessel (MV) with a single stent covering the side branch (SB), with bailout SB stenting as required. The success of this approach may be limited by failure to attain SB access after MV stenting but is preferred in most situations over routine SB plus MV stent techniques, which are associated with a significant increase in the rate of major adverse cardiac events. The AXXESS self-expanding biolimus-eluting stent has been developed as a solution to these challenges within the coronary circulation and maintains provisional MV stent approach but with added assurance of maintained SB access. It has a unique conical structure that is positioned spanning the carina, with scaffold extending into the carina of both the MV and SB. The purpose of this article is to describe the indication, implantation technique and outcome data supporting the use of the AXXESS stent in the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions.
Effect of feeding different oils on plasma corticosterone in broiler chickens
Authors: Pál László , Kulcsár Margit , Poór Judit , Wágner László , Nagy Szabolcs , Dublecz Károly , Husvéth Ferenc
Published: June 2015

A study was conducted to examine the effects of different oils on the plasma corticosterone concentrations of broiler chickens fed ad libitum or deprived of feed for 24 hours. A total of 36 Ross broilers were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments at 10 days of age and fed a grower diet supplemented with 60 g/kg soybean oil (rich in linoleic acid, C18:2n–6), linseed oil (rich in a-linolenic acid, C18:3n–3) or fish oil (rich in C14:0, C16:0, C16:1n–7, C20:1n–9; eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, EPA, C20:5n–3 and DHA, C22:6n–3), respectively, for 18 days. Dietary supplementation of fish oil resulted in lower (P < 0.05) baseline plasma corticosterone levels of chickens fed ad libitum for 18 days compared to soybean and linseed oil supplementations. Feed deprivation for 24 h induced a significant (P < 0.05) increase in corticosterone concentration in every treatment group compared to the ad libitum-fed birds. The hormone levels of feed-deprived birds did not differ significantly among groups fed diets supplemented with different oils.
Seroprevalence of bovine viral diarrhoea virus in Hungary — situation before launching an eradication campaign
Authors: Kővágó Csaba , Forgách Petra , Szabára Ágnes , Mándoki Míra , Hornyák Ákos , Duignan Conor , Pásztiné Gere Erzsébet , Rusvai Miklós
Published: June 2015

Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) is a viral disease appearing in various forms and causing high economic losses in the cattle stocks of Hungary. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) in Hungary through a monitoring survey carried out on samples collected in cattle-keeping units throughout the country. Since no such survey had been carried out in Hungary during the last thirty years, our study may serve as a basis for later monitoring investigations aimed at following the progress of an expected eradication campaign of BVD. The tests were carried out using an ELISA method, on a total of 1200 blood samples submitted from 54 cattle herds. The herds had not been vaccinated against BVDV before the sampling. Out of the 1200 samples, 521 proved to be positive (43.4%), 40 gave doubtful result (3.3%) and 639 were negative (53.3%). In some stocks the samples were collected from cows having completed several lactation periods, and therefore the seronegativity indicates the BVDV-free status of the given stock. Moreover, among the positive herds we found a few where the seropositivity rate was rather low (< 5%). According to the results of the survey, a rather high portion (about one third) of the cattle-keeping units of Hungary can be regarded as BVDV free, which ratio is much higher than had been expected on the basis of surveys carried out on a lower number of samples and in smaller regions of the country. Hence, the chances of an eradication campaign launched in the near future, or carried out parallel to the IBR eradication programme, are better than previously expected.
Resonant Multiple Light Scattering for Photon Harvest Enhancement in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Jihun , Lee Horim , Seo Yongsok
Published: June 2015

We have set a new bench mark for DSSC performances by fabricating a very efficient device with a high photocurrent density and good stability. This bench mark was accomplished by harmonizing the absorption spectrum of the dye with the average size of the aggregates in the TiO2 electrode. The resultant resonant multiple scattering enhanced the light harvesting efficiency and charge collection yield. The high and robust photovoltaic performance (with an initial efficiency of 9.18% and an efficiency of 7.44% after 800 h of irradiation with a light intensity of 100 mW cm-2) of the JH-1 DSSC prepared without an antireflecting layer demonstrated the promise of this novel sensitizer for large scale applications.
Morphologically Controlled Thermal Rate of Ultra High Performance Concrete
Authors: Cupkova Dana , Yao Shi-Chune , Azel Nicolas
Published: June 2015

This research focuses on defining the design principles that integrate passive-system thinking into the built environment with the goal of mitigating building energy usage by self-regulating the heat gain/loss at level of building envelopes. In collaboration with TAKTL, a company that developed and uses advanced Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) integrated with mold design and manufacturing of architectural elements, our research targets how specific manipulation of UHPC surface area in combination with self-regulating thermochromic response can improve building’s energy performance. By coupling the adaptive color response with surface geometry we can suggest new passive sustainable solutions that would mitigate the energy usage with no additional energy input; purely through designing the form and color adaptation for UHPC concrete Trombe wall components integrated within building façade systems. This paper outlines the first part - the thermal behavior in response to surface geometry. Such comprehensive knowledge not only enhances the possibilities within architectural design, but becomes an effective strategy in self-regulating the heat gain/loss at the building surface level, while reducing the need for mechanical building systems.
Late Glyphosate Applications Alter Yield and Yield Components in Glyphosate-Resistant Canola (Brassica napus)
Authors: Tozzi Eric , Harker K. Neil , Blackshaw Robert E. , O'Donovan John T. , Strelkov Stephen E. , Willenborg Christian J.
Published: June 2015

The development of glyphosate-resistant canola has provided improved weed-management options for growers, but crop tolerance to glyphosate may be inadequate at later growth stages. In this study, glyphosate-resistant canola 45H28 (RR) was used to determine the effects of glyphosate application timing on yield and yield components at several sites in western Canada. Canola received a single glyphosate applications at the two-leaf, six-leaf, bolting, and early bloom stages and sequential applications at the two-leaf + six-leaf, two-leaf + bolting, and two-leaf + early bloom stages. Contrasts were made between early vs. late, single vs. sequential, and on-label (two to six-leaf stage) vs. off-label (above six-leaf stage). In general, differences between application timings were observed for yield and yield components in 3 of 8 site-yr. Off-label applications of glyphosate (later than six-leaf) significantly decreased yield, seeds per pod, and increased thousand-seed weight and aborted pods in canola at the Lethbridge and St. Albert locations. Increased glyphosate translocation because of adequate, but not excessive, moisture to new growth may have suppressed new seed formation and encouraged pod abortion at the time of application in the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Results from this experiment demonstrate the importance of proper application timing of glyphosate on canola and can help better predict the effects of late applications.
Response of LibertyLink and WideStrike Cotton to Varying Rates of Glufosinate
Authors: Dodds Darrin M. , Main Christopher L. , Barber L. Thomas , Burmester Charles , Collins Guy D. , Edmisten Keith , Stephenson Daniel O. , Whitaker Jared R. , Boykin Deborah L.
Published: June 2015

Field studies were conducted in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Tennessee during 2010 and 2011 to determine the effect of glufosinate application rate on LibertyLink and WideStrike cotton. Glufosinate was applied in a single application (three-leaf cotton) or sequential application (three-leaf followed by eight-leaf cotton) at 0.6, 1.2, 1.8, and 2.4 kg ai ha−1. Glufosinate application rate did not affect visual injury or growth parameters measured in LibertyLink cotton. No differences in LibertyLink cotton yield were observed because of glufosinate application rate; however, LibertyLink cotton treated with glufosinate yielded slightly more cotton than the nontreated check. Visual estimates of injury to WideStrike cotton increased with each increase in glufosinate application rate. However, the injury was transient, and by 28 d after the eight-leaf application, no differences in injury were observed. WideStrike cotton growth was adversely affected during the growing season following glufosinate application at rates of 1.2 kg ha−1 and greater; however, cotton height and total nodes were unaffected by glufosinate application rate at the end of the season. WideStrike cotton maturity was delayed, and yields were reduced following glufosinate application at rates of 1.2 kg ha−1 and above. Fiber quality of LibertyLink and WideStrike cotton was unaffected by glufosinate application rate. These data indicate that glufosinate may be applied to WideStrike cotton at rates of 0.6 kg ha−1 without inhibiting cotton growth, development, or yield. Given the lack of injury or yield reduction following glufosinate application to LibertyLink cotton, these cultivars possess robust resistance to glufosinate. Growers are urged to be cautious when increasing glufosinate application rates to increase control of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth in WideStrike cotton. However, glufosinate application rates may be increased to maximum labeled rates when making applications to LibertyLink cotton without fear of reducing cotton growth, development, or yield.
Assessment of Health Status of a Population on the Basis of Entropy Modeling
Authors: Тырсин А.Н. , Tyrsin A.N.
Published: June 2015

The potential use entropy modeling of multivariate stochastic systems in medicine has been shown on a concrete example. Assessment of the health status of rural male population,
by the criteria of "healthy", "healthy", "sick" was made. Defined levels of entropy parameters which characterize the main risk factors of chronic non-communicable diseases according
to the health groups. The greatest contribution of an individual parameter in the entropy of the population was selected in each group The degree of dependence of this parameter
from the others was identified. It is established that the deterioration in health status leads to increased entropy in the population. This growth is caused by increase of entropy randomness.
Sensitivity of breeding birds to the “human footprint” in western Great Lakes forest landscapes
Authors: Gnass Giese Erin E. , Howe Robert W. , Wolf Amy T. , Miller Nicholas A. , Walton Nicholas G.
Published: June 2015

Breeding birds in forest ecosystems are generally diverse, habitat selective, and easily sampled. Because they must integrate environmental variables over space and time, local populations of forest birds (like other animal and plant taxa) may provide meaningful signals of local forest health or degradation. We evaluated 949 breeding bird surveys in areas ranging from degraded urban/suburban forest remnants to relatively pristine old growth forests in the western Laurentian Great Lakes region of North America. The “human footprint” across this landscape was represented by a one‐dimensional numeric gradient derived from land cover variables, forest fragmentation metrics, and publicly available data on housing density and transportation corridors. We used an iterative, maximum likelihood approach to quantify species‐specific responses to this human disturbance gradient. Many species showed significant directional responses, consistent with known life history attributes. Other species were most commonly detected at intermediate levels of anthropogenic disturbance, yielding unimodal responses. Relationships between the “human footprint” and occurrences of 38 bird species were illustrated by general Gaussian functions that represented both unidirectional and unimodal patterns. These biotic response (BR) functions were combined into a bird‐based index of ecological condition (IEC) ranging from 0 (maximally degraded) to 10 (minimally degraded). We described a successful application of the IEC method at the Wild Rivers Legacy Forest (WRLF), a >260 km2 conservation landscape in northeastern Wisconsin, USA, managed primarily under a working forest conservation easement established in 2006. In general, areas within the WRLF yielded high IEC values (7.0–9.0), but nearby forest areas not under the conservation easement were characterized by significantly lower IEC values based on breeding bird assemblages.
Waterflooding in Colombia: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Castro R. , Maya G. , Mantilla J. , Diaz V. , Amaya R. , Lobo A. , Ordoñez A. , Villar A.
Published: June 2015

The PDF file of this paper is primarily in Spanish, with small portions of English text throughout the manuscript. A complete English version is not available.

In Colombia the water injection process has been applied in 19 oil fields at a commercial level. The processes implemented normal and inverted patterns of 5, 7 and 9 points; some others were initially designed for pressure maintenance. In any injection process the volumetric sweep efficiency depends on the geology of the reservoir sands, type of sedimentary basin and on the mobility of the reservoir fluids, because of this, the incremental oil recovery factor of the Colombian field's water injection processes is between 1% and 9%. This paper presents the results of fillup, plateau, decline, secondary recovery efficiency and typical problems of processes in Colombian fields.

The average oil recovery factor in Colombia is approximately 18%, around 90% of the 280 Colombian oil fields are still in primary production and many of them have a big loss of the reservoir energy. By the mentionned above, and with the objective of rising the oil production in the country, the implementation of waterflooding processes plays a fundamental role for both increasing the oil recovery factor and giving energy to the reservoirs for the implementation of any other technology that can increase the productivity of the wells. Today there are being designed and implemented an important amount of water injection projects.

A significant percentage of Ecopetrol's production target in 2015 - 2020 depends on the implementation massive of the water injection process, this is why 27 new water injection processes have been stablished as a strategy to incorporate reserves, breaking historical rhythms of implementation. The generation of standards and best practices in the technical, operational, environmental, social, legal, implementation and surveillance aspects, has been identified as a key factor to ensure that the Company's know-how supports this goal, reducing implementation time and increasing quality and efficiency of new waterflooding pilots and expansions projects in Colombia.
Formation Fluid Sampling While Drilling during Critical Time of Invasion in Order to Improve Cleanup Process
Authors: Al Osaimi Falah , Palmer Richard , Najrani Hussain , llies Mostefai , Ibrahim Merie , Haq Minhas
Published: June 2015

The mud filtrate has been always a challenge during formation fluid sampling and this challenge becomes aggravated when drilling in formations with different pressures as mud weight has to be adjusted to the higher pressure. In this case, the formation with low pressure gets exposed to high overbalance pressure and invasion will penetrate deeper and deeper overtime making cleanup during formation fluid sampling longer. This paper will illustrate the impact of mud filtrate on the formation based on a case history and how the technique of formation fluid sampling while drilling improves the process.

This paper discusses a real example for Formation Sampling While Drilling (FSWD). Two samples were collected at the same depth, but with different elapsed time since drilling in order to the evaluate cleanup process. The result showed a significant reduction of pumping time when the sample was collected right after drilling the section. Also, the purity of the samples was improved with shorter pumping time. The result showed that there is a time window for sampling shortly after drilling followed by a critical time of mud filtrate invasion in the formation which made the sampling more difficult.

Formation sampling while drilling (FSWD) was introduced to the industry with the capability to collect samples while drilling which brings a great economic value by saving rig time in reducing pumping hours during formation fluid sampling, and eliminating wireline runs for formation fluid sampling after total depth has been reached. A previous study has discussed this advantage based on theory and simulated model that predict invasion as a function of time, overbalance pressure and other factors. This paper adheres to the idea of fluid sampling shortly after drilling significantly reduces the process of sampling.
Application of the New Dielectric Technology to the Formation Evaluation of Middle Eastern Carbonate and Sandstone Reservoirs – A Case Study from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mahiout Said , Clerke Edward A. , Azizi Ibrahim Mohd , Belowi Ali , Ghanim Rayan
Published: June 2015

Proper reservoir evaluation in carbonate and sandstone environments has always been a challenge. Petrophysicists are constantly struggling with water salinity uncertainty and Archie's exponents (m and n). These parameters are often not readily available, require time-consuming special core analysis and can vary significantly within and across depositional sequences. A new generation of dielectric technology, which provides reliable measurements that overcomes some of the limitations of the old devices, is used. The enhanced data from the tool improves petrophysical formation evaluation in a variety of borehole environments.

Measurements from dielectric devices have been available via wireline conveyance for more than three decades. Several devices operating with a single-frequency were built in the eighties. Most failed to gain acceptance due to measurement limitations affected by borehole and invasion effects, and moderate accuracy making their interpretation complicated. Based on recent technology developments, a new device measuring both permittivity and conductivity at multiple frequencies has enabled petrophysicists to evaluate the petrophysical properties in various complex environments.

The combination of dielectric with other conventional logging measurements had been utilized in many wells to determine water saturation and remaining hydrocarbon saturation on a regular basis. In addition, the continuous variable Archie's exponent "MN" measurement from dielectric is used to estimate accurately water saturation. The difference in volume of total porosity and the dielectric quantification of water filled porosity (WFP) is used to estimate hydrocarbon saturation. A new approach for identifying and quantifying gas thinly bedded sands is tested with promising results. It combines high resolution dielectric measurements, borehole images and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements. Integration of dielectric data to the conventional open-hole logging suites enables rapid and accurate results during the logging operation and allows proper decisions on pressure points to optimize logging time and reduce substantial cost.

Saudi Aramco has been leading the tests of the technology in a diverse range of environments and for various applications. The development and theory behind the dielectric measurements are discussed. Examples highlighting the value of these new measurements for improved formation evaluation in both carbonate and sandstone environments are provided in the paper.
A New Completion Approach in Saudi Aramco for Unconventional Gas Wells Using Full Monobore 4½" Cemented Casing Completion
Authors: Almasmoom Salahaldeen S. , Gonzalez Juan I. , Ramos Domingo A. , Al-Faraj Omar A.
Published: June 2015

In fields with marginal economic impact and a considerable amount of wells, it is easy to develop a mindset that accepts past drilling performance and costs. Changing the "status quo" requires the application of new techniques, well analysis, planning, and knowledge management. Accept nothing less than measurable and continuous improvement and reward appropriate risk taking. Under that line of thought, a cemented casing completion was designed.

Cemented casing completion is a technique that provides an opportunity for reducing completion costs along with delivery days without impacting safety or well integrity. In this project, the completion is run straight into the open hole and cemented in place like any conventional casing, without the need to run a liner and perform a traditional cleanup.

In an attempt to save rig time and cost, this new completion approach was trial tested successfully on unconventional exploration gas wells for the first time in Saudi Aramco. Both the completion string and the annulus were pressure tested to the required pressures successfully. About six days of rig time and substantial costs were saved. The team used the latest advanced software to ensure a complete long-term zonal isolation of the cemented completion. Models of the expected stresses, which will be applied inside the completion string and in the annulus during the testing and fracturing stages, were developed. An optimum cementing job schedule was developed to achieve the best quality cement job.

This paper will highlight the advantages of the cemented casing completion design over the conventional monobore design for applicable wells, the challenges while planning and executing, the full risk assessment approach, and software simulation for cementing and completion stages. In addition, this paper will discuss the case study, including detailed operational execution.
Defining the Optimum Properties of Chelating Agents to be used as EOR Fluid for Sandstone Reservoirs
Authors: Attia M. , Mahmoud M. A.
Published: June 2015

Many laboratory core flood investigations proved the increase in the oil recovery by applying low salinity water. However, till now the main mechanism of the oil recovery is debated. Recently chelating agents have been proposed as chemical enhanced oil recovery fluids that can be used along with the sea water to recover oil from sandstone and carbonate reservoirs. Chelating agents have the ability to decrease the salinity of the injected water and increase the recovery better than low salinity water flooding with low cost compared to diluting the sea water.

In this paper we will define the optimum pH, concentration, and type of the chelating agent by conducting series of core flooding experiments. First, we changed the pH of chelating agent between 10.7 and 12.2 and the oil recovery was determined for each experiment. Second, the optimum concentration was identified by changing the concentration of the injected fluid and comparison of the recovered oil achieved for each experiment was conducted. Finally, the best chelating agent was selected by comparing between the oil achieved by two different types.

The results showed that high oil recovery up to 30% of the original oil in place was achieved by EDTA chelating agent diluted from an initial concentration of 40 wt% using raw sea water has the same composition of Arabian Gulf sea water. The optimum pH value should be greater than 12. In addition, a concentration of 5wt% or greater should be used. EDTA-based chelating agents yielded higher recovery compared to HEDTA-based chelating agents.
Electric Submersible Pump Installation and Commissioning - Challenges and Lesson Learned from Field Development
Authors: Al-Khalifa Mohammed A. , Cox Robert L. , Saad Hossam
Published: June 2015

A field with about large number of wells, all equipped with electric submersible pumps (ESPs), was developed. ESPs are used to increase wellhead pressure, to overcome backpressure from surface facilities and to lift wells at a later stage when water cut increases. ESPs are selected as the primary artificial lift mechanism as it provides the highest differential pressure and system reliability when compared to other methods. For this field, a comparison study between the applicable artificial lift methods indicated ESPs are the most economical option.

This paper will describe the ESP equipment selection process, completion schematic and installation process. The paper will then discuss several challenges encountered during the ESP installation, precommissioning and commissioning, in addition to solutions implemented to overcome these challenges.

Examples of the technical and operational challenges encountered during the equipment design and selection process include well environment such as corrosion; well control regulations, especially requirements for physical barriers between the hydrocarbon formation and casing annulus; production engineering requirements to allow well intervention without damaging the formation; and the difficulties encountered during ESP installation and startup, such as wellhead penetrator damage, ESP system electrical integrity degradation, and difficulties starting-up ESPs due to high initial reservoir pressure.
Single Gas Flow Prediction through Chokes using Artificial Intelligence Techniques
Authors: Elhaj Murtada A. , Anifowose Fatai , Abdulraheem Abdulazeez
Published: June 2015

This paper shows the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques as a practical engineering tool for predicting and estimating the gas flow rate through chokes. Studying the single gas flow through wellhead chokes is vital to the oil industry, not only to ensure the accurate estimation of gas flow rate but also to keep equipments protected from damage due to high gas flow rate. It also has the potential to avoid sand problems. Many studies have investigated the predictability of gas flow through chokes. In this paper, we reviewed, evaluated and compared the predictive performance of the available choke correlations in literature with five AI techniques.

162 data points were used to develop five AI models for predicting the gas flow rate. The data were fed to the five AI techniques Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Fuzzy Logic (FL), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Functional Network (FN) and Decision Tree (DT) (ANN, FL, SVM, FN and DT) and the results were optimized for each technique. The new models were found to perform better than the correlation and give the lowest error, with a mean absolute percentage error of 0.83%. Because of these reduced errors, the proposed AI-based models can improve gas flow rate prediction through chokes.

The results of this paper will provide a better alternative to predictive modeling of petroleum reservoir properties. It will also open windows of opportunity for researchers and engineers to explore advanced machine learning techniques such as hybrids and ensembles for continued improvement of petroleum exploration and production.
Estimating Energy Loss through Wellhead Chokes
Authors: Xiao J. J. , Busfar Wessam A. , Lastra Rafael , Adnan Muhammad
Published: June 2015

Chokes are control valves built into the production systems so that wells can be produced at desired rates and in the same time reservoir depletion and sweep can be optimized; and formation and well completion integrity can be protected. The use of surface chokes also allows surface flowlines and facilities to be designed more economically due to reduced pressure ratings. Substantial pressure drops can occur through well surface chokes, especially at early stages of production when the reservoir pressure is still high and lower choke settings are applied. This paper investigates energy loss through wellhead chokes for gas wells with the laws of thermodynamics. Calculation methods and applicable equations are presented. Example calculations show that energy loss can be significant as a result of choking applied to wells. This is especially true when one considers the number of wells and the total daily production that a company has. The energy waste can be potentially avoided by extracting the fluid flow energy to produce electricity. In remote areas, subsea or on offshore platforms, the generated electricity can be used to power equipment present at the wellsites such as sensors, communication devices, heaters or pumps. The electricity can also be fed into existing power grids. The potential benefit includes reduction in field energy consumption and operating costs, energy conservation and environmental protection.