bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Coiled Tubing Buckling on Horizontal Annular Flow
Authors: Asafa K. A. , Shah S. N.
Published: March 2012

Over the last few decades, coiled tubing technology has found increasing applicability in oilfield operations, including well intervention, well logging, coiled tubing drilling, perforation and fishing operations. Significant attention has been given to the prediction of friction pressure loss of various fluids pumped through coiled tubing and the annular space between the tubing and the wellbore. The importance of such prediction cannot be underemphasized, as adequate knowledge of the anticipated friction pressure is useful for determining the required pump horsepower and developing hydraulic programs during the operational planning stage.

However, a coiled tubing string can buckle under its own weight when the axial compressive load acting on the string exceeds a certain threshold, known as critical buckling load. In long extended reach wells, the extent of buckling, as well as its effect on fluid flow hydraulics can be significant, especially in the annulus between the tubing string and the wellbore. Despite the frequent occurrence of tubular buckling in many oilfield operations, previous publications on annular flow have traditionally considered flow in concentric and eccentric annuli, mainly discussing the effects of diameter ratio, fluid rheology and eccentricity on the friction pressure loss observed in such conduits.

The present numerical and experimental study examines the characteristics of steady-state isothermal laminar flow of non- Newtonian (Power-law) fluids and turbulent flow of Newtonian fluids in annulus with a non-rotating buckled inner tubing string. Numerical modeling results of fluid flow in various three-dimensional annular geometries using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) are presented, ranging from a uniformly eccentric annulus to an annulus consisting of "corkscrewed" inner tubing - a helical buckling state, whereby the coiled tubing is permanently deformed when the prevailing bending stresses exceed the yield stress of the tubing. In addition, extreme cases of "arbitrarily" buckled coiled tubing annulus were evaluated for each size of coiled tubing considered. An interesting observation is the increase in annular friction pressure loss with increasing buckling extent. The CFD simulation results have been verified experimentally using a field-scale flow loop comprising of a helically buckled tubing annulus and an equivalent uniformly eccentric annulus. Practical empirical correlations have been developed, taking into account certain buckling parameter, to improve the accuracy of annular friction pressure loss predictions in coiled tubing operations involving a considerable level of buckling.
Case History: Pilot Project With Coiled Tubing Drilling in Offshore South China Sea
Authors: Abdul Rahman A. A. , Hamzah N. E. , Ahmad Fauzi N. , Safiin N. , Khalid M. Z. , Syaifullah N. , Jenie J. R. , Hariry H. E.
Published: March 2012

The sustained and relatively high value of oil and natural gas has resulted in an unprecedented level of drilling activity and implementation of innovative methods to recover as much hydrocarbon as possible, and as quickly as possible. The resulting demand for conventional drilling rigs for programs has forced the rates high and the availability low, making use of the units difficult to justify for use in declining fields with less significant amounts of recoverable product. The by-passed reserves remaining accessible in these depleted fields exist in volumes worthy of pursuit, but must be done economically.

In many fields, operators, either intentionally or unintentionally, bypass pay zones during initial development by focusing only on the best zones. Accessing bypassed thinly laminated formations can be economically attractive but poses several challenges, especially due to aged platforms and completion string in place, also offshore environment is adding its own challenges.

Coiled Tubing Drilling (CTD) has yet to establish itself in an offshore environment. Numerous one-off projects have been tried, but commitment was never made to a number of wells to see through the learning curve and realize the potential of the application. Offshore South China Sea have a huge quantity of candidates on existing installations, installations that, due to water depths and sub sea conditions require large, expensive rigs to drill or re-enter wells. Technically the wells can be accessed with coiled tubing with drilling parameters seen regularly in other projects. The challenges for this pilot project will be equipment specification and set up, efficiently exiting the casing, and management of wellbore stability in open hole drilling and completion techniques.

The main objective of this pilot project is to bring proven technology to offshore environment to access small bypassed reserves economically and provide an alternative to conventional drilling. The well candidates were selected with strict work scope to avoid going beyond the regular CTD application to ensure learning curve and lessons learned can be implemented throughout the project and achieve the objective.

This paper will described the preparation, execution, achievement and lessons learned from this 4 wells pilot project in offshore South China Sea.
Coiled Tubing Reduces Stimulation Cycle Time by More Than 50% in Multilayer Wells in Russia
Authors: Yudin A. , Burdin K. , Yanchuk D. , Nikitin A. , Bataman I. , Serdyuk A. , Mogutov N. , Sitdikov S.
Published: March 2012

Traditionally, coiled tubing (CT) in Russia has had very limited service diversity. Its use has been concentrated at wellbore cleanouts and nitrogen kickoffs after fracturing treatments.

We used coiled tubing equipment and technologies to supplement stimulation operations in one of the world’s largest oil fields, Priobskoe, which has up to five separate layers per well. Conventionally, well completions here have involved complicated workover operations with tubing, packers, and wireline perforating after each stimulated layer. Average wells with three layers took 30 days to complete. CT provided a significant improvement in completion efficiency, reducing the cycle time to just 10 to 12 days.

The first option of the completion and stimulation technology assumed "through casing" operations, eliminating the use of frac strings and a packer, which is a significant achievement under Russian regulations. This was done with a 4-in.-OD perforator and casing with increased strength. A year later, a second option for the technology was introduced to operate on regular strength casing through tubing. A slimmer abrasive perforator that could fit into the packer’s internal bore developed for this option was particularly effective for sidetrack and horizontal completions.

In total, 95 wells were analyzed with more than 250 stimulation stages. This includes an operational and technical review of the tools and techniques used to compare the efficiency of the whole cycle of completion, resources requirements and amount of risks and non-productive time associated. Also a productivity comparison of CT combined with fracturing technology versus standard process of wireline/workover/stimulation sequence will be given.
Case Story: Rigless Debris Removal From a Subsea Safety Valve With a Wishbone Honer Brush on Electric Line
Authors: Higa Rogelio , Saavedra Percy A.
Published: March 2012

Subsea safety valves (SSSV) are safety-critical when a well has sufficient reservoir pressure to flow naturally. Among other things, they are used to secure offshore wells during hurricanes to prevent pollution in the unlikely event the wellhead sustains damage. They are tested regularly and must be reliable.

While testing a SSSV in one of its wells in the Campeche Bay, a major Latin American Operator discovered scale deposits that prevented the SSSV from sealing shut. The operator was looking for an alternative mechanical solution, since pumping acid into its wells had not been effective. A downhole tractor service provider approached the operator and after carefully studying the case, presented the wishbone honer brush design run on a well tractor and electric line to repair the valve in situ and avoid costs associated with mobilizing a rig and removing well components. It was the first time this technology was used successfully for this application.

The operator deployed the cleaning equipment in August 2011 and performed the work in 18 hours operating time. The SSSV tested successfully on the following day and the well was returned to production. The operator estimated that the selected technology saved more than a week of deferred production at 7500 BOPD and direct costs of rig mobilization. The wishbone honer brush tool run on a well tractor and electric line proved to be the alternate solution they were seeking and it is now the operator's preferred technology for this application.

This paper will present the operational challenges as well as the results of this successful, rigless cleaning operation on an important producing well.
Risk Reduction and Efficiency Gains in Well Intervention Operations Through the Application of Real-Time Digital Slickline Services
Authors: Murchie S. , Billingham M. , Evans S. , Bautheas M
Published: March 2012

Real time digital slickline services have been used increasingly in the Gulf of Mexico by a number of customers. Through its telemetry enabled capabilities and the purpose built tools that complete the platform, digital slickline services can deliver a number of safety and efficiency gains to all types of slickline operations.

Material presented in this paper will be from actual operations, examples being perforation, tubing punching and cutting, plug setting and cement dump bailing, and will demonstrate the operational efficiencies being delivered.

Enhancement of the slickline service comes from real time surface readout of in situ tool operational status, the critical core measurements of downhole toolstring movement, deviation head tension and shock, and the depth precision now offered through gamma ray and CCL sensors. Optional tools such as a pressure / temperature gauge bring yet further visibility on the impact of the downhole actions undertaken. Expansion of the slickline service capabilities come from the telemetry enablement and core tools, coupled with a range of specific tools and sensors that have been developed to run on this slickline platform, namely a electro-hydraulic setting tool, an explosive triggering device, a monobore lock mandrel, and a production logging suite.

The real time data that is delivered to the slickline operator removes the need for assumptions that often have to be made during conventional slickline operation, and allow for a more efficient and reliable slickline operation to be undertaken. This results in a reduction in operation time, and a reduction in unnecessary trips out of the well to check on the tool status or to validate depth. Furthermore, since digital slickline is able to carry out both slickline well preparation work and a range of remedial or measurement work often carried out on memory or eLine, these operations can often be conducted entirely utilizing digital slickline crew and equipment. This optimizes pre- and post-job logistics, equipment rig up and rig down, and the job execution itself. In addition to the obvious cost savings, with a slickline wire comes a simplification of the pressure control and a well control recovery situation.
Assessing Intra-Watershed Paleoenvironment and Landform Development: A Case Study from South-Central Pennsylvania
Authors: Coppock Gary F. , Stiteler John M. , Vento Frank J.
Published: March 2012

Through the detailed multidisciplinary investigation of a single drainage basin, the Aughwick Creek watershed study has produced new insights into the paleoenvironment of the Appalachian Mountain region of south-central Pennsylvania. This study characterized seven alluvial landforms (T-00 to T-5), produced paleobotanical data extending back to the Plum Point interstadial nearly 30,000 BP, and identified evidence suggesting that a former lake existed within the valley sometime between 22,000 and 15,000 BP. In addition to generating information critical to interpreting local prehistoric sites, this study also produced data needed to identify archaeologically sensitive areas within the region and to estimate the appropriate level of effort that would be required to identify buried sites on a wide variety of landforms. Although the specific results of this study apply only to this watershed and similar regions of the Ridge and Valley's Appalachian Mountain section, the general approach could be utilized in a wide variety of settings, including those with aeolian and colluvial deposition.
Comparison of glomerular filtration rate determined by use of single-slice dynamic computed tomography and scintigraphy in cats
Authors: Schmidt David M. , Scrivani Peter V. , Dykes Nathan L. , Goldstein Richard M. , Erb Hollis N. , Reeves Anthony P.
Published: March 2012

Objective—To compare estimation of glomerular filtration rate determined via conventional methods (ie, scintigraphy and plasma clearance of technetium Tc 99m pentetate) and dynamic single-slice computed tomography (CT).

Animals—8 healthy adult cats.

Procedures—Scintigraphy, plasma clearance testing, and dynamic CT were performed on each cat on the same day; order of examinations was randomized. Separate observers performed GFR calculations for scintigraphy, plasma clearance testing, or dynamic CT. Methods were compared via Bland-Altman plots and considered interchangeable and acceptable when the 95% limits of agreement (mean difference between methods ± 1.96 SD of the differences) were ≤ 0.7 mL/min/kg.

Results—Global GFR differed < 0.7 mL/min/kg in 5 of 8 cats when comparing plasma clearance testing and dynamic CT; the limits of agreement were 1.4 and −1.7 mL/min/kg. The mean ± SD difference was −0.2 ± 0.8 mL/min/kg, and the maximum difference was 1.6 mL/min/kg. The mean ± SD difference (absolute value) for percentage filtration by individual kidneys was 2.4 ± 10.5% when comparing scintigraphy and dynamic CT; the maximum difference was 20%, and the limits of agreement were 18% and 23% (absolute value).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—GFR estimation via dynamic CT exceeded the definition for acceptable clinical use, compared with results for conventional methods, which was likely attributable to sample size and preventable technical complications. Because 5 of 8 cats had comparable values between methods, further investigation of dynamic CT in a larger sample population with a wide range of GFR values should be performed.
Evaluation of a midazolam-ketamine-xylazine infusion for total intravenous anesthesia in horses
Authors: Hubbell John A. E. , Aarnes Turi K. , Lerche Phillip , Bednarski Richard M.
Published: March 2012

Objective—To evaluate the use of midazolam, ketamine, and xylazine for total IV anesthesia (TIVA) in horses.

Animals—6 healthy Thoroughbred mares.

Procedures—Horses were sedated with xylazine (1.0 mg/kg, IV). Anesthesia was induced with midazolam (0.1 mg/kg, IV) followed by ketamine (2.2 mg/kg, IV) and was maintained with an IV infusion of midazolam (0.002 mg/kg/min), ketamine (0.03 mg/kg/min), and xylazine (0.016 mg/kg/min). Horses underwent surgical manipulation and injection of the palmar digital nerves; duration of the infusion was 60 minutes. Additional ketamine (0.2 to 0.4 mg/kg, IV) was administered if a horse moved its head or limbs during procedures. Cardiopulmonary and arterial blood variables were measured prior to anesthesia; at 10, 20, 30, 45, and 60 minutes during infusion; and 10 minutes after horses stood during recovery. Recovery quality was assessed by use of a numeric (1 to 10) scale with 1 as an optimal score.

Results—Anesthesia was produced for 70 minutes after induction; supplemental ketamine administration was required in 4 horses. Heart rate, respiratory rate, arterial blood pressures, and cardiac output remained similar to preanesthetic values throughout TIVA. Arterial partial pressure of oxygen and oxygen saturation of arterial hemoglobin were significantly decreased from preanesthetic values throughout anesthesia; oxygen delivery was significantly decreased at 10- to 30-minute time points. Each horse stood on its first attempt, and median recovery score was 2.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Midazolam, ketamine, and xylazine in combination produced TIVA in horses. Further studies to investigate various dosages for midazolam and ketamine or the substitution of other α2-adrenoceptor for xylazine are warranted.
Effect of head and neck position on intrathoracic pressure and arterial blood gas values in Dutch Warmblood riding horses during moderate exercise
Authors: Sleutjens Janneke , Smiet Esmee , van Weeren René , van der Kolk Johannes , Back Willem , Wijnberg Inge D.
Published: March 2012

Objective—To evaluate the effect of various head and neck positions on intrathoracic pressure and arterial oxygenation during exercise in horses.

Animals—7 healthy Dutch Warmblood riding horses.

Procedures—The horses were evaluated with the head and neck in the following predefined positions: position 1, free and unrestrained; position 2, neck raised with the bridge of the nose aligned vertically; position 4, neck lowered and extremely flexed with the nose pointing toward the pectoral muscles; position 5, neck raised and extended with the bridge of the nose in front of a vertical line perpendicular to the ground surface; and position 7, neck lowered and flexed with the nose pointing towards the carpus. The standard exercise protocol consisted of trotting for 10 minutes, cantering for 4 minutes, trotting again for 5 minutes, and walking for 5 minutes. An esophageal balloon catheter was used to indirectly measure intrathoracic pressure. Arterial blood samples were obtained for measurement of Pao2, Paco2, and arterial oxygen saturation.

Results—Compared with when horses were in the unrestrained position, inspiratory intrathoracic pressure became more negative during the first trot (all positions), canter and second trot (position 4), and walk (positions 4 and 5). Compared with when horses were in position 1, intrathoracic pressure difference increased in positions 4, 2, 7, and 5; Pao2 increased in position 5; and arterial oxygen saturation increased in positions 4 and 7.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Position 4 was particularly influential on intrathoracic pressure during exercise in horses. The effects detected may have been caused by a dynamic upper airway obstruction and may be more profound in horses with upper airway disease.
Bioavailability of a novel midazolam gel after intranasal administration in dogs
Authors: Eagleson Joseph S. , Platt Simon R. , Strong Deborah L. Elder , Kent Marc , Freeman Anne C. , Nghiem Peter P. , Zheng Bo , White Catherine A.
Published: March 2012

Objective—To compare the pharmacokinetics of a novel bioadhesive gel formulation of midazolam after intranasal (IN) administration with that of midazolam solution after IN, IV, and rectal administration to dogs.

Animals—10 (5 males and 5 females) healthy adult Beagles.

Procedures—Dogs were assigned to 4 treatment groups for a crossover study design. Initially, midazolam solution (5 mg/mL) was administered (0.2 mg/kg) IV to group 1, rectally to group 2, and IN to group 3; a 0.4% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose midazolam gel formulation (50 mg/mL) was administered (0.2 mg/kg, IN) to group 4. Each dog received all 4 treatments; there was a 7-day washout period between subsequent treatments. Blood samples were collected before and after midazolam administration. Plasma concentration of midazolam was determined by use of high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results—The peak plasma concentration after IN administration of the gel formulation was significantly higher than that after IN and rectal administration of the solution. Mean ± SD time to peak concentration was 11.70 ± 2.63 minutes (gel IN), 17.50 ± 2.64 minutes (solution IN), and 39 ± 14.49 minutes (solution rectally). Mean bioavailability of midazolam was 70.4% (gel IN), 52.0% (solution IN), and 49.0% (solution rectally). Bioavailability after IN administration of the gel formulation was significantly higher than that after IN and rectal administration of the solution.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—IN administration of midazolam gel was superior to both IN and rectal administration of midazolam solution with respect to peak plasma concentration and bioavailability.
Effect of optical defocus on performance of dogs involved in field trial competition
Authors: Ofri Ron , Hollingsworth Steven R. , Groth Allyson , Motta Monica J. , Doval John H. , Kass Philip H. , Murphy Christopher J.
Published: March 2012

Objective—To measure the effect of induced myopia on field trial performance in dogs.

Animals—7 Labrador Retrievers and 1 Chesapeake Bay Retriever trained in field trial competition.

Procedures—Dogs were commanded to retrieve targets at 137.2 m (150 yards). Each dog participated in 3 trials while their eyes were fitted with 0- (plano), +1.50-, or +3.00-diopter (D) contact lenses, applied in random order. Retrieval times were measured objectively, and dog performances were evaluated subjectively by masked judges.

Results—Retrieval times were significantly faster with plano lenses than with +1.50- or +3.00-D lenses, but there were no significant differences in times between +1.50- and +3.00-D lenses. Masked judges assigned the best performance scores to dogs with plano lenses and the lowest scores to dogs fitted with +3.00-D lenses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Even mild myopic defocusing had a significant negative impact on both the subjective and objective assessments of dogs' performances. Dogs with demanding visual tasks or signs of visual deterioration should be evaluated retinoscopically to determine the refractive state because they may have ametropia.
The Effects of Taurine on Permethrininduced Cytogenetic and Oxidative Damage in Cultured Human Lymphocytes
Authors: Turkez Hasan , Aydin Elanur
Published: March 2012

The Effects of Taurine on Permethrininduced Cytogenetic and Oxidative Damage in Cultured Human Lymphocytes

Permethrin (PM) is a common pyrethroid pesticide used to control pests in agriculture, forestry, horticulture, health care, homes, and textile industry. It is confirmed as a strong mutagen in animals and humans. Taurine (TA) is an amino acid found in mammalian tissues that protects the cell against DNA damage. In this study, we investigated whether supplementation of human lymphocyte cultures with TA (in the concentrations of 25 μg mL-1, 50 μg mL-1and 100 μg mL-1) provided any protection against PM toxicity applied in the concentration of 200 μg mL-1. Genotoxicity was assessed using the micronucleus (MN) and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) tests. In addition, we measured the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative stress (TOS) levels in the plasma to determine oxidative effects. PM increased SCE and MN levels and altered TAC and TOS levels. TA alone did not affect SCE and MN levels compared to controls, regardless of the concentration applied. In addition, it increased TAC levels without changing TOS levels. Moreover, it significantly buffered the negative cytogenetic and oxidative effects induced by PM in a clear dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, this study is the first to evidence the beneficial effects of TA against PM-induced DNA and oxidative damagesin vitro.
A Systematic Review of Aluminium Phosphide Poisoning
Authors: Mehrpour Omid , Jafarzadeh Mostafa , Abdollahi Mohammad
Published: March 2012

A Systematic Review of Aluminium Phosphide Poisoning

Every year, about 300,000 people die because of pesticide poisoning worldwide. The most common pesticide agents are organophosphates and phosphides, aluminium phosphide (AlP) in particular. AlP is known as a suicide poison that can easily be bought and has no effective antidote. Its toxicity results from the release of phosphine gas as the tablet gets into contact with moisture. Phosphine gas primarily affects the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys. Poisoning signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, restlessness, abdominal pain, palpitation, refractory shock, cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary oedema, dyspnoea, cyanosis, and sensory alterations. Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion, positive silver nitrate paper test to phosphine, and gastric aspirate and viscera biochemistry. Treatment includes early gastric lavage with potassium permanganate or a combination with coconut oil and sodium bicarbonate, administration of charcoal, and palliative care. Specific therapy includes intravenous magnesium sulphate and oral coconut oil. Moreover, acidosis can be treated with early intravenous administration of sodium bicarbonate, cardiogenic shock with fluid, vasopresor, and refractory cardiogenic shock with intra-aortic baloon pump or digoxin. Trimetazidine may also have a useful role in the treatment, because it can stop ventricular ectopic beats and bigeminy and preserve oxidative metabolism. This article reviews the epidemiological, toxicological, and clinical/pathological aspects of AlP poisoning and its management.
A powerful and efficient evolutionary optimization algorithm based on stem cells algorithm for data clustering
Authors: Taherdangkoo Mohammad , Yazdi Mehran , Bagheri Mohammad
Published: March 2012

There are many ways to divide datasets into some clusters. One of most popular data clustering algorithms is K-means algorithm which uses the distance criteria for measuring the data correlation. To do that, we should know in advance the number of classes (K) and choose K data points as an initial set to run the algorithm. However, the choice of initial points is a main problem in this algorithm which may cause the algorithm to converge to a local minimum. Some other data clustering algorithms have been proposed to overcome this problem. The methods are Genetic algorithm (GA), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), PSO algorithm, and ABC algorithms. In this paper, we employ the Stem Cells Optimization algorithm for data clustering. The algorithm was inspired by behavior of natural stem cells in the human body. We developed a new data clustering based on this new optimization scheme which has the advantages such as high convergence rate and easy implementation process. It also avoids local minimums in an intelligent manner. The experimental results obtained by using the new algorithm on different well-known test datasets compared with those obtained using other mentioned methods demonstrate the better accuracy and high speed of the new algorithm.
Scalable n-body event prediction
Authors: Braeger Steven , Arnold Nicholas , Dechev Damian
Published: March 2012

The general simulation of n-body systems often requires the simulation of pairwise interaction events between the objects. The naive method of simulating these events is an algorithm that polls each pair of objects for an interaction every time step. This algorithm has O(n
2)operations per time step in the number of objects. However, this method scales very well to multiple cores. In this paper, we propose a novel method of pairwise simulation that saves a significant amount of computation time by predicting possible future outcomes rather than reacting to them. We demonstrate the implementation of this method, as well as demonstrate that it has amortized O(n) complexity per time step. We also demonstrate an implementation to allow this algorithm to scale comparably well to multiple cores of a shared memory machine.
Toward the methodology of social forecasting
Authors: Potůček Martin
Published: March 2012

K metodologii sociálního prognózování

Stať rozebírá přístup Centra pro sociální a ekonomické strategie Fakulty sociálních věd Univerzity Karlovy k formování a uplatnění svébytné metodologie sociálního prognózování. Podstatným rysem tohoto přístupu je orientace na identifikaci klíčových problémů České republiky a cest jejich řešení a účast diferencovaných aktérů na tvorbě a uplatnění samotných prognóz. V letech 2000 - 2005 a 2006 - 2011 proběhly dva relativně samostatné prognostické cykly, které vyústily do návrhu modulárního přístupu k tvorbě vizí a strategií.
Feasibility, Reliability, and Agreement of the WeeFIM Instrument in Dutch Children With Burns
Authors: Niemeijer Anuschka S. , Reinders-Messelink Heleen A. , Disseldorp Laurien M. , Nieuwenhuis Marianne K.
Published: March 2012

Background

Burns occur frequently in young children. To date, insufficient data are available to fully describe the functional consequences of burns. In different patient populations and countries, the WeeFIM instrument (“WeeFIM”) often is used to measure functional independence in children.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the WeeFIM instrument for use in Dutch burn centers.

Design

This was an observational study.

Methods

The WeeFIM instrument was translated into Dutch. All clinicians who rated the children with the instrument passed the WeeFIM credentialing examination. They scored consecutive children (n=134) aged 6 months to 16 years admitted to Dutch burn centers with acute burns during a 1-year period at 2 to 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postburn. To examine reliability, 2 raters scored a child at the same time (n=52, 9 raters) or the same rater scored a child twice within 1 week (n=7, 3 raters).

Results

After a few weeks, the WeeFIM assessment could be administered in less than 15 minutes. Clinicians thought it was difficult to rate a child aged between 2 and 4 years as well as the cognitive items. Nevertheless, reliability was good (all intraclass correlation coefficients [1,1] were above .80). The standard error of measurement was 3.7.

Limitations

Intrarater reliability was based on only 7 test-retest measurements. Within our clinical setting, it turned out to be difficult to schedule the same rater and patient twice in one week for repeated assessments. Assessments for interrater reliability, on the other hand, worked out well.

Conclusions

The WeeFIM instrument is a feasible and reliable instrument for use in children with burns. For evaluation of a child's individual progress, at least 11 points' improvement should be observed to state that a child has significantly improved.
Fat dynamics and development of body condition indices for harvested populations of wolverine Gulo gulo
Authors: Robitaille Jean‐François , Villano Liane , Jung Thomas S. , Slama Helen P. , Oakley Michelle P.
Published: March 2012

Sufficient energy reserves are crucial to the overwinter survival of northern non‐hibernating mustelids. We sought a reliable index of body condition (fatness) in harvested populations of wolverine Gulo gulo, based on the relationship between fatness and the mass of distinct fat depots extractable by necropsy. Fatness did not differ significantly between genders or winter months, nor was it significantly related to body size or age. Using a first group of 18 males and 14 females, we developed predictive least‐square linear regressions between fat depots (popliteal, sternal, omentum, mesenteric and perirenal) and fatness (g fat/100 g body mass) using skinned carcasses provided by fur trappers in the Yukon, Canada. Fatness was consistently better predicted in females than in males. Fatness was best predicted by the sternal fat depot (R2 = 0.73) in males and by the omentum as well as sternal fat depots in females (R2 = 0.94 and 0.87, respectively). We then compared known fatness and fatness predicted from regressions of the sternal fat depot using a second group of 14 males and nine females, and mean fatness did not differ significantly. We suggest that, due to its ease of extraction and predictive power, the sternal fat depot is a valid fat index with both sexes of wolverine, although it (or any other fat depot) should be used with caution with males, which seem more prone to obesity. This new index will help wildlife managers monitor changes in body condition of wolverines in response to changes in environmental conditions.
Determination of mechanical properties by nanoindentation in the case of viscous materials
Authors: Mazeran Pierre-Emmanuel , Beyaoui Moez , Bigerelle Maxence , Guigon Michèle
Published: March 2012

A mechanical model based on a generalized Kelvin–Voigt model has been developed to explain and fit the nanoindentation curves realized on three amorphous polymers (PC, PMMA and PS). This model includes the responses of quadratic elastic (spring), viscoelastic (two Kelvin–Voigt elements), plastic (slider) and viscoplastic components (dashpot). It is able to fit nanoindentation curves during loading, unloading and hold time periods. With the values of the model parameters and the value of the contact area calculated with the Oliver and Pharr method, it is possible to calculate the values of the mechanical properties of the polymers. A good agreement is found between these values and those obtained with conventional methods.
Studies of dynamic mass transfer at the slag–metal interface – Interfacial velocity measurements
Authors: Muhmood Luckman , Viswanathan Nurni Neelakandan , Seetharaman Seshadri
Published: March 2012

The dynamics of oxygen transport along the slag–metal interface of pure iron and alumina-saturated CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 slag was studied using high-temperature X-ray image analysis. The oscillations of the metal drop occurring due to the interfacial movement of oxygen atoms driven by Marangoni forces were studied in detail. The change in interfacial area during the oscillations was measured using a digitizing software and MATLAB. It was observed that the interfacial velocity as a function of oxygen exhibits insignificant variation with temperature. Further, the values obtained for the interfacial velocity using oxygen concentration difference at the interface were slightly lower in comparison to those using sulfur. The possible reason for this lower velocity could be that, although oxygen is a smaller atom compared to that of sulfur, the energy barrier at the free iron surface is higher for oxygen, thus hindering its motion along the interface.
Manufacturing process and electrochemical properties of an Mg–Ga–Hg anode sheet
Authors: Zhao Jun , Yu Kun , Hu Yanan , Li Shaojun
Published: March 2012

The manufacturing process, electrochemical property, and microstructure evolution of as-cast, rolled, and annealed Mg-4.1% Ga-2.2% Hg anode sheet are studied in this investigation. The results show that the Mg-4.1% Ga-2.2% Hg anode sheet obtains an average discharge potential of −1.7924 V (vs. saturated calomel electrode) with an electric current density of 100 mA · cm−2 and a rapid activation time of less than 10 s in a half-cell test. The Mg–Ga–Hg sheet can be used as an anode material for seawater activated batteries. The Mg3Hg and Mg21Hg5Ga3 phases in the anode influence the electrochemical corrosion of the Mg–Ga–Hg anode sheet and provide a stable corrosion potential during discharge.
Lubnani,Libanais, Lebanese: Missionary Education, Language Policy and Identity Formation in Modern Lebanon
Authors: Womack Deanna Ferree
Published: March 2012

This article examines language instruction and religious and socio-political identity formation in nineteenth- and early twentieth-century American Protestant and French Jesuit missionary institutions in Lebanon. It compares French, English and Arabic language education policies at Saint Joseph University (Université Saint-Joseph), Syrian Protestant College (now the American University in Beirut) and the American Syria Mission schools under the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions and the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the USA. The article considers the mutual transformations in the encounter between missionaries and Lebanese students and addresses the relationship between language learning and educational, literary and nationalist development in the Middle East. Emphasising the agency of Arabic-speaking Ottoman subjects and their reciprocal relationship with missionaries, it argues that before the turn of the century, those individuals who acquired a foreign language and excelled in literary Arabic charted the course toward social, cultural and political change in the twentieth century.
Bishop Stephen Neill, the IMC and the State of African Theological Education in 1950
Authors: Daughrity Dyron
Published: March 2012

From April to July of 1950, Bishop Stephen Neill (1900–84) took a sweeping tour of East and West Africa to assess the state of African theological education. He visited Egypt, Sudan and the six British territories in tropical Africa: Tanganyika, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Gold Coast (Ghana) and Sierra Leone. Employed by the World Council of Churches at the time, Neill was appointed by the International Missionary Council to spearhead the project. The overall objective was to shed insight on what could be done to improve the quality of theological education and the training of ministry in Africa. Neill produced a considerable amount of material during and after the trip, including a 120-page ‘travel diary’ and a 51-page confidential report.

This paper has three goals: to explain how and why this tour of African theological education came together, to provide an overview of Neill's research trip through his diary entries and to reflect on Neill's conclusions and suggestions for what ought to be done.
What Shall I Read? How Korean Christians in Diaspora Read the Hebrew Canon
Authors: Kim David W.
Published: March 2012

When readers read a text, they do not just understand the text mechanically, but are influenced by their personal ideology. The ideology of the readers is composed of ‘their living environments’ as well as their personal reading circumstances. The aim of this paper is to identify an emerging method in reading a text that proposes a new way of interpreting a Christian text. Korean Christian diaspora readers1(KCDR) are not critical readers like literary professionals, but are sincere readers in their communities of faith, apart from the social group of their homeland and new land. What kind of biblical text is popular among this ethnic diaspora group? Why do they predominantly read a particular text when there are many other texts? This paper, in a sociological context, investigates the identification of the KCDR dwelling in non-motherlands including Australia, the United States and South America and three transnational phenomena of geographical change, pilgrimage into a new land and a life of cultural diversity, arguing that the origin of religio-cultural ideology of the KCDR lies in their reading process.
A Profile of Biomass Stove Use in Sri Lanka
Authors: Elledge Myles F. , Phillips Michael J. , Thornburg Vanessa E. , Everett Kibri H. , Nandasena Sumal
Published: March 2012

A large body of evidence has confirmed that the indoor air pollution (IAP) from biomass fuel use is a major cause of premature deaths, and acute and chronic diseases. Over 78% of Sri Lankans use biomass fuel for cooking, the major source of IAP in developing countries. We conducted a review of the available literature and data sources to profile biomass fuel use in Sri Lanka. We also produced two maps (population density and biomass use; and cooking fuel sources by district) to illustrate the problem in a geographical context. The biomass use in Sri Lanka is limited to wood while coal, charcoal, and cow dung are not used. Government data sources indicate poor residents in rural areas are more likely to use biomass fuel. Respiratory diseases, which may have been caused by cooking emissions, are one of the leading causes of hospitalizations and death. The World Health Organization estimated that the number of deaths attributable to IAP in Sri Lanka in 2004 was 4300. Small scale studies have been conducted in-country in an attempt to associate biomass fuel use with cataracts, low birth weight, respiratory diseases and lung cancer. However, the IAP issue has not been broadly researched and is not prominent in Sri Lankan public health policies and programs to date. Our profile of Sri Lanka calls for further analytical studies and new innovative initiatives to inform public health policy, advocacy and program interventions to address the IAP problem of Sri Lanka.
Success Counteracting Tobacco Company Interference in Thailand: An Example of FCTC Implementation for Low- and Middle-income Countries
Authors: Charoenca Naowarut , Mock Jeremiah , Kungskulniti Nipapun , Preechawong Sunida , Kojetin Nicholas , Hamann Stephen L.
Published: March 2012

Transnational tobacco companies (TTCs) interfere regularly in policymaking in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control provides mechanisms and guidance for dealing with TTC interference, but many countries still face ‘how to’ challenges of implementation. For more than two decades, Thailand’s public health community has been developing a system for identifying and counteracting strategies TTCs use to derail, delay and undermine tobacco control policymaking. Consequently, Thailand has already implemented most of the FCTC guidelines for counteracting TTC interference. In this study, our aims are to describe strategies TTCs have used in Thailand to interfere in policymaking, and to examine how the public health community in Thailand has counteracted TTC interference. We analyzed information reported by three groups with a stake in tobacco control policies: Thai tobacco control advocates, TTCs, and international tobacco control experts. To identify TTC viewpoints and strategies, we also extracted information from internal tobacco industry documents. We synthesized these data and identified six core strategies TTCs use to interfere in tobacco control policymaking: (1) doing business with ‘two faces’, (2) seeking to influence people in high places, (3) ‘buying’ advocates in grassroots organizations, (4) putting up a deceptive front, (5) intimidation, and (6) undermining controls on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. We present three case examples showing where TTCs have employed multiple interference strategies simultaneously, and showing how Thai tobacco control advocates have successfully counteracted those strategies by: (1) conducting vigilant surveillance, (2) excluding tobacco companies from policymaking, (3) restricting tobacco company sales, (4) sustaining pressure, and (5) dedicating resources to the effective enforcement of regulations. Policy implications from this study are that tobacco control advocates in LMICs may be able to develop countermeasures similar to those we identified in Thailand based on FCTC guidelines to limit TTC interference.
Overview of Data Routing Approaches for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Anisi Mohammad Hossein , Abdullah Abdul Hanan , Razak Shukor Abd , Ngadi Md. Asri
Published: March 2012

Recent years have witnessed a growing interest in deploying large populations of microsensors that collaborate in a distributed manner to gather and process sensory data and deliver them to a sink node through wireless communications systems. Currently, there is a lot of interest in data routing for Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) due to their unique challenges compared to conventional routing in wired networks. In WSNs, each data routing approach follows a specific goal (goals) according to the application. Although the general goal of every data routing approach in WSNs is to extend the network lifetime and every approach should be aware of the energy level of the nodes, data routing approaches may focus on one (or some) specific goal(s) depending on the application. Thus, existing approaches can be categorized according to their routing goals. In this paper, the main goals of data routing approaches in sensor networks are described. Then, the best known and most recent data routing approaches in WSNs are classified and studied according to their specific goals.
Inhibition of Quorum Sensing-Controlled Virulence Factor Production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 by Ayurveda Spice Clove (Syzygium Aromaticum) Bud Extract
Authors: Krishnan Thiba , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: March 2012

Quorum sensing controls the virulence determinants in most proteobacteria. In this work, the hexane, chloroform and methanol extracts of an Ayurveda spice, namely clove (Syzygium aromaticum), shown anti-quorum sensing activity. Hexane and methanol extracts of clove inhibited the response of C. violaceum CV026 to exogenously supplied N‑hexanoylhomoserine lactone, in turn preventing violacein production. Chloroform and methanol extracts of clove significantly reduced bioluminescence production by E. coli [pSB1075] grown in the presence of N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone. We demonstrated that clove extract inhibited quorum sensing-regulated phenotypes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01, including expression of lecA::lux (by hexane extract), swarming (maximum inhibition by methanol extract), pyocyanin (maximum inhibition by hexane extract). This study shows that the presence of natural compounds that exhibit anti-quorum sensing activity in the clove extracts may be useful as the lead of anti-infective drugs.
Sensor and Sensorless Fault Tolerant Control for Induction Motors Using a Wavelet Index
Authors: Gaeid Khalaf Salloum , Ping Hew Wooi , Khalid Mustafa , Masaoud Ammar
Published: March 2012

Fault Tolerant Control (FTC) systems are crucial in industry to ensure safe and reliable operation, especially of motor drives. This paper proposes the use of multiple controllers for a FTC system of an induction motor drive, selected based on a switching mechanism. The system switches between sensor vector control, sensorless vector control, closed-loop voltage by frequency (V/f) control and open loop V/f control. Vector control offers high performance, while V/f is a simple, low cost strategy with high speed and satisfactory performance. The faults dealt with are speed sensor failures, stator winding open circuits, shorts and minimum voltage faults. In the event of compound faults, a protection unit halts motor operation. The faults are detected using a wavelet index. For the sensorless vector control, a novel Boosted Model Reference Adaptive System (BMRAS) to estimate the motor speed is presented, which reduces tuning time. Both simulation results and experimental results with an induction motor drive show the scheme to be a fast and effective one for fault detection, while the control methods transition smoothly and ensure the effectiveness of the FTC system. The system is also shown to be flexible, reverting rapidly back to the dominant controller if the motor returns to a healthy state.
Quorum Quenching Bacillus sonorensis Isolated from Soya Sauce Fermentation Brine
Authors: Yin Wai-Fong , Tung Hun-Jiat , Sam Choon-Kook , Koh Chong-Lek , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: March 2012

An N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL)-degrading bacterial strain, L62, was isolated from a sample of fermentation brine of Chinese soya sauce by using rich medium agar supplemented with soya sauce (10% v/v). L62, a rod-shaped Gram positive bacterium with amylolytic activity, was phylogentically related to Bacillus sonorensis by 16S ribosomal DNA and rpoB sequence analyses. B. sonorensis L62 efficiently degraded N-3-oxohexanoyl homoserine lactone and N-octanoylhomoserine lactone. However, the aiiA homologue, encoding an autoinducer inactivation enzyme catalyzing the degradation of AHLs, was not detected in L62, suggesting the presence of a different AHL-degrading gene in L62. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of AHL-degrading B. sonorensis from soya sauce liquid state fermentation.