bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying the model of excellence in dental healthcare
Authors: Tekic Jasmina , Majstorovic Vidosav , Markovic Dejan
Published: February 2015

Introduction. Models of excellence are considered a practical tool in the
field of management that should help a variety of organizations, including
dental, to carry out the measurement of the quality of provided services, and
so define their position in relation to excellence. The quality of healthcare
implies the degree within which the system of healthcare and health services
increases the likelihood of positive treatment outcome. Objective. The aim of
the present study was to define a model of excellence in the field of dental
healthcare (DHC) in the Republic of Serbia and suggest the model of DHC whose
services will have the characteristics of outstanding service in the dental
practice. Methods. In this study a specially designed questionnaire was used
for the assessment of the maturity level of applied management regarding
quality in healthcare organizations of the Republic of Serbia. The
questionnaire consists of 13 units and a total of 240 questions. Results. The
results of the study were discussed involving four areas: (1) defining the
main criteria and sub-criteria, (2) the elements of excellence of DHC in the
Republic of Serbia, (3) the quality of DHC in the Republic of Serbia, and (4)
defining the framework of the model of excellence for the DHC in the Republic
of Serbia. The main criteria which defined the framework and implementation
model of excellence in the field of DHC in Serbia were: leadership,
management, human resources, policy and strategy, other resources, processes,
patients? satisfaction, employee?s satisfaction, impact on society and
business results. The model had two main parts: the possibilities for the
first five criteria and options for the other four criteria. Conclusion.
Excellence in DHC business as well as the excellence of provided dental
services are increasingly becoming the norm and good practice, and
progressively less the exception.
Intracardiac extension of the inferior vena cavaLeiomyosarcoma with Budd-Chiari syndrome presentation: A case report
Authors: Matic Predrag , Vucurevic Goran , Babic Srdjan , Tanaskovic Slobodan , Lozuk Branko , Sagic Dragan , Radak Djordje
Published: February 2015

Introduction. Leiomyosarcomas of the inferior vena cava are rare malignant
tumors. A limited number of these cases have been described so far. Only few
of them have intracardiac propagation and surgery is rarely undertaken for
their treatment. Case Outline. We present a 52-year-old female patient in
whom leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava with intracardiac propagation
was diagnosed. The patient underwent successful surgical treatment with
complete removal of the tumor and direct suture of the inferior vena cava.
No additional modalities of therapy were undertaken. Conclusion. Surgery,
without radiation therapy can be a successful option for the treatment of
inferior vena cava leiomyosarcoma with a good short-term result.
Writing a case report in English
Authors: Ivancevic-Otanjac Maja , Milojevic Irina
Published: February 2015

A well-written case report is a clear, concise and informative paper, aimed
at professionals from different fields of medicine, with the clear purpose to
explain what lesson is to be learnt from the experience. The aim of this
paper is to suggest useful guidelines for writing a good case report. It
briefly reflects different ?moves? in this piece of academic writing, thus
outlining the required form, as well as the four principles of good writing:
clarity, honesty, reality and relevance.
Importance of angle corection in transcranial color-coded duplex insonation of arteries at the base of the brain
Authors: Lepic Toplica , Veljancic Dragana , Jovanikic Olivera , Lepic Milan , Slankamenac Petar , Raicevic Ranko
Published: February 2015

Background/Aim. Transcranial color-coded duplex (TCCD) sonography allows
visualization of the vessels being examined and measurement of the angle of
insonation. The published literature suggests that blood vessels are
insonated at the angle lower than 30 degrees, hence no correction for the
angle is necessary. The aim of this study was to determine the availability
of intracranial blood vessels for insonation, and the percentage of arteries
and their segments which can be insonated at the angles lower than 30
degrees. Methods. The study included 120 patients (mean age 51). For each of
the segments the angle of insonation was registered based on TCCD
vizualization, and hemodynamic parameters were measured. The angle of
insonation was measured using combined B-mode and color Doppler
vizualization, as the angle between the direction of the ultrasound beam and
the axis of the shown arterial segment. Results. The total success rate of
insonation was 86.33% (1,554 out of 1,800). The mean angle of insonation
value in all the examined arterial segments was 42 degrees. The insonation
angle was higher than 30 degrees in about three quarters of the examined
segments, especially in the A2 segment of the anterior cerebral artery (98%),
the P1 segmet of the posterior cerebral artery (87%) and in the terminal
internal carotid artery (83%). The A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery
showed the best insonation conditions with the angle of insonation lower than
30 degrees in 53% of the cases. Conclusion. The presented results of angles
of insonation measurements for the anterior, middle and posterior cerebral
arteries and their segments, as well as the terminal portion of the internal
carotid artery clearly indicate that their average values in tested segments
were very often higher than 30 degrees, which can cause an error in blood
flow velocity measurement that cannot be ignored. The results confirm the
necessity of correcting flow velocity values on the basis of the angle of
insonation in TCCD sonography.
Secondary surgical management of suprachoroidal hemorrhage during pars plana vitrectomy
Authors: Vukovic Dragan , Petrovic Sanja , Paovic Predrag
Published: February 2015

Introduction. Suprachoroidal hemorrhage (SCH) is one of the most feared and
devastating complications of intraocular surgery. Intraoperative SCH is
defined as sudden hemorrhagic swelling of the choroid which develops at time
of intraocular surgery, and is associated with expulsion of some or all of
the intraocular contents. Case report. A 56-year-old man was admitted to our
Clinic with bullose retinal detachment in the left eye. Intraoperatively,
during the substitution of perfluorocar-bone liquid (PFCL) with silicone oil,
which is very rare situation, a sudden loss of red reflex happened and SCH
was recognized as the cause. No attempt was made to drain the supra-choroidal
blood. After 3 weeks the patient was scheduled for pars plana vitrectomy.
Initial drainage of liqufied blood was made through a sclerotomy port during
pars plana inferotemporally. Massive epiretinal proliferation with funnel
shaped retinal detachment was solved during vitrectomy and internal tamponade
with silicone oil was done. Postoperative visual aquity was 2/60 on the third
postoperative day. Conclusion. Although suprachoroidal hemorrhage is one of
most feared and devastating complications of intraocular surgery, it might
have relatively good prognosis with proper preoperative, intraoperative and
postoperative management.
Technical Notoe: Prediction of Static Liquefaction by Nor Sand Constitutive Model
Authors: Sternik Krzysztof
Published: February 2015

The paper gives a short description of unstable behaviour of saturated sand under undrained monotonic loading. Constitutive model Nor Sand capable to describe static liquefaction is presented. The model is based on critical state soil mechanics and assumes associated flow rule. Hardening law incorporates the state parameter proposed earlier by Been and Jefferies. Results of numerical simulations of undrained element tests have been presented and discussed.
Dynamic Response of Three-Layered Annular Plate with Imperfections
Authors: Pawlus Dorota
Published: February 2015

This paper presents the imperfection sensitivity of annular plate with three-layered structure. The plate composed of thin elastic facings and a thicker elastic core is loaded in facing plane. The classical issue of a three-layered plate was solved for dynamic deflection problem using the approximation methods: orthogonalization and finite difference. The solution includes the axisymmetric and asymmetric plate modes of the dynamic stability loss. The evaluation of the rate of plate sensitivity to imperfection of plate preliminary geometry has been enriched by the analysis of plate models built of finite elements. The ABAQUS program has been used. The numerous calculation results in the form of deflection characteristics, buckling modes, values of critical parameters create the view of response of dynamic plate structure with different rate of imperfection and linear in time loading growth, too.
A note on Pteris vittata L. (Pteridaceae) in Montenegro
Authors: Gutermann Walter
Published: February 2015

- Pteris vittata, formerly doubtfully indicated for Dalmatia, is recorded for Montenegro based on a hitherto disregarded collection preserved in the Vienna University herbarium.
Oxidative Stress Responses in the Human Fungal Pathogen, Candida albicans
Authors: Dantas Alessandra , Day Alison , Ikeh Mélanie , Kos Iaroslava , Achan Beatrice , Quinn Janet
Published: February 2015

Candida albicans is a major fungal pathogen of humans, causing approximately 400,000 life-threatening systemic infections world-wide each year in severely immunocompromised patients. An important fungicidal mechanism employed by innate immune cells involves the generation of toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. Consequently, there is much interest in the strategies employed by C. albicans to evade the oxidative killing by macrophages and neutrophils. Our understanding of how C. albicans senses and responds to ROS has significantly increased in recent years. Key findings include the observations that hydrogen peroxide triggers the filamentation of this polymorphic fungus and that a superoxide dismutase enzyme with a novel mode of action is expressed at the cell surface of C. albicans. Furthermore, recent studies have indicated that combinations of the chemical stresses generated by phagocytes can actively prevent C. albicans oxidative stress responses through a mechanism termed the stress pathway interference. In this review, we present an up-date of our current understanding of the role and regulation of oxidative stress responses in this important human fungal pathogen.
E-textiles in Clinical Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review
Authors: Fleury Amanda , Sugar Maddy , Chau Tom
Published: February 2015

Electronic textiles have potential for many practical uses in clinical rehabilitation. This scoping review appraises recent and emerging developments of textile-based sensors with applications to rehabilitation. Contributions published from 2009 to 2013 are appraised with a specific focus on the measured physiological or biomechanical phenomenon, current measurement practices, textile innovations, and their merits and limitations. While fabric-based signal quality and sensor integration have advanced considerably, overall system integration (including circuitry and power) has not been fully realized. Validation against clinical gold standards is inconsistent at best, and feasibility with clinical populations remains to be demonstrated. The overwhelming focus of research and development has been on remote sensing but the opportunity for textile-mediated feedback to the wearer remains unexplored. Recommendations for future research are provided.
The Relation between Self-Reported Worry and Annoyance from Air and Road Traffic
Authors: Van den Berg Frits , Verhagen Claudia , Uitenbroek Daan
Published: February 2015

Negative perceptions such as fear or worry are known to be an important determinant of annoyance. Annoyance caused by noise and odour has been analysed in relation to worry about safety or health due to environmental hazards, using responses to a health survey. In the survey area high environmental impacts come from air and road traffic. The survey results show a correlation between worry due to the airport or passing aircraft and noise and odour annoyance from aircraft (correlation coefficient (c.c.) close to 0.6). For the relation between worry about a busy street and annoyance from road traffic the correlation is lower (c.c. 0.4–0.5). Worries about different situations, such as living below sea level, close to an airport, busy street or chemical industry, are highly correlated (c.c. 0.5–0.9), also for situations that are not obviously related. Personal factors can also lead to more worry: being female, above 35 years of age, having a high risk for anxiety/depression and being in bad health increase the odds for being worried. The results thus suggest that worry about safety or health is correlated to both personal and environmental factors.
Factors Associated with Atopy in Toddlers: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Yung Jolene , Yuen John , Ou Yvonne , Loke Alice
Published: February 2015

In this case-control study the association between the approaches used to feed infants, together with known family and environmental factors, and the occurrence of atopic illness in toddlers between the ages of 4 months to 3 years in Hong Kong was examined. A total of 206 subjects were recruited from April to June of 2014. The results obtained by binary logistic regression indicated that atopy is associated with boys (OR 2.072, CI 1.089–3.941), the maternal use of antibiotics in utero or while breast feeding (OR 2.276, CI 1.151–4.504), the later commencement of mixed feeding (OR 2.497, CI 1.025–6.082), breast feeding exclusively for 3 months (OR 1.972, CI 1.009–3.857), and having a mother who was diagnosed with eczema (OR 4.510, CI 1.764–11.530). Although an exclusive reliance on breast feeding has been shown to be predictive of atopy among toddlers, the positive qualities of breast milk cannot be ignored. A further study of the contents and nutritional values of breast milk is warranted.
Modern and Traditional Methods for Measuring Money Supply: The Case of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Barnett William , Alkhareif Ryadh
Published: February 2015

This paper compares the “simple-sum” monetary aggregates (M1 and M2) published by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) with the new monetary aggregates (D1 and D2)—known as the Divisia monetary indexes. The former aggregates are constructed from a simple accounting identity, whereas the Divisia aggregates are constructed using statistical index number theory and aggregation theory. The findings suggest that both D1 and M1 are identical, given the perfect substitutability of the monetary components within those aggregates. For the broader monetary aggregates where perfect substitutability assumption is not realistic, the two monetary indexes differ substantially. SAMA could benefit by using both monetary indexes simultaneously to better monitor liquidity in the market.
Graphite and Solid Fraction Evolutions during Solidification of Nodular Cast Irons
Authors: Natxiondo Amaia , Suárez Ramón , Sertucha Jon , Larrañaga Pello
Published: February 2015

Ductile iron casting production is strongly affected by austenite and graphite distribution obtained after the solidification process. At the same time it is accepted that solidification behavior can be considered as hypo-, hyper- or eutectic depending on the chemical composition; there is still some misconception about the growth evolution of graphite nodules and about solid fraction progression. Quenching experiments were performed on two different carbon equivalent compositions using inoculated and non-inoculated thermal analysis standard samples with the aim of freezing the existing phases at different solid fractions for each alloy. As a result of these experiments, it was possible to study the structural features found at different locations of each sample and at different stages of solidification. Additionally nodule evolution during the liquid-solid transformation was also analyzed and discussed regarding the chemical and processing characteristics of the prepared alloys.
Vascular plant community composition from the campos rupestres of the Itacolomi State Park, Brazil
Authors: Gastauer Markus , Leyh Werner , Miazaki Angela , Meira-Neto João
Published: February 2015

Campos rupestres are rare and endangered ecosystems that accommodate a species-rich flora with a high degree of endemism. Here, we make available a dataset from phytosociological surveys carried out in the Itacolomi State Park, Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. All species in a total of 30 plots of 10 x 10 m from two study sites were sampled. Their cardinality, a combination of cover and abundance, was estimated. Altogether, we registered occurrences from 161 different taxa from 114 genera and 47 families. The families with the most species were Poaceae and Asteraceae, followed by Cyperaceae. Abiotic descriptions, including soil properties such as type, acidity, nutrient or aluminum availability, cation exchange capacity, and saturation of bases, as well as the percentage of rocky outcrops and the mean inclination for each plot, are given. This dataset provides unique insights into the campo rupestre vegetation, its specific environment and the distribution of its diversity.
Barriers and facilitators to dog walking in New England
Authors: Schneider K. , Guggina P. , Murphy D. , Ferrara C.M. , Panza E. , Oleski J. , Bozzella B. , Gada K. , Savage C. , Lemon S.C.
Published: February 2015

Dog walking may increase physical activity among dogs and their owners. Understanding barriers and facilitators to walking the dog is critical to developing interventions to increase dog walking. This study aimed to confirm previously identified barriers and facilitators of dog walking, and to identify unique factors that may be relevant to dog walking in cities with variable weather. This mixed methods study used focus groups to identify barriers and facilitators associated with dog walking and a survey to examine which factors were associated with dog walking. Focus group participants described barriers, such as lack of time, weather, lack of places to walk and the dog's bad behaviour. Facilitators included enjoyment, dog walking norms (defined as the participant's perception of how much the veterinarian, other dog owners, and their family think they should walk the dog), and socialisation opportunities. A hierarchical regression analysis of survey data revealed that the participant's perception of dog walking norms was associated with increased frequency and duration of dog walking, while weather, work and family commitment barriers were associated with a reduced frequency and duration of dog walking. Family, community and veterinarian dog walking norms, inclement weather, and lack of time due to work obligations emerged as important correlates of dog walking. Interventions that aim to increase physical activity by encouraging dog walking may benefit from incorporating strategies that address facilitators (family support) and barriers (time and weather) to walking the dog.
Paroxysmal Nonepileptic Events in Infancy, Childhood, and Adolescence
Authors: Luat Aimee F. , Kamat Deepak , Sivaswamy Lalitha
Published: February 2015

There are a wide variety of paroxysmal nonepileptic events (PNEEs) in children that can mimic seizures. The type of PNEEs that need to be considered in the differential diagnosis depends on the age of symptom onset and the clinical features. In infants and toddlers, conditions that are relatively common in clinical practice such as apnea, jitteriness, shuddering attacks, and breath-holding spells may not present much of a diagnostic conundrum, whereas unusual conditions such as hyperekplexia may cause concern. Similarly, although most types of migraine are easily distinguished from seizures in school-aged children, certain variants such as the “Alice in Wonderland” syndrome or basilar migraine can create diagnostic confusion. Most types of PNEE are exclusive to childhood; therefore, the pediatrician must be familiar with a variety of physiological processes and pathological entities that can raise concern in parents. The pediatrician is in the unique position of being able to reassure families and/or guide further work-up. Many of the PNEEs in young children require no treatment and resolve spontaneously. It is important to distinguish these episodes from true seizures as to avoid unnecessary testing and pharmacological treatment. This review highlights common PNEEs in children, beginning with the neonatal age group and moving upward to adolescence.[Pediatr Ann. 2015;44(2):e18–e23.]
Turismo rural y expansion urbanística en areas de interior. Análisis socioespacial de riesgos
Authors: Domínguez Gómez José Andrés , Lennartz Thomas
Published: February 2015

El turismo rural es reconocido en Europa como un factor de desarrollo sostenible para las áreas de interior, secularmente deprimidas. Su éxito como tal va a depender de un diagnóstico a tiempo de sus procesos y de la evaluación de los riesgos que afectan a las áreas en las que aquellos se manifiesten. Este trabajo se centra en el análisis sociológico y espacial de los riesgos que la expansión urbanística en áreas de interior puede suponer para su desarrollo sostenible por medio del turismo rural. Como estudio de caso, se toman 29 municipios del suroeste de la península ibérica, conformados como comarca en el borde norte de la provincia de Huelva. A partir de los resultados de diagnósticos previos, y de la literatura sobre riesgos e impactos socioambientales del turismo residencial, se seleccionan dos indicadores de riesgo y se analiza su comportamiento en los modelos turístico-rurales existentes en la zona.
“I Hate My Own Race. The Teachers Just Always Think We're Smart”
Authors: Rodriguez Sophia
Published: February 2015

The chapter examines how Asian American female youth resist the Model Minority Stereotype (MMS). The author reports findings on the identity struggles of three youth who are raced as the “smart Chinese girls,” gendered as “the Chinese sorority sitting in the back of the room,” and classed as “low-income kids at a ghetto school in Chicago.” The findings discuss how teacher-student relationships impact youth identity formation, and how youth desire cultural identities free from racist discourse perpetuated through “racial epithet” (Embrick & Henricks, 2013). Re-conceptualizing the MMS as a “racial epithet” challenges educators to disrupt racialized discourses.
The Model Minority Narrative and Its Effect on Asian American Identity and Social Status
Authors: Lowe Guy
Published: February 2015

Asian Americans have been conceptualized as a model minority for their apparent success in socioeconomic, academic, and professional settings, where other minorities have struggled. However, studies have suggested that this image is only a popularized stereotype, with academic underachievement, poverty, mental health issues, and cultural struggle prevalent amongst different Asian American communities. This chapter is a meta-analysis of studies on the model minority narrative, its influence on the social perception of Asian Americans, and its effect on shaping self-identity for Asian Americans themselves. This chapter also discusses the role the narrative plays in hindering racial parity and inter-race relations through furthering the marginalization of minority groups, silencing the voices of social change while maintaining the imbalance of status and power that currently exists in the United States.
The Roles of Sports Sponsorship and Brand Management in Global Sports Marketing
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: February 2015

This chapter introduces the roles of sports sponsorship and brand management in global sports marketing, thus explaining the overview of sports sponsorship, brand management, and sports marketing; the importance of sports sponsorship in global sports marketing; the importance of sports sponsorship and brand management in Asia; the importance of sports sponsorship and brand management in global sports marketing; the application of brand management in global sports marketing; the internalization of sports in global sports marketing; the international marketing in global sports marketing; and the significance of entrepreneurship in global sports marketing. Applying sports sponsorship and brand management in global sports marketing will significantly enhance organizational performance and achieve sports business goals in the global sports industry.
Branding through Sponsorship-Linked Marketing
Authors: Mao Luke Lunhua , Zhang James
Published: February 2015

The essence of sponsorship is reciprocity. Whereas sport organizations and event promoters have increasingly relied on sponsors' resources and financial support to stage their events, many companies have also been vigorously seeking sponsorship opportunities to actualize their marketing goals, such as enhancing brand equity. This research examines the impacts of sponsorship-linked marketing activities on perceived consumer-based brand equity elements (i.e., brand loyalty, perceived quality, and brand awareness/associations) of the sponsor. This was done through a case study of how sponsorship-linked marketing strategy has shaped the development of Li Ning Company Limited, a Chinese sports apparel and equipment company. Results show that the branding effectiveness of sponsorship directly depends on event quality, perceived event-brand congruency, and brand experience, but not level of sports involvement.
A Path Analytic Model of the Relationship between Event Involvement and Sponsors Recall
Authors: Yousaf Anish , Gupta Anil
Published: February 2015

This chapter empirically examines the importance of involvement in accurate sponsor identification in Indian Premier League (IPL) and explores the involvement differences between gender characteristics. The study aims to: (1) validate Kyle et al. (2004) involvement scale in context of IPL, (2) examine involvement differences according to gender characteristics, and (3) explore the impact of individuals' involvement on their ability to recall sponsors. Findings of the study reveal that involvement differences do exist among gender characteristics and individuals' levels of involvement significantly impact their ability to recall sponsors, as it was found that highly involved individuals recall more sponsors. These findings have implications for marketers investing in sponsorship-linked marketing in emerging economies.
A Case Study of Sport Marketing Strategy of Mercuries Taiwan Masters Invitational Golf Tournament 2012
Authors: Hsu Noah Yang
Published: February 2015

The Mercuries Taiwan Masters Invitational Golf Tournament has successfully been held for over 26 years without any interruption. The Mercuries Corporation is the company that organized the event solely. However, golf games in Taiwan normally do not attract enough spectators to watch them, unless there are world-renowned star players participating in the game. Consequently, most of the golf tournaments would not be able to sustain because of no sufficient income from spectators and from sponsors. MTMIGT has managed to survive because of the support of its own corporation, but the event is also facing the problem of lacking viewers. Being noticed by the corporation, the Department of Sport Management at Aletheia University and its students earned their reputation as a group of hard working entry-level event volunteers for MTMIGT for many years. Because of this, the corporation contacted the head of the department in 2011 and invited them to work together on a larger scale. The Mercuries Corporation wanted the Department of Sport Management to plan the marketing works of the event, and the company would pay all of the expenses. After months of preparation and planning by the department, the 2011 MTMIGT and its surrounding sport marketing campaigns were staged with better results than its previous years. And the department thus successfully acquired the right of planning and implementing the event's marketing for 2012. This case study fully explores the cooperation between the MTMIGT and the department in 2012. The result as well as its process can be a reference for people in the sport industry and the academy.
Promoting an Asian Sport to the World
Authors: Kim Min Kil , Zhang James J.
Published: February 2015

Taekwondo (TKD) has seen rapid growth as a universal martial art sport due, in part, to it being an Olympic Games event. TKD has played a very important role in the construction of the image of Korea as a nation brand. This chapter provides an extensive discussion on factors affecting consumer decisions to participate in TKD schools. The suggested factors in this chapter provide specific implications to the marketing of TKD based on the unique characteristics of the TKD market environment. This chapter also illustrates how TKD organizations have maintained a close working relationship with the Korean government to seek financial and human resources support.
A Preliminary Investigation of Exploration-Oriented, Learning Behaviors for Managing Project Quality
Authors: Herod Brian J. , Kovach Jamison V.
Published: February 2015

Customers are typically dissatisfied when projects fail to meet requirements and/or expectations. While effectively managing projects requires balancing competing constraints, quality is one aspect of project management that has not been widely explored. To address this issue, this research investigated the characteristics of learning/exploration used to support managing project quality. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with information technology (IT) project managers to identify learning/exploration-oriented approaches currently used in project-based environments. Analysis of the data obtained through interviews identified characteristics of learning/exploration used in projects and these findings were validated through a focus group with additional IT project managers. Based on this research, an approach is proposed that provides specific insights for project managers about using exploratory practices. When coupled with traditional project quality management processes, these learning/exploratory activities may help to enhance ambidexterity within project-based organizations and improve project quality outcomes.
Installation of Dual-Riser Combination onto the Existing Jacket
Authors: Zhou Shengjie , Li Daquan , Wang Jianming , Wang Wenlong , Chen Dajiang , Qiu Chaopeng , Liang Siyin , Jin Tongjun , Zhou Dongrong , Chen Shi , Yin Yankun , Deng Xin
Published: February 2015

The YC13–4 gas field in South China Sea is tied into the developed YC13–1 gas field existing facilities nearby. The CRA clad carbon steel gas riser and carbon steel umbilical protective riser are designed and together installed onto the existing jacket of YC13–1 gas field.

In order to ensure the welding quality of the CRA clad gas riser, avoid the high risks of simultaneous operations of production, hot works and installation, and taking into account of natural gas operational conditions of high temperature and high pressure around YC13–1 gas field existing platform, the installation method of dual-risers (gas riser and umbilical protective riser) together onto the existing jacket is used. The CRA clad gas riser and umbilical protective riser are designed, fabricated and precisely assembled on land forming dual-risers upper and lower parts together with fastening clamps based on measuring data of existing jacket correspondingly. The lower part is installed at first and then upper part. Each part is lifted, submerged in water, up-righted under the help of intentionally added buoyancy and then moved close to jacket by winch. The lower and upper parts are joined by bolted flange at last.

The installation of dual-risers together onto the existing jacket for YC13–4 gas field is actually completed within 10 days. This method avoids the close support from the existing platform and works efficiently.
Subsea Processing : Oil/Water Quality Control
Authors: Eriksson Klas
Published: February 2015

This paper discusses briefly some of the most vital performancecontrol loops for a subsea oil/water separation processes, a subsearaw seawater chlorination/injection plant, and a subsea compressionplant. Monitoring issues for a subsea separation plant:–The oil quality needs to be monitored (such that there is not toomuch water in it).–The water quality needs to be monitored (such that there is not toomuch oil and sand in it).–Sand may accumulate in the separator vessel, and ultimately fill itup such that it no longer operates properly. The sand deposition needsto be monitored, and the sand flushed out when necessary.

Monitoring issues for a subsea compression plant:–Liquid carryover from scrubber to compressor needs to be monitored–Solids build-up in scrubber need to be nmonitored Monitoring issues for a subsea seawater chlorination/injection plant:–Solids content in injection water–Live bacteria content in injection water

Monitoring issues for a subsea raw seawater injection plant:Solids content in injection waterBacteria content in injection water

The 6 main control loops discussed in this paper are thus:. Separation Oil quality sensing and control. Separation Water quality sensing and control. Sand deposition sensing and control. Liquid carry-over sensing and control. Solids content monitoring and control in injection water. Bacterial content monitoring and control in injection water

Sensing and mitigating options are discussed.
Effective Lateral Buckling Mitigation for Deepwater Flowline
Authors: Lim Kok Kien , Lau Siew Ming
Published: February 2015

There is an increasing trend of pipelines operating at temperature in excess of 100 °C, particularly in deepwater production flowlines. These pipelines are generally of small diameter and often also operating at relatively high pressure. The combination of high temperature with high pressure leads to design challenges with respect to lateral buckling mitigation requirements.

In line with this development, a noble lateral buckling design mitigation scheme involving combined vertical and lateral offsets incorporated in a conventional sleeper concept has been developed [Ref. 1]. This so called Zero-Radius-Bend (ZRB) method significantly improves the buckle initiation reliability and its effectiveness has been field proven on many recent projects. However, ZRB track record to date has been limited to relatively shallow water in the range of 50m-100m water depth using conventional S-lay pipeline installation method.

This paper first describes the ZRB buckle mitigation method, its unique characteristics and ensuing advantages over the conventional sleeper method, followed by specific design and analysis considerations for deepwater application using reel-lay or J-lay installation method to create the lateral offset. The feasibility of ZRB is demonstrated through advanced three-dimensional finite-element (ABAQUS) modelling of pipe response, from progressive pipe laying, to pre-commissioning to first start-up and through to eventual operating cyclic loads from thermal and pressure cycles. Changes in pipe material post-yielding properties due to reeling/unreeling cycles and their impacts on buckle response are also considered.

Deepwater production flowlines also tend to be relatively short and, coupled with high operating and low ambient temperature, can lead to global axial walking response driven by the thermal gradient during the transient restart condition, following a full or partial shutdown. Excessive axial walking can have serious impacts on flowline tie-in spool design and connector loads. Axial walking can also interact and change the buckle profile affecting its overall characteristics. The effects of walking, its impacts on buckle response and tie-in spool design are demonstrated and captured in a single FEA model to illustrate the overall flowline behaviours under cyclically high thermal and pressure loads.

Reference (1): Subsea Australasia Conference 2011, "Lateral Buckling Design And Field Verification", Lim & Lau, et. al.
The Effects of Geomechanics on the WAG Injection Model
Authors: Bataee M. , Irawan S. , Majidaie S.
Published: February 2015

Geomechanics is the study of the rock elastic or plastic behavior and has direct impact on well integrity. Wellbore instability is a serious drilling problem that costs the oil industry over US$500–1000 million each year. Over the past two decades the geo-mechanical analysis has made major changes in the petroleum industry by maximizing production and increasing the life of the well. Water alternating gas (WAG) injection has been a popular method for commercial gas injection projects worldwide.

The main objective of this paper is to determine the effects of geomechanics on reservoir flow for the water alternating gas (WAG) process. The WAG injection pressure, temperature and the initial in-situ stress is important to determine the stress after the injection. The change in stress changes the porosity, permeability and subsequently the flow pattern changes.

There are some methods to investigate the effects of geomechanics on reservoir simulation, as implicit, explicit, iterative and psudo-coupling method. In this study we use the iterative coupling method. In this type of coupling, reservoir flow variables and geomechanics variables are solved by a reservoir simulator and a geomechanics module, and the coupling terms are iterated on at each time step. The results show the difference in the flow patterns, porosity and permeability with and without considering the geomechanics.
Open Hole Formation Testing and Sampling in Shallow and Low Pressure Gas Reservoirs: Best Practices and Lessons Learned
Authors: Trebolle Ramiro , Okamoto Maruro , Haddad Sammy , Wa Wee Wei
Published: February 2015

Cendor Graben Shallow sands are 35 Km2 of gas accumulation at depth varying from 350-450mss over the Jambu-Liang anticline, defined by high amplitude in seismic, containing hydrocarbon gas (C1-C3gas indicated by mudlogs) with the possibility of high CO2; possibly charged from deeper sources though fault seeps.

Shallow Gas reservoirs also due to the unconsolidated formation present unique measurement and operations challenges to the wireline formation tester (WFT) in pretesting and sampling due to its nature of high compressibility especially at low pressure. Often the high gas compressibility results in a larger pretest drawdown volume needed to decompress the flowline and to reduce the flowline pressure below the formation pressure for a valid formation pressure measurement. The good mobility formation further complicates the flowline decompression due to a very small pressure drawdown. In addition, at the start of pretest build-up period, a pressure build-down behavior was observed and has greatly affected the formation pressure stabilization and mobility calculation.

On the other hand, gas sampling in such low pressure and unconsolidated formation introduces great difficulties in balancing the samples bottle filling and sand production initiation which may potentially plugged the downhole pump-out module. The station time limitation commonly imposed by the drillers making the sampling process even more challenging. In the past, companies often considered these sands as drilling hazards and not targets for exploitation. This testing validated the importance of formation testing in shallow unconsolidated gas reservoirs by preventing formation failure that could lead to plugging. The small sand particle sizes and unconsolidated nature of the formation makes it very difficult to control sand production.

This work presents an exploration work done in a very shallow and low pressure gas bearing formation, which exposes the WFT to a combination of unconsolidated formation and high gas compressibility challenges. Best practices are established and discussed in this paper to address the aforementioned challenges to enable a successful WFT evaluation in the shallow, low pressure gas reservoirs.
Technical and Economical Comparison of Subsea Active Heating Technologies
Authors: Ansart Bruno , Marret Antoine , Parenteau Thomas , Rageot Olivier
Published: February 2015

Active heating of subsea flowlines is an attractive solution for facing flow assurance issues related to always going deeper and longer, as well as more complex fluids and critical wellhead flowing conditions (pressure, temperature, flowrate) prone to pour point issues, hydrates and/or wax appearance risk.

Over the last 15 years, several active heating technologies have been developed and operated in order to significantly help solve flow assurance issues from the subsea wellheads up to the surface support facilities. These technologies have demonstrated to be very different in their design and operability (use of hot water, direct or indirect electrical heating) but also in their efficiency and cost.

In parallel with the development of heated flexible pipe designated IPB (Integrated Production Bundle) already used for field development in West Africa and Brazil as well as a rigid heated pipe-in-pipe technology, both using electrical heat trace cables, Technip has been involved in the design, construction and installation on several projects of all active heating technologies.

Based on this extensive knowledge and track-record, this paper describes and compares the working principle as well as the advantages and drawbacks of the different active heating technologies. This paper also identifies their limitations with regards to field application, i.e. length and water depth based on their actual development status.

On the basis of different generic case studies (shallow long tie-back, shallow in-field development, deep water tie-back and ultra-deep water in-field development), this paper finally reviews all the potential benefits the different active heating technologies can bring to a project and includes an economical comparison of these technologies.
Method to Assess the Overtrawlability of Pipe-in-Pipe
Authors: Zheng Jiexin , Palmer Andrew , Brunning Paul , Lim Gerry , Shu Sun
Published: February 2015

This paper summarizes a three-year research on the overtrawlability of pipe-in-pipe, and develops the method to access it. Overtrawlablity is the ability of the pipe to resist the trawl gear impact and the pull-over force. The trawl gear will first impact the pipe and then pull over the pipe. If the overtrawlable capacity of the pipeline is insufficient, the trawl gear may damage the pipeline by denting or bending the pipe heavily. Overtrawlability of the pipeline has a direct bearing on whether the pipeline needs to be protected by burial with significant cost savings if burial is not required.

DNV-RP-F111 and the other industry guidelines give a method to estimate the overtrawlability, but currently there is no method specifically for pipe-in-pipe. The outer pipe gives the inner pipe extra protection, and it does not have to resist internal pressure and can therefore accommodate a greater level of indentation than a single-wall pressure-containing pipe. If we apply the approach for the single wall pipe to pipe-in-pipe, the results are likely to be conservative. Therefore, an assessment of the overtrawlability of pipe-in-pipe is necessary to be conducted before making any trenching decisions, and to avoid providing unnecessary protection.

With this motivation, a three-year JIP has been conducted at the National University of Singapore to better understand the overtrawlability of pipe-in-pipe, and to find the method to assess it. The research includes three different experiment programs to investigate the impact and pull-over responses. FE models of indentation and impact are developed and validated against first-hand experimental data. A new relationship of load-deflection relationship is developed to assess the impact response. External pressure is considered by the FE model using hydrostatic fluid element. Small scale pull-over experiments are conducted to study the pull-over force for different pipes and different conditions.

The research work altogether develops the way to analysis the response of pipe-in-pipe when it interacts with a trawl gear. Finally, A comparison between a pipe-in-pipe and a single wall pipe shows the difference between them and throws light on the issue of trenching for pipe-in-pipes to some extent.
Design of the Surface Flow Test System for 1st Offshore Production Test of Methane Hydrate
Authors: Terao Yoshihiro , Lay Kevin , Yamamoto Koji
Published: February 2015

Description:

As a paper of the MH21 study, this paper describes the design and operation of the surface flow test system utilized for the 1st Offshore Production Test of Methane Hydrate in deep water offshore Japan in March 2013 using a dynamically positioned drill ship. The unique characteristics of this production test required a customized approach to the design of this system. As the production test was carried out for scientific research purposes, the data acquisition requirements were of paramount importance.

Application:

The information contained in this paper can be applied to future offshore production tests of methane hydrate using the depressurization technique.

Results, Observations, and Conclusions:

The surface flow test system was successfully designed, installed, commissioned and operated. Measurement and separation of the produced gas and water were effectively achieved under low temperature, low pressure, and low production rate conditions. Transportation and operation of surface flow test equipment was able to accommodate the motions of the floating drilling vessel. Two separate fluid processing trains were installed for high quality measurement of the gas and water rates. A real time data sharing system to monitor the condition of the surface system and the down hole systems implemented but shut down of the downhole equipment was not triggered automatically by surface production equipment ESD. Some non-critical data acquisition failures occurred or limitations observed during the production test.

Significance of Subject Matter:

It is believed that this was the first offshore production test of methane hydrate to have been conducted in the world. The design philosophy and operational experience will be useful for future production testing in similar environments.
Stop Erosion at the Well Head on Fractured Wells
Authors: Dreher Trina , Biley Alex , Tuckett Phillip
Published: February 2015

Shale gas and other wells commonly suffer from severe erosion caused by frac sand and other residual solids that routinely appear at the well head and due to their abrasiveness can cause severe erosion in well-head equipment. In particular, it is not uncommon for well head let-down valves (flow line chokes) to require replacement after only a few months of service. In addition to erosion issues, the solids accumulate in downstream flow-lines and process equipment and cause blockages and other operation problems until the solids are removed.

This paper describes how Todd Energy stopped their well head sand accumulation and potential choke and pipework erosion by installing a custom designed Well Head Desander directly at the well head. Before installation Todd Energy had a duplex sand filter that required significant manual intervention to switch filters and empty.

Todd Energy approached Process Group for a long-term solution. Process Group custom designed a Well Head Desander to withstand the highly abrasive environment experienced at the well head so that the solids could be removed from the well fluids upstream of the flow-line choke valve. The custom designed package included a solids accumulation vessel to allow the captured solids to be collected and stored for batch dumping for disposal at regular intervals without stopping the gas flow from the well.

Plant data shows that the Well Head Desander Unit consistently removes frac sand (typically >0.5 mm diameter) and other solids that are produced from the well. The Desander remains in continuous operation and biannual maintenance inspections confirm no erosion issues either in the Desander or with downstream equipment.