bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpretation of Drill Stem Test
Authors: All-Said Noor Sarah N. S. , Al-Jawad Dr. Mohammed S. , Al-Dabaj Dr. Abdul Aali
Published: May 2021

The behavior of pressure derivative analysis and pressure build-up analysisexpressed and discussed in this paper. Data from the drill-stem test report for fieldexample through closing the vertical well (Build-up period) analyzed using theECRIN KAPPA software. Build-up analysis used to estimate characterizations ofreservoir: permeability, initial pressure and skin factor. Pressure derivative analysisused to know the type of flow regime, reservoir boundaries, wellbore storage andother parameters. IPR compared with the Vogel method by calculating theconstants (0.084755, 1.4428*10-3, and -8.5207*10-7) to replace Vogel's equationconstants (1.8, 0.2 and 0.8). Abnormal point is located in a single phase region. Itspressure is greater than that of the next point but its production rate is lower thanthat of the next point. Productivity index calculated depending on the lastproduction rate. Good results are obtained of determination formation properties byusing drill-stem test data instead of production test data. Formation damage isrecognized from buildup analysis and constant wellbore storage, unit slope andradial flow regime are recognized from pressure derivative analysis.
Preparation an Optimal Hydrogel of Water Shutoff for Iranian Oil Field
Authors: Moghadam Asefe Mousavi , Sefti Mohsen Vafaie , Salehi Mahsa Baghban , Naderi Hassan
Published: May 2021

Presenting a suitable hydrogel for water shutoff in Iranian oil field is based on gelation time and gel strength. Rheological behavior of gel was the main purpose of this research. To determine the gelation time, thermal stability and gel strength a plan of bottle tests were conducted by using the central composite design method with two factors. The hydrogels composed of AN125VLM and chromium triacetate as copolymer and crosslinker, respectively were recorded for 8 weeks.     Furthermore, the consistency modulus of the gels was measured by amplitude sweep tests using the Paar-Physica universal spectrometer, model MCR501. A hydrogel with 26,339 ppm concentration of copolymer and 0.12 ratio of crosslinker/copolymer and also gelation time of 2 days was selected as the optimal one. Also, it showed the maximum value of consistency modulus of 31,900 Pa among the other samples, tremendously, which showed the highest resistance against external stress. To ensure the gel strength among different effective parameters on the gel in porous media, a plan of rheological experiments were carried out. A 12 Run Plackett-Burman design was used for screening the eight parameters of NaCl, CaCl2, KCl and MgCl2 concentrations, temperature, pH, sodium lactate and nanoclay while keeping the optimal hydrogel component constant. Finally, it was found that temperature was the most effective parameter to control gelation time and also pH had negligible effect on the gelation time of this optimal gel.
Application of Systematic Approach for Fast Oil Production Enhancement-Case Studies
Authors: Motahari Seyed Mahdia , Pari Mahdi Nadri
Published: May 2021

Full field studies and master development plans are time consuming and expensive tasks for any company to find optimum improved oil recovery method. Fast oil production enhancement is a method applied over existing assets resulting in fast increase in oil production in less expensive way. This approach consists of five steps as identification of source of production decline problem through evaluation of diagnostic tests, prioritizing different solutions for treating the problem, conceptual integrated modeling of reservoir and wells, production network optimization and economic analysis.

   In this paper we elaborate and implement these five steps in an Iranian Oil Field with twenty wells. Firstly; we found that the production decline is due to poor well cleaning after stimulation and work over operation and also reservoir pressure decline leading to not having sufficient energy to push oil to the surface. Secondly; based on specifications of each well and pre-determined screening criteria; artificial lift methods were prioritized followed thirdly by conceptual modeling of first ranked artificial lift method which was electric submersible pump for first ranked wells. The fourth step was optimization of production network through sequential quadratic programming and lastly probabilistic economic analysis based on different ESP time to failure. The result of this study shows viability of application of ESP in this field in fast way.
Experimental Investigation on Factors Affecting Oil Recovery Efficiency during Solvent Flooding in Low Viscosity Oil Using Five-Spot Glass Micromodel
Authors: Hematpur Hamed , Davani Mohammad Parvaz , Safari Mohsen
Published: May 2021

Lack of experimental study on the recovery of solvent flooding in low viscosity oil is obvious in previous works. This study concerns the experimental investigation on oil recovery efficiency during solvent/co-solvent flooding in low viscosity oil sample from an Iranian reservoir. Two micromodel patterns with triangular and hexagonal pore structures were designed and used in the experiments. A series of solvent flooding experiments were conducted on the two patterns that were initially saturated with crude oil sample. The oil recovery efficiency as a function injected pore volume was determined from analysis of continuously captured pictures. Condensate and n-hexane were employed as base solvents, and Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) and Ethylene Glycol Mono Butyl Ether (EGMBE) used as co-solvents. The results revealed that not only does the solvent flooding increase the recovery in low viscosity oil but also this increase is evidently higher with respect to viscous oil. But, type of solvent or adding co-solvent to solvent does not noticeably increase the recovery of low viscosity oil. In addition, further experiments showed that presence of connate water or increasing injection rate reduces the recovery whereas increasing permeability improves the recovery. The results of this study are helpful to better understand the application of solvent flooding in low viscosity oil reservoirs.
New Development in Catalytic Reforming Process to Produce High Octane Gasoline
Authors: Sukkar Khalid A. , Abd Al-Raheem Hayam M. , Sabry Layth S. , Resym Lattif A.
Published: May 2021

In this work, improved catalytic reforming reaction was carried out through using reaction promoters Sn, In and Ge. Four types of catalysts were prepared: Pt/HY, Pt-Sn/HY, and Pt-Sn-In/HY, and Pt-Sn-Ge/HY. The weight percentage of metals were 0.5 % for Pt and 0.1% for each of  Sn, In and Ge.

   The performances of catalysts (activity, selectivity and catalyst stability) were studied using Iraqi heavy naphtha  of Al-Dura refinery (Baghdad) as feedstock. The catalytic reforming unit consisted of a vertical tubular stainless steel reactor of 20mm internal diameter, 30 mm external diameter and 680 mm height. The operating pressure was atmospheric, and the operating temperatures varied between   425 to 525oC.  For all experimental runs: the weight hourly space velocity WHSV =2, the catalyst amount = 50 g, and H2/HC ratio =3.

   The results showed that the best reforming temperature over all four types of prepared catalysts was 475 oC  which gave the highest conversion of heavy naphtha to high octane products (aromatics and branched  isomers). It was concluded that the trimetallic catalyst Pt-Sn-In/HY, and Pt-Sn-Ge/HY show high selectivity to desired reforming products with 91.5% and 85% respectively. On the other hand, the Pt-Sn/HY and Pt/HY, catalysts show slectivities of 79% and 74% respectively.

   The results indicated a clear increase in catalyst stability with high resistance to coke formation for catalysts promoted with In and Ge as a third metal. Also, it was

noted that the production  of aromatics and isomers  are  increased  for both types of trimetallic catalysts Pt-Sn-In/HY, and Pt-Sn-Ge/HY under the same operating conditions.
Borehole Stability in Shale Formation: Modeling the Effects of Molecular Weight and Concentration of Polymers in the Drilling Fluids Formulation
Authors: A Khoshniyat , M. Shojaei , K. Jarahian , M. Mirali , S. Ghorashi , J. Aalaie , H. Moalemi
Published: May 2021

A new experimental model was developed to predict the role of special polymeric additives, in the drilling fluid formulation, on the wellbore stability in shale formation. The shale formation was regarded as a non-ideal membrane and the effects of various characteristics of the added polymers were studied on the membrane reflection coefficient. The model was applied to unique field data from the oil field in south of Iran, including clay structure, cation exchange capacity (CEC), density and porosity of the shale. The results, using various polyglycols and polyacrylamides as the polymeric additive, showed that the structure of the polymeric chains e.g. type and content of ionic segments had significant effect on their adsorption mechanism and its strength.  It was concluded that increasing the molecular weight of the polymer chains decreased the rate and amount of the adsorption due to the increasing of the entanglements between the chains which in turn limited their mobility. So, adsorption of the polymeric material on the shale had significant impress on its performance as a membrane by increasing the shale reflection coefficient enhancing its stability during drilling process. Finally, the developed model results were in good agreement by experimental test results which was done in a specific shale stability set up.
The Geomechanics and the Acoustic Anisotropy of Reservoir Rocks
Authors: Al-Yaseri Ahmed Zarzor
Published: May 2021

Knowing the mechanical properties (Young’s modulus (E)( , Poisson’s Ratio (ν), Shear Modulus (G), Bulk modulus (K) and compressibility which is the inverse of Bulk modulus) of the rocks involve in a reservoir, are critical factors for reservoir characterization). Those properties affect a wide variety of applications into the petroleum industry; from drilling well planning and execution to production performance (sand production, compaction, subsidence, etc) passing through a wide variety of topics like wellbore stability, well completions and of course reservoir characterization. For these reasons, the knowledge of these properties is really valuable for people working in the petroleum industry and of course working in reservoir characterization.

This study was located in Berea town, Oklahoma, and it was intended to identify the geomechanical and acoustic properties of a sandstone sample. The Berea sandstone elastic properties are characterized using two methods: Quasi static and Dynamic. A detailed explanation of the sample preparation and the testing

procedure is provided. Calculation results for both methods showed consistent values for the Young’s modulus being around 3,000,000 psi. The Poisson’s Ratio value is between 0.13 and 0.3. This study was performed in the PoroMechanics Institute (PMI) in the Sarkeys Energy Center at the University of Oklahoma, USA.

Monitoring equipment was used to obtain all the information necessary for the proper characterization of the rock. The results of this work are a good tool that can be used in future simulations such as hydraulic fracturing treatment, reservoir fluid flow or reserve estimation.
Modeling of Cathodic Protection for pipe lines
Authors: Alhabobi Naseer A. , Albayati Anas Th.
Published: May 2021

Corrosion is an international problem with more structures and materials buried in the soil. The most common and applicable technique to overcome this problem is cathodic protection.

In this work a Carbone steel pipe of length 100 cm is buried in a wooden box submerged by soil and Impressed Current Cathodic Protection system was applied using power supply and close circuit, several important factors has been studied, like Anode position (distance and depth), soil resistivity (wet and dry), condition the pipe (coated and un-coated), distribution of potential and currents along the pipe (cathode), the amount of current required to achieve cathodic protection. A mathematical model was developed to simulate the ranges of parameters and factors affecting Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP). Regression of this model to data and results yielded parameter values vary depending on the effect of the same factor.
Corrosion Prevention Approach for gas and oil Refinery Tanks
Authors: Saleh Hamed Y.
Published: May 2021

Tanks and pressurized vessels are one of the main equipments in the gas and oil refinery industry. Every petroleum industry has a lot of tanks. Gas and oil are corrosive materials, therefore the corrosion losses cost large amount of money and time every year. The severity of corrosion depends on various working parameters such as H2S level, partial pressure of CO2, temperature, chloride concentration, surface films and oxide contents.
Structural study of Nahr Umr Oil Field in Southern Iraq
Authors: Al-kubaisi Manal Shakir , Lazim Aymen Adil
Published: May 2021

Nahr Umr oil field is one of the important productive southern Iraqi oil fields. This studyfocuses on the type of fold and faults of the Nahr Umr oil field. A structural analysis(geometric and genetic analyses) performed to identify its type, origin and to find its relevanceto main regional tectonic events. The structural classifications employed well and geophysicaldata through using structure contour maps, cross sections, and seismic section.The structural analysis inferred that fold of Nahr Umr oil field classified as antiform, upright,non-plunge, gentle, supratenous, dome feature, and asymmetrical. The limbs are unequalwhereas the length of left limb shorter than the right limb and its dip is greater than right limb.In addition, the thickness of crest is less than the thickness of limbs. Pattern of faults classifiedas compound, parallel, conjugates and radial with graben structure and these faultsconcentrated on crest of fold. The fold axis is almost N-S at early cretaceous and then clearlyturns to NW-SE and this may due to counterclockwise rotation of Arabian plate. Geophysicalinterpretations and results of structural analysis stated that Nahr Umr oil field formed by threecombined forces which are tectonic movements, reactivated basement, and salt structures.
The Tolerance of Lime mud to Effect of Salt From Lower Faris Formation Missan Oil Fields
Authors: Almahdawi Dr. Faleh H.M.
Published: May 2021

In our study we have used several concentration of sodium chloride salts ( Nacl ) to test a tolerance of lime – treated mud prepared in laboratory in order to predict the conditions and amount of salt that may be occurred when we pass through salt formation or salty – formation as we have in Missan oil fields. We tried to show the effect of salt concentrations and variation of amount of lime on rheological properties of lime treated mud. Many samples were prepared for this goal. The main result of this study was, we can’t use this type of mud to drill the interval( lower Faris formation ) because of its pressure abnormality, but as an inhibitive acting lime treated mud appeared good properties to drill like this lithology with normal pressure.
Iraq Crude Oil Exports, Gas production Activities , Types of Oils and Asphalt, Oil Production Rates for October, November, December 2015
Authors: IRAQ Ministry of Oil / Oil Marketing Company
Published: May 2021

Table 1.Iraq Crude Oil Exports – October 2015 Table 2.Iraq Crude Oil Exports – November 2015Table 3.Iraq Crude Oil Exports – December 2015Table 4. Gas production Activities , Types of Oils and Asphalt for October 2015 Table 5. Production and Types of Oils and Asphalt for November 2015Table 6. Production and Types of Oils and Asphalt for December 2015Table 7. crude oil production rates and crude discharge for November / 2015Table 8. Oil Production Rates for November /2015Table 9. crude oil production rates and crude discharge for December / 2015Table 10. Oil Production Rates for December /2015
Redes territoriais de sementes crioulas: um novo olhar dos serviços de assistência técnica e extensão rural (Ater) em Pernambuco
Authors: Balensifer Pedro Henrique de Medeiros
Published: May 2021

Os trabalhos de conservação e valorização de sementes crioulas em Pernambuco vêm encontrando novas iniciativas e abordagens a partir dos serviços de Assistência Técnica e Extensão Rural (Ater) governamental e não-governamental, fruto de novas políticas governamentais, através da elaboração de leis, programas e políticas públicas específicas. O objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar as novas ações de Ater em Pernambuco direcionadas a conservação de sementes crioulas nas comunidades rurais de cinco territórios do Estado. A coleta de dados foi realizada no período de junho de 2017 a julho de 2018, através de pesquisa documental, visitas de campo, entrevistas e participação em três eventos sobre o tema das sementes crioulas com a presença de agricultores assistidos pelas organizações de Ater. A pesquisa concluiu que uma das novas abordagens da Ater em Pernambuco tem fomentado a organização das famílias agricultoras em Banco Comunitários de Sementes, processo esse incrementado a partir do Programa Sementes do Semiárido. Também, as instituições têm se utilizado de metodologias participativas para a execução dos trabalhos de Ater, buscando o protagonismo e a participação das famílias agricultoras de forma ativa nos processos de conservação da agrobiodiversidade. A estratégia inovadora de formação de redes solidárias territoriais de sementes, tem sido utilizada pelas instituições como forma de potencializar esforços e ações junto aos agricultores nos territórios. Os agricultores assistidos têm optado pelo uso de sementes crioulas e se encontram em processo gradual de formação e mobilização sobre o tema.
A Sociedade de Risco no Contexto Agrário: Expansão do agronegócio e resistências agroecológicas em Pernambuco
Authors: Medeiros Liara Silva , Pereira Mônica Cox de Britto
Published: May 2021

Com o advento do agronegócio a partir da década de 60 do século passado e suas transformações e expansão cada vez mais crescente, nos vemos inseridos em uma sociedade que vive em um constante risco ambiental e de saúde. A mecanização do campo, a utilização de toneladas de agrotóxicos nas plantações, a modificação dos genes das sementes se torna cada vez mais presente no nosso cotidiano, seja nas chamadas zonas rural ou urbana. A agricultura camponesa, praticada há milênios, perde seus territórios e luta diariamente para resistir à imposição que tanto o Estado quanto as empresas financiam. No Estado de Pernambuco o agronegócio está presente em todas as 05 mesorregiões existentes, de forma marcante na cana-de-açúcar e no polo da fruticultura irrigada. Tendo a teoria da Sociedade de Risco por Ulrich Beck em 1986 como base para o conceito de risco na sociedade moderna, o presente trabalho tem por objetivos debater os modelos de produção vigentes no Brasil e no Estado de Pernambuco, elencando os riscos causados pelo agronegócio, bem como por outro lado as experiências agroecológicas encontradas no âmbito estadual. Utilizou-se o método quali-quantitativo, buscando responder as questões levantadas através do levantamento e análise de dados e de estudos bibliográficos. Dessa forma, pôde-se concluir que há uma diversidade de lutas do campesinato, que são entendidas como forma de resistências e enfrentamento ao modelo convencional de desenvolvimento em vigência no Brasil e no Estado de Pernambuco.
Extended 14-core schematic diagram mapping prostate biopsy increases both the cancer detection rate and the accuracy of Gleason Score
Authors: Naravejsaku Krittin , Na song-kha Bhapapak , Raksakul Wiroj , Wongumpornwat Thitiwat , Nuanthaisong Umaphorn
Published: May 2021

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of extended 14-core schematic diagram mapping prostate biopsy for improving the cancer detection rate (CDR) and accuracy of Gleason score.

Material and Method: This study included 184 patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided lateral sextant biopsy (group I) and 196 patients who underwent extended 14-core biopsy (group II). Inclusion criteria for prostate biopsy were elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels (>4.0 ng/ml) and/or suspicious digital rectal examination (DRE).

Results: Median patient age was 69.68 years (±7.89) and 70.07 years (±8.83) for group I and II, respectively. Median pre-biopsy PSA was 18.04 (range: 8.42-22.35) and 15.83 ng/ml (range: 6.54-21.72) for group I and II. Out of the first group, 65 (35.3%) patients had prostate cancer, whereas 78 (40.0%) patients of group II had cancers. The overall cancer detection rate was significantly higher in group II (40.0%) than group I (35.3%), p=0.034, and in particular showed a significant increase in the cancer detection rate in the subgroup with PSA level between 4-10 ng/ml. Moreover, rising Gleason sum after radical prostatectomy was 1 in 3 (11.1%) patients and 2 in 1 (3.7%) patient.

Conclusion: Extended 14-core schematic diagram mapping prostate biopsy significantly increased the cancer detection rate of prostate cancer and increased the accuracy of biopsy Gleason score. Thus, schematic diagram mapping prostate biopsy should be the standard ultrasound guided prostate biopsy in our institute for increasing the cancer detection rate and also for planning treatments.
Fully perfused laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: surgical technique and outcomes
Authors: Siriboonrid Satit , Binsri Nattapong , Karnchanatarayont Sarayuth , Reungpoca Poonkiat
Published: May 2021

Objective: To present a surgical technique and outcome of fully perfused laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN).

Material and Method: Fifteen patients underwent fully perfused LPN between January 2014 and January 2018 for renal masses. We studied a subgroup of patients who underwent fully perfused LPN (non-clamp). Our technique was utilized for exophytic, non-hilar masses that had a diameter of less than 2 cm. We developed our technique to avoid ischemia reperfusion renal injury while minimizing bleeding.

Results: We reviewed 15 cases of fully perfused LPN. Utilizing a non-clamp procedure resulted in an average blood loss of 100 ml, 2 days of hospital stay, and minimal change in serum creatinine.

Conclusion: Fully perfused LPN is a feasible procedure for the treatment of renal masses. Benefits of this procedure are its minimal invasiveness and prevention of ischemic reperfusion kidney injury.
Factors affecting the durability of flexible ureteroscopes: An academic center review
Authors: Hongviboonvate Natsirin , Jitprapai Siros , Mankongsrisuk Thawatchai , Taweemonkongsap Tawatchai , Woranisarakul Varat , Nualyong Chaiyong
Published: May 2021

Objective: To analyze the factors which affect the durability of the flexible ureteroscope and the causes of scope damage in a single academic center.

Material and Method: Between March 2014 and August 2017, 479 flexible ureteroscopic procedures, using 6 flexible ureteroscopes (Olympus model URF-V), were systematically reviewed. Data including indication for procedures, auxiliary device usage, the characteristics of scope damage, and the number of times a scope was used before requiring major repair were gathered. Fisher exact test and Chi-square test were used to evaluate the factors which caused the damage.

Results: The major flexible ureteroscopic procedure performed was treatment of renal calculi (81%). The most common auxiliary device used was the Holmium laser (70%). The most common cause of damage requiring repair was working channel leakage (93%). The factor that affected the durability of flexible ureteroscopes was the size of laser fiber. Utilizing laser fiber 200 nm decreased scope damage significantly compared to various other sizes (p-value=0.002 and p-value<0.001). However, the usage of nitinol basket and ureteral access sheath did not affect the durability of flexible ureteroscopes.

Conclusion: Large laser fibers are a risk factor for flexible ureteroscope damage. Utilizing small laser fibers during flexible ureteroscopy can decrease scope damage significantly.
New records of Common Wolf Snake Lycodon aulicus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Uttar Pradesh (India), with distribution of other Indian species
Authors:   Former Sr. Scientist, ZSI,41, Hari Vihar, Vijay Park, Chakrata Road, Dehra Dun 248001, Uttarakhand, Husain Akhlaq
Published: May 2021

Present study deals with the new records of Lycodon aulicus (Linnaeus, 1758), the Common Wolf Snake, belonging to family Colubridae, from Shikohabad (Firozabad district) and Ghaziabad proper(Ghaziabad dist.), Uttar Pradesh (India) with its systematic account, distribution, habitat, food & feeding, breeding, behaviour, threats and distribution of other Indian species.
Yield and economic advantage of direct seeded rice: empirical evidence from Nepal
Authors:   Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal, Marahatta Santosh
Published: May 2021

Puddled transplanted rice (TPR) has been gradually replaced by direct-seeded rice (DSR) because of its low labor requirements and less cost of cultivation. Whether and how DSR can be as productive and profitable as TPR has received widespread attention. Thus a comprehensive analysis was made to quantify the effects of direct seeding on rice yield and profitability under different tillage, residues, varieties, and nitrogen management options. The results revealed that, overall, the yield of DSR was 2.4% lower than that of TPR due to a significant reduction in the number of grains per panicle and a significant increment of sterility percentage. However, the yield loss of DSR relative to TPR was highly variable depending on different tillage and residue management options, ranging from yield advantage of +6.0% to yield penalty of 16.0%. The yield gap between CT-DSR and TPR could be narrowed by not incorporating the residues while more yield could be obtained with the residues retention on the ZT-DSR. Among the different forms of the DSR, ZT with residue retention and CT without residue retention were better in terms of profitability. Adoption of improved or hybrid varieties played the less important role in yield gain and loss under DSR. With respect to nitrogen levels, the yield penalty was eliminated by the higher nitrogen application (>120 kg N ha-1) resulted in the yield advantage of 6.6% for the DSR as compared to the puddled TPR. In conclusion, DSR could produce comparable yields and more profits to TPR, but special attention should be given to optimizing management practices to improve DSR yield performance and narrow down the yield gap. Therefore, there is an urgent need to test, verify, and scale-out the DSR technologies across the different agro-ecologies of Nepal through a farmer-centered partnership among the international institutions, public and private sectors of Nepal.
Effect of planting dates and sources of nitrogen on growth and yield of cauliflower at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal
Authors:   Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal, Baral Binaya , Shrestha Manisha , Pokhrel Binod , Dulal Puspa
Published: May 2021

Appropriate time of planting and use of suitable sources of nitrogen are highly conducive for better growth and yield of cauliflower. A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of planting dates and sources of nitrogen on growth & yield of cauliflower at horticulture research block of Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal from 1st Nov 2019 to 4th March 2020 using ‘Snow mystic’, a late season variety of cauliflower. The study was laid out in split-plot design with two dates of planting (Dec 1st & Dec 16th) as main plot factors & four sources of nitrogen viz. 100% biochar (BCH), 100% Urea(U), 50% urea+ 50% Poultry manure (U+PM) & 50% Biochar+ 50% poultry manure (BCH+PM) against a control as sub-plot factors and were replicated thrice with 30 experimental units each of 9 m2 size containing 5 rows with 5 plants per row. The recommended dose of fertilizer used for the research was 108:92:60 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1 and P and K were supplied through SSP and MOP. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam with slightly acidic with pH (5.6). The data regarding days to 90% curding, canopy area (cm2), leaf number per plant, above ground dry mater (g m-2) (AGDM), curd size (cm2) and curd weight per plant(g), days to curding to harvesting interval, yield, HI and B:C ratio were recorded and analysed using MS Excel and R studio. Significantly higher number of leaves per plant (16.03), bigger average canopy area (5089.93 cm2), higher AGDM (217.91 g m-2), bigger (1563.03 cm2) and heavier curds (1412.44 g) were recorded in 1st Dec. transplanted cauliflower with significantly higher harvest index (68.20). Regarding the sources of nitrogen, all the above parameters were seen better under BCH+ PM but were statistically at par with other nitrogen sources except control. The 1st Dec. planted crop had 4 more days of curding to harvesting interval than 16th Dec. planted one but the difference was not significant. December 1st planted cauliflower yielded 110% more yield and net returns than 16th Dec. planted crop whereas BCH incurred maximum cost (NRs 322145 ha-1) and U and U+PM were the most profitable in terms of B:C ratio (12.77 and 12.96 respectively).Hence, better crop yield and benefit could be obtained by planting the late season cauliflower (var. Snow mystic) at 1st Dec with the use of 100% urea or U+PM as nitrogen source in plains of Nepal having Chitwan like climate.
Finger Vein Image Enhancement Based on Guided Tri-Gaussian Filters
Authors: Zhang Liping , Wang Xinran , Dong Xiaoli , Sun Linjun , Cai Weiwei , Ning Xin
Published: May 2021

In the process of image acquisition, the contrast between veins and non-veins in finger vein images is not high due to the influence of the fuzzy light source, skin scattering and finger movement. To solve this problem, a finger vein image enhancement method is proposed (GTGFs), which enhances finger vein patterns by setting guided image as input image firstly. On this basis, the tri-Gaussian model is based on disinhibitory properties of the concentric receptive field used to locally enhancing the image. The parameters of the tri-Gaussian model are determined based on the finger vein width information. The experiment results show that the proposed enhancement method can significantly enhance the finger vein patterns and improve the recognition effect of the methods based on vein pattern segmentation.
Self-monitoring Method for Improving Health-related Quality of Life: Data Acquisition, Monitoring, and Analysis of Vital Signs and Diet
Authors: Yu Lina , Tao Sha , Gao Wanlin , Yu Limin
Published: May 2021

Vital signs are a series of clinical measurements and important to health-related quality of life. To establish a method for self-monitoring and management of vital signs and diet, a self-monitoring method (SMM) including wireless body area network and mobile technology was proposed in this paper. The study population comprised a total of 180 participants. Differences between measurements taken using the SMM and traditional instruments were analyzed with respect to accuracy and reproducibility. Participant measurements before and after intervention were used to evaluate the validity of the SMM. There was no statistically significant difference between our SMM and traditional instruments for measuring vital signs (p>0.05). The relative standard deviation of the SMM (0.38%) indicated good repeatability. These findings suggest that the SMM had a clear effect of promoting improvement in health habits, health condition monitoring, and disease prevention (p<0.05). Statistical analysis indicated that our SMM contributed to improve monitoring of vital signs and diet, and improved the health-related quality of life among study participants to a certain degree.
Hình ảnh cộng hưởng từ tổn thương đám rối thần kinh cánh tay sản khoa ở trẻ em
Authors: Đoan Ngô Văn , Giang Bùi Văn , Hà Nguyễn Hồng
Published: May 2021

Chấn thương đám rối thần kinh cánh tay sản khoa không hiếm gặp. Chẩn đoán bệnh trước đây phụ thuộc vào khám lâm sàng và điện cơ kim. Cộng hưởng từ 3 Tesla (CHT 3T) đám rối thần kinh cánh tay là phương pháp chẩn đoán mới được áp dụng gần đây trong chẩn đoán bệnh đám rối thần kinh cánh tay, đặc biệt là ở trẻ em. Mục tiêu của nghiên cứu nhằm đánh giá hiệu quả của 3T MRI trong việc chẩn đoán đám rối thần kinh cánh tay. Nghiên cứu trên 75 bệnh nhi được chụp CHT 3T cho thấy: toàn bộ các đám rối thần kinh cánh tay đều được hiện ảnh với chất lượng tốt (3,1 ± 0,25 điểm trên T1W và 3,9 ± 0,11 điểm trên T2W, STIR và CISS); tất cả các rễ C5, C6 đều bị tổn thương, trong đó ưu thế là tổn thương độ IV và độ V ; các rễ C7, C8 tỉ lệ gặp tổn thương thấp hơn nhưng phần lớn là độ V ; trong các rễ bệnh lý tỉ lệ nhổ rễ 34%, giả thoát vị màng tủy 32,3%, u xơ thần kinh 40,2%, phù nề rễ 94,8%.Tóm lại CHT 3T là phương pháp chẩn đoán không xâm nhập, giúp đánh giá và phân loại tổn thương đám rối thần kinh cánh tay ở trẻ em nhằm tiên lượng và lập kế hoạch điều trị bệnh.
Xây dựng hệ dữ liệu hỗ trợ máy học để chẩn đoán sàng lọc sâu răng giai đoạn sớm
Authors: Thanh Mai Thị Giang , Ngọc Võ Trương Như , Toàn Ngô Văn , Hằng Lương Minh , Thảo Trần Ngọc Phương
Published: May 2021

Nghiên cứu nhằm xây dựng hệ dữ liệu hỗ trợ máy học để chẩn đoán sàng lọc sâu răng giai đoạn sớm ở trẻ 3 - 6 tuổi trên một số cơ sở thuộc địa bàn thành phố Hà Nội. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy: Số lượng ảnh tổn tương sâu răng giai đoạn sớm trong kho dữ liệu của nghiên cứu này là 478 ảnh. Có sự đa dạng về số lượng và vị trí tổn thương sâu răng giai đoạn sớm ở cả 5 góc chụp ảnh trong miệng như ảnh toàn cảnh, ảnh bên phải, ảnh bên trái, ảnh hàm trên, ảnh hàm dưới lần lượt là: 505 răng, 362 răng, 363 răng, 50 răng và 90 răng. Kho dữ liệu được xây dựng có sự phân bố của các tổn thương sâu răng giai đoạn sớm tập trung nhiều ở ảnh vùng mặt ngoài của răng với 994 tổn thương, mặt nhai là 65 tổn thương và mặt bên chỉ là 14 tổn thương.
Giá trị của beta HCG tự do huyết thanh trong chửa trứng, chửa thường và u nguyên bào nuôi
Authors: Dũng Mai Trọng , Hào Phạm Huy Hiền
Published: May 2021

Giá trị của beta hCG tự do huyết thanh trong chửa trứng, chửa thường và u nguyên bào nuôi. Nghiên cứu mô tả cắt ngang, theo dõi dọc trên 191 trường hợp chửa trứng, 86 trường hợp chửa thường quý 1 và 33 trường hợp u nguyên bào nuôi được điều trị tại Bệnh viện Phụ sản Trung ương. Nồng độ βhCG tự do huyết thanh trong chửa trứng là 432,6 ± 443,0 ng/ml; trong chửa thường là 71,2 ± 47,6 ng/ml; trong ủy nguyên bào nuôi là 121,7 ± 154,7ng/ml. Nồng độ của β hCG tự do huyết thanh trong chửa trứng cao hơn chửa thường và có ý nghĩa để chẩn đoán phân biệt. Nồng độ của β hCG tự do huyết thanh ít có ý nghĩa để phân biệt ủy nguyên bào nuôi với chửa trứng, chửa thường.
Đặc điểm lâm sàng và mô bệnh học của u hắc tố ác tính màng bồ đào
Authors: Quân Bùi Đào , Tuấn Hoàng Anh , Vân Thẩm Trương Khánh , Anh Nguyễn Quốc
Published: May 2021

U hắc tố ác tính (u hắc tố ác tính) màng bồ đào là một bệnh hiếm gặp nhưng là khối u nội nhãn hay gặp nhất ở người lớn và có nguy cơ di căn cao. Nghiên cứu các yếu tố về đặc điểm lâm sàng và mô bệnh học để khám, chẩn đoán xácđịnh của bệnh này là rất quan trọng trong việc phát hiện và điều trị bênh ở giai đoán sớm tránh biến chứng năng của bệnh. Kiến thức về đặc điểm lâm sàng và mô bệnh học của u hắc tố ác tính màng bồ đào đang được nghiên cứu rộngrãi trên thế giới và chính vì vậy mà chúng tôi trình bày nghiên cứu này để giúp bổ sung kinh nghiệm trong nước.
Đánh giá phẫu thuật cắt dịch kính, bóc màng ngăn trong vạt quặt ngược điều trị bong võng mạc do lỗ hoàng điểm nguyên phát
Authors: Hiệp Nguyễn Kiếm , Sơn Cung Hồng
Published: May 2021

Đánh giá kết quả giải phẫu và chức năng của kĩ thuật vạt quặt ngược kết hợp cắt dịch kính trong điều trị bong võng mạc do lỗ hoàng điểm ở bệnh nhân cận thị cao. Nghiên cứu mô tả cắt ngang gồm 26 mắt bong võng mạc do lỗ hoàng điểm đã được phẫu thuật cắt dịch kính tạo vạt quặt ngược màng ngăn trong kết hợp khí nở C3F8 hoặc dầu silicon nội nhãn. Có 16 nữ và 10 nam. Tuổi trung bình là 61,37 ± 8,59. Trục nhãn cầu trung bình là 28,00 ± 2,48 mm mm. 20 (74,07%) bệnh nhãn có giãn phình hậu cực. Thị lực trước mổ là 2,15 ± 0,36 logMAR. Sau mổ l lần 1 có 23 (88,46%) mắt võng mạc áp hoàn toàn, 17 (62,96%) mắt đóng lỗ hoàng điểm hoàn toàn. Thị lực sau mổ 6 tháng là 1,33 ± 0,24 logMAR. Kĩ thuật bóc màng ngăn trong với vạt quặt ngược tạo cầu nối tổ chức qua lỗ HĐ thúc đẩy đóng lỗ hoàng điểm hiệu quả và giúp cải thiện thị lực chỉnh kính sau phẫu thuật ở bệnh nhân BVM do lỗ hoàng điểm
Beyond Dichotomous Approach, Experts Method Compatibles with an Information System View for Developing a Valid Corporate Governance Index
Authors: Abdallah Maysa Ali
Published: May 2021

This paper provides a critical review of the corporate governance quantification process at academic and professional levels to scrutinize the main troubles in the black box of CG assessment models and spot some lights on how to develop a valid Corporate Governance Index (CGI) at the firm and industry levels regarding evenly the entire stakeholders' perceptions. Prior literature has been reviewed and a Corporate Governance index was constructed merging the power of multi-methodologies: Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Delphi Technique and Stability analysis. The findings show that the validity of the results necessitates enforcing End to End processes and taking into account the country's individualization to increase the reliability and comparability of the results. As well, the governance ratings are sensitive to the applied methodology, particularly, a well-known approach in quantifying CG, i.e., dichotomous approach, is underestimated the index findings then it will directly affect all aspects of governance endogeneity with firm’s performance/value. This research has important practical implications for governance guidelines setters, companies, stakeholders and other researchers. For the G setters, it underlines the necessity to make harmonization between industries' regulations and governance code, and revise the priority of the "comply or explain" approach in practice; which could serve as a roadmap for future improvements and researches. For companies, this paper highlights which effective G mechanisms and urges the role of the boardroom in monitoring and explanations for non-compliance. For CGI users, the research highlights that ratings' users should be more precautions and concerned about the base of the assessing models.
Labor Shortage in Seven Central and Eastern European Countries in Transition: Before and During COVID 19
Authors: Poór József , Antalik Imrich , Engle Allen D. , Juhász Timea , Valiūnienė Vilmanté Kumpikaitė , Stankeviciute Zivile , Kovács Ádám , Karácsony Péter , Kerekes Kinga , Zaharie Monica , Slavica Agnes , Berber Nemanja , Szeiner Zsuzsanna , Caha Zdeněk , Venegas Barbara Covarrubias , Horbulak Zsolt , Hevesi Andrej , Szitás Péter
Published: May 2021

Based on the responses of the surveyed companies and institutions, we analyzed what government measures help to solve the problems and tensions in the labor market. By our empirical research we aimed to look for the main triggers and the typical means of labor shortage and labor retention. We also examined what efficiency improvement plans and robotization programs are either planned or have already been implemented by the responding organizations. The study reflects the empirical results conducted in 2019 in seven countries in the region. One of the key issues in these countries during the period considered is the dramatic increase in labor shortages, which has been influenced by a variety of factors, namely outbound labor migration after the change of regime, unfavorable demographic factors, national and regional economic downturns as well as persistent wage differences within the EU. Wages and work-life balance are the two important factors that have a significant impact on labor mobility and fluctuation for both skilled and less skilled labor. Responses indicated a variety of reasons for labor shortages, different reasons in different countries. The research also provided an indication that robotization alone is not a solution to address labor shortages.
Spousal Secret Affairs with Money: Intra-household Allocative Efficiency in Spaces of Gender Politics in Development
Authors: Salifu Gamel Abdul-Nasser
Published: May 2021

Persisting gender inequities across political, economic and social life have spurred the global agenda to re-examine the triggers and consequences of gender disaggregation in household resource allocations. Defining and measuring intrahousehold allocations has been at the centre of the current debates among international development scholars and practitioners. The lack of clear consensus on intrahousehold public good allocation has consistently limited widespread efforts to design and evaluate programmes and policies aimed at improving women’s welfare. Based on intrahousehold allocation models, this paper proposes a conceptual framework which can accommodate the welfare of the household as an economic entreprise. Building on Sen (1989) and Kabeer (1999), this paper selectively reviews the abundant literature that offers insights into intra-household decision- making process and gender relations. The review illustrates the importance of intrahousehold allocations and describes a set of individual strategies that household agents use to by-pass intrahousehold negotiations and to secure private consumption. In many of the instances where inefficiencies have been identified in the data, a possible immediate cause is individual behaviour aimed at securing personal resources and consumption. Even, if they come, at the expense of total resources available to the household. Although, it need not be the case that such strategic behaviour are necessarily the source of inefficiencies, they may well be feeding the flames of suboptimality in household production entreprises.. That said, the paper clearly iterates circumstances under which non-cooperative behaviour of spousal income hiding could be vital to circumventing social norms which undermine Pareto productive efficiency. The paper further highlights the role played by collective resistance of social forces to economic changes that threaten social norms and gender roles. The study pinpoints evidence of collaborative efforts to stop women from embracing new economic opportunities that overturn traditional roles. Investigating the role played by household structure in reaching Pareto optimality for inefficient rural households, the paper concludes that neither monogamous nor polygynous conjugal units attain higher margins of efficiency. Instead, household agents played dictator games in public good allocation and responded opportunistically to private choices and strategies which optimized secret consumption.
Code-Switching Among Kuwaitis in the Social Context: Attitudes and Practices
Authors: AlRumaihi Arwa
Published: May 2021

This paper investigates the Kuwaiti attitudes and code-switching practices between the two most common languages used: Arabic and English. Additionally, it discusses which factors may affect how Kuwaitis code-switch, as well as their attitudes toward this phenomenon. In this study, a qualitative approach was used to collect data by conducting one-on-one interviews with seven participants. The study results showed that four of the seven participants had positive attitudes toward code-switching, whereas the remaining few had either neutral or negative attitudes. The thematic analysis of the qualitative narratives revealed that all of the participants habitually employed code-switching in their social interactions, despite their different attitudes. Being a bilingual speaker is an advantage—it can widen users’ horizons and open new socioeconomic opportunities thanks to globalization and English as a lingua franca. Therefore, parents, teachers, and policymakers are encouraged to work and help create bilingual speakers who are competent users of their mother tongue and their second language, English.
“Acting in Accordance with the Ordinary Legislative Procedure…”: Metadiscourse in EU Regulations on Immigration
Authors: Giordano Michela , Piga Antonio
Published: May 2021

The ongoing Pan-European integration process has profoundly influenced the nature of European law and its development, demanding a review of “the ways of how language […] is materialized” (Gibová, 2009, p. 192). EU multilingualism is thus becoming an intricate concept since “EU translation is […] becoming the language of Europe” (Gibová, 2009, p. 192) encompassing a supranational view of the world conveyed in EU-wide legislation. Very much in line with this assumption, and taking into account the teaching experience in Specialised Translation Masters’ courses training would-be professional translators, this study examines a corpus of European Parliament Regulations on immigration. In order to understand whether dissimilarities and/or congruencies occur between the EU working language, i.e., English, and the Italian versions, the metadiscourse framework by Hyland (2005), comprising both interactive and interactional features, is used as the point of departure for the analysis of parallel texts. The Regulations produced by EU institutions and conveyed and transmitted both in English as a “procedural language” (Wagner, Bech, & Martίnez, 2012) as well as in Italian have been scrutinized both quantitatively and qualitatively, in order to draw precious pedagogical implications for translation studies and professional practice for future qualified and trained translators.
ELT Assessment Patterns Dictate Teaching-Learning Approaches: A Hindrance to Map out Employability and Life Skills
Authors: Malik Muhammad Khan Abdul
Published: May 2021

There is a plethora of research on the multifarious dialogues on English Language as (EFL and ESL), its teaching-learning approaches, assessment patterns, the learners’ employ ability and their life skills. How all these aspects affect and influence one another, need further exploration. The most important and vital point is that English Language and Literature syllabus may be different in different colleges and universities but the assessment patterns are approximately the same. The alarming situation is that maximum questions are responded through cramming and rote learning where there is no reflection of creative skills and competency in English Language. However, exceptions are always there. The focus and significance of the present study is “how can the ELT approaches and assessment patterns be adapted and transformed specifically to meet the demand of the labor market, employability and life skills. (i) the researcher collected and analyzed 75 Question Papers of English from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, and (ii) developed questionnaires cum opinionnaires for the 50 ELT teachers and the students in Jazan University, Jazan (KSA), and administered online. To determine findings and conclusion, the collected data have been analyzed in the employability, life, and soft skills perspectives that confirmed the validity and reliability of the present research hypothesis.