bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges for Extending the Application of Nanoparticles in High Salinity Reservoirs
Authors: Al Hamad Mohammed , Sultan Abdullah , Khan Safyan , Abdallah Wael
Published: July 2016

Nanoparticles, through many researches, has proven its capability to be an enhance oil recovery agent. In this study, we aim to investigate the performance of natural Zeolite in nanoscale on the recovery of crude oil compared to the normal water flooding method. The natural Zeolite nanoparticles are dispersed in seawater, however nanoparticles stability in saline water have been reported to be a challenge. Therefore and in order to investigate the performance of these natural Zeolite nanoparticles on oil recovery, we first stabilize them in seawater. Natural Zeolite nanoparticles of different concentrations (i.e. 0.02, 0.03, 0.05 wt%) were dispersed in seawater, where stability tests showed nanoparticles precipitations in less than an hour. This problem, of nanoparticles precipitation in seawater, was investigated by studying the performance of the Zeolite nanoparticles in each electrolyte that exits in seawater. The study results showed good stability of the Zeolite nanoparticles in NaCl solution that has a concentration of 0.14 wt%, however Zeolite nanoparticles will destabilize at higher concentrations of NaCl. Divalent salts that exist in seawater (i.e. MgCl2 and CaCl2) were also tested. The Zeolite nanoparticles were found to be destabilized even at very low concentrations of these salts.

In the current work, we added surfactants to seawater to help in stabilizing the Zeolite nanoparticles. After initial screening of several surfactants, Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) showed to be the best candidate to stabilize Zeolite nanoparticles in seawater. Experiments were then carried out using Zeolite nanoparticles plus (PVP) all dispersed in seawater. The effect of this dispersant on interfacial tension (IFT) was investigated where results revealed decrease in IFT values. The dispersant was shown also to change the wettability to more water wet condition which was due to the Zeolite nanoparticles, as a dispersant of only seawater and (PVP) was tested and found to not alter the wettability.
Characteristics, Behavior and Performance of ARC Plug- A Date Seed-Based Sized Particulate LCM
Authors: Amanullah Md
Published: July 2016

Saudi Aramco has developed a novel sized particulate LCM using eco-friendly natural date seed as the raw material. As there is a sustainable and large source of yearly supply of date seeds in Saudi Arabia and in the Middle Eastern Region, it has a great potential to be a viable source of raw material for manufacturing sized particulate LCMs in the Kingdom to help combat moderate to severe loss circulation problems encountered while drilling and cementing. This paper describes the characteristic features, behavior in drilling mud systems and performance of the date seed-based sized LCM product "ARC Plug" when incorporated into various water-based mud systems.

The newly developed "ARC Plug" has been tested and evaluated by incorporating in 65 pcf Bentonite mud, 73 pcf KCl-Polymer mud, 80 pcf NaCl-Polymer mud and 90 pcf CaCl2-Polymer mud widely used in drilling operation. A commercial sized particulate LCM marketed by an international vendor was also evaluated. Tests were conducted at 250 °F temperature and 1500 psi pressure using a 2mm slotted disc and the widely used PPT apparatus. Two different concentrations such as 10 and 30 lbs/bbl were used in each barrel of mud to evaluate their sealing and blocking performance.

The results demonstrated effective sealing and plugging capacity of the Saudi Aramco developed date seed-based sized particulate LCMs "ARC Plug". Both concentrations showed effective sealing and plugging of the slots to prevent the loss of whole mud through the 2 mm slots of the slotted disc. The commercial sized particulate LCM also sealed the 2 mm slot when incorporated in 65 pcf bentonite, 73 pcf KCl-Polymer, 80 pcf NaCl-Polymer muds and 90 pcf CaCl2-Polymer muds. However, the ARC plug showed relatively better performance than the commercial particulate LCMs. This pioneering research indicate that the locally derived novel and ecofriendly date seed-based LCM product is a viable alternative to commercial sized particulate LCMs to help control loss of circulation while drilling and cementing a well.
An Approach for Determination of the Economically Optimal Production Controlling Parameters from Water Drive Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Gamal M. , Khairy M. , El-Banbi A. H. , Saad S. M.
Published: July 2016

Significant effort usually goes into deciding the optimum completion and generating production forecast of new wells. However, due to uncertainty of certain reservoir parameters, the completion decision may not be optimum and may result in non-economic well. We focus in this paper on answering the following questions:(1) what is/are the optimum perforated interval(s)?, and (2) what is the optimum economic production rate for vertical wells in water drive oil reservoirs?. Obtaining the right answer for these two questions will give us the opportunity to make the right completion decision.

Several models are available to predict the critical coning rate. In many cases, the calculated critical rates are too low, and for economic reasons, wells are frequently produced at higher rates. In this paper, we present a new approach for the determination of the economically optimal production controlling parameters from water drive oil reservoirs.

In this approach, static and dynamic models are constructed to model the well and the surrounding reservoir properties. Two experimental design techniques are used to test the uncertainties in reservoir parameters and identify the most important optimization parameters. The model is linked to an economical model to calculate certain economic indicators. Then an optimization process is applied to find the optimum production controlling parameters to achieve maximum economic oil recovery.

Many cases were tested with this approach. Then, the optimization results were compared with the critical rate correlations' results. It was found that the chosen drawdown and perforation interval(s) provided safe operation range for water cut, while allowing reasonable economic gain. Therefore, this new approach is recommended over the available critical rate coning models, to define the optimum production controlling parameters to achieve optimum economic recoverable oil volumes in water drive oil reservoirs.
La Justificación de la Presencia del Mal en el Mundo desde la Estética Agustiniana
Authors: Maqueo David Ezequiel Téllez
Published: July 2016

La posibilidad de establecer una conciliación entre Dios como principio absoluto de bondad, y el mal presente en la realidad en sus más diversas manifestaciones (miseria, guerras, enfermedad, ignorancia, etc.), ha sido una preocupación constante en la historia del pensamiento occidental. Si Dios existe, ¿cómo puede suceder que exista mal en el mundo? Para dar una respuesta racional satisfactoria se han planteado diversas respuestas. Pero Agustin de Hipona representa la primera teodicea dominante de la historia occidental, por lo que el conocimiento de su postura ante este problema es digno de interés. Para ello, el objetivo de estas líneas es triple: 1) establecer en qué consiste la solución estética de san Agustin al problema del mal, II) señalar algunas de las críticas más conocidas que ha recibido en el siglo XX, y III) afirmar que la solución agustiniana puede seguir siendo base de una teodicea capaz de hacer compatible la existencia de Dios y el mal en el mundo, tras la valoración de las distintas posturas críticas que ha recibido.
González Porta, Mario Ariel (comp.): Brentano e a sua Escola. San Pablo: Ed. Loyola, 2014, 303 pp.
Authors: Pelegrín Laura Alejandra
Published: July 2016

El libro Brentano e sua Escola reúne una serie de trabajos escritos en portugués relativos a la filosofía de Franz Brentano. Este compilado de estudios realizado por Mario Ariel González Porta tiene un prefacio, ocho capítulos y una sección final con información sobre los colaboradores al volumen.
Pathogenic features of heterotrophic plate count bacteria from drinking-water boreholes
Authors: Horn Suranie , Pieters Rialet , Bezuidenhout Carlos
Published: July 2016

Evidence suggests that heterotrophic plate count (HPC) bacteria may be hazardous to humans with weakened health. We investigated the pathogenic potential of HPC bacteria from untreated borehole water, consumed by humans, for: their haemolytic properties, the production of extracellular enzymes such as DNase, proteinase, lipase, lecithinase, hyaluronidase and chondroitinase, the effect simulated gastric fluid has on their survival, as well as the bacteria's antibiotic-susceptible profile. HuTu-80 cells acted as model for the human intestine and were exposed to the HPC isolates to determine their effects on the viability of the cells. Several HPC isolates were α- or β-haemolytic, produced two or more extracellular enzymes, survived the SGF treatment, and showed resistance against selected antibiotics. The isolates were also harmful to the human intestinal cells to varying degrees. A novel pathogen score was calculated for each isolate. Bacillus cereus had the highest pathogen index: the pathogenicity of the other bacteria declined as follows: Aeromonas taiwanensis>Aeromonas hydrophila>Bacillus thuringiensis>Alcaligenes faecalis > Pseudomonas sp. >Bacillus pumilus>Brevibacillus sp. >Bacillus subtilis>Bacillus sp. These results demonstrated that the prevailing standards for HPCs in drinking water may expose humans with compromised immune systems to undue risk.
A novel approach toward the synthesis of some new tridentate Schiff bases from anil-like compounds
Authors: Bagheri Fatemeh , Olyaei Abolfazl
Published: July 2016

A novel method was developed for synthesizing a series of new three dentate
Schiff base ligands starting from hydroxynaphthalidene pyrimidinyl amines
with o-phenylenediamines or o-aminophenol or 2-amino-3-hydroxy-pyri-dine in
the presence of formic acid catalyst under solvent-free conditions. In these
reactions [1+1] condensation product as half-unit ligand was obtained.
Moreover, the reaction of hydroxynaphthalidene pyrimidinyl amines with
3,4-diamino-pyridine and 1,8-naphthalenediamine lead to the formation of
C2-naphthylated imidazopyridine and dihydropyrimidine, respectively. The
attractive features of this protocol are: use of inexpensive catalyst,
operationally simple, short reaction times, easy handling, and good yields.
Effect of Preparation Depth on the Marginal and Internal Adaptation of Computer-aided Design/Computer-assisted Manufacture Endocrowns
Authors: Gaintantzopoulou MD , El-Damanhoury HM
Published: July 2016

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of preparation depth and intraradicular extension on the marginal and internal adaptation of computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacture (CAD/CAM) endocrown restorations. Standardized preparations were made in resin endodontic tooth models (Nissin Dental), with an intracoronal preparation depth of 2 mm (group H2), with extra 1- (group H3) or 2-mm (group H4) intraradicular extensions in the root canals (n=12). Vita Enamic polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network material endocrowns were fabricated using the CEREC AC CAD/CAM system and were seated on the prepared teeth. Specimens were evaluated by microtomography. Horizontal and vertical tomographic sections were recorded and reconstructed by using the CTSkan software (TView v1.1, Skyscan).The surface/void volume (S/V) in the region of interest was calculated. Marginal gap (MG), absolute marginal discrepancy (MD), and internal marginal gap were measured at various measuring locations and calculated in microscale (μm). Marginal and internal discrepancy data (μm) were analyzed with nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance by ranks with Dunn's post hoc, whereas S/V data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni multiple comparisons (α=0.05). Significant differences were found in MG, MD, and internal gap width values between the groups, with H2 showing the lowest values from all groups. S/V calculations presented significant differences between H2 and the other two groups (H3 and H4) tested, with H2 again showing the lowest values. Increasing the intraradicular extension of endocrown restorations increased the marginal and internal gap of endocrown restorations.
Effect of Storage Time on Bond Strength Performance of Multimode Adhesives to Indirect Resin Composite and Lithium Disilicate Glass Ceramic
Authors: Makishi P , André CB , Silva JP Lyra e , Bacelar-Sá R , Correr-Sobrinho L , Giannini M
Published: July 2016

Purpose: To investigate the bond strength performance of multimode adhesives (MMAs) to indirect resin composite and lithium disilicate glass ceramic after 24 hours or one year of water storage.

Methods and Materials: Thirty flat and polished plates of indirect resin composite (Epricord) and thirty lithium disilicate glass ceramic plates (IPS e.max Press) were prepared. Surfaces were pretreated using sandblasting (indirect resin composite) or hydrofluoric acid (glass-based ceramic). Specimens were bonded with one of two MMAs (Scotchbond Universal [SBU] or All-Bond Universal [ABU]) or ceramic primer and hydrophobic bonding (RelyX Ceramic Primer and Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Bond) as a control (n=10). Resin cement cylinders (0.75 mm in diameter × 0.5 mm in height) were bonded to both substrate surfaces using the respective adhesives. After 24 hours or one year of water storage, bonding performance was measured by microshear bond strength (MSBS) testing. Results were analyzed using three-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests (α=0.05).

Results: For indirect resin composite, significantly higher MSBS values were found for ABU after 24 hours (ABU > SBU = control); however, no significant difference among the adhesives was observed after one year (p>0.05). For glass-based ceramic, significantly different bond strengths were observed among the adhesives after 24 hours (control = ABU > SBU) and one year (control > SBU = ABU; p<0.05).

Conclusions: Both MMAs tested can be considered effective alternatives for bonding to sandblasted indirect resin composite after aging, as they showed similar bond performance to that of the control group. However, separate bottles of silane bonding resin showed higher MSBS values and more durable bonding for etched glass–based ceramic.
Six-month Follow-up of Cervical Composite Restorations Placed With a New Universal Adhesive System: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Lopes LS , Calazans FS , Hidalgo R , Buitrago LL , Gutierrez F , Reis A , Loguercio AD , Barceleiro MO
Published: July 2016

Purpose: The objective of this double-blind, randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the six-month clinical performance of a new universal adhesive (Xeno Select, Dentsply) in noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs) using two evaluation criteria: World Dental Federation (FDI) and the US Public Health Service (USPHS).

Methods and Materials: A total of 124 restorations were randomly placed in 31 patients according to the following groups: ER-D = etch-and-rinse/dry dentin; ER-M = etch-and-rinse/moist dentin; SE-et = selective enamel etching; and SET = self-etch. The composite resin EVOLUX (Dentsply) was placed incrementally. The restorations were evaluated after one week (baseline) and at six months using the FDI and USPHS criteria. Statistical analyses were performed using appropriate tests (α=0.05).

Results: Fifteen restorations were lost or fractured at six months (one for ER-D, three for ER-M, five for SE-et, and six for SET) (p>0.05 at six-month recall). When ER (ER-D and ER-M) was compared with SE (SE-et and SET) there was a significant difference in the retention rate after six months (p=0.001). Marginal staining and postoperative sensitivity to air were only observed in three (one for ER-M and two for SET) and two restorations (two for ER-D) in both evaluation criteria (p>0.05), respectively. Forty-seven restorations were considered to have minor discrepancies in marginal adaptation at the six-month recall using the FDI criteria (13 for ER-D, 10 for ER-M, 11 for SE-et, and 13 for SET; p>0.05 between groups). However, for all groups, a significant difference was detected when baseline and six-month data were compared (p<0.05).

Conclusions: The six-month clinical behavior of Xeno Select Universal Adhesive depends on the bonding strategy used. The universal adhesive did not fulfill the American Dental Association criteria for full approval when used in the self-etch mode.
Detection of heart rate and rhythm with a smartphone-based electrocardiograph versus a reference standard electrocardiograph in dogs and cats
Authors: Kraus Marc S. , Gelzer Anna R. , Rishniw Mark
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the diagnostic utility of ECGs acquired with a smartphone-based device, compared with reference 6-lead ECGs, for identification of heart rate and rhythm in dogs and cats.

DESIGN Prospective study.

ANIMALS 51 client-owned dogs and 27 client-owned cats.

PROCEDURES Patients examined by a small animal referral cardiology service between April 2012 and January 2013 were enrolled consecutively. In each patient, a 30-second ECG was simultaneously acquired with a smartphone-based device (a bipolar, single-lead recorder coupled to a smartphone with an ECG application) and a standard 6-lead ECG machine. Recordings were evaluated by 3 board-certified cardiologists, and intra- and interobserver agreement were evaluated for both rhythm diagnosis and QRS polarity identification.

RESULTS Values for instantaneous and mean heart rates for the smartphone-acquired and reference ECGs were within 1 beat of each other when mean heart rates were calculated. Intraobserver agreement for rhythm assessment was very high, with maximum disagreement for any observer for only 2 of 51 dogs and only 4 of 27 cats. There was minimal disagreement in the polarity of depolarization between the smartphone-acquired and reference ECGs in dogs but frequent disagreement in cats. Interobserver agreement for smartphone-acquired ECGs was similar to that for reference ECGs. with all 3 observers agreeing on the rhythm analysis and minimal disagreement on polarity.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that ECGs acquired with the smartphone-based device accurately identified heart rate and rhythm in dogs and cats. Thus, the device may allow veterinarians to evaluate and manage cardiac arrhythmias relatively inexpensively at the cage side and could also allow clinicians to rapidly share information via email for further consultation, potentially enhancing patient care.
Outcomes and complications following surgical correction of grade IV medial patellar luxation in dogs: 24 cases (2008–2014)
Authors: Dunlap Anna E. , Kim Stanley E. , Lewis Daniel D. , Christopher Scott A. , Pozzi Antonio
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVE To determine short- and long-term outcomes and complications of dogs undergoing surgical correction of grade IV medial patellar luxation (MPL).

DESIGN Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS 24 dogs (29 stifle joints) that underwent surgical correction of grade IV MPL between March 2008 and April 2014.

PROCEDURES Medical records of all dogs were reviewed. When available, long-term follow-up information was obtained for each dog via the orthopedic surgeon (results of orthopedic examination and radiographic interpretation) and the dog's owner (responses to a questionnaire regarding postsurgical outcomes). Types of postsurgical complications and intervals to follow-up data collection were recorded. Recurrence of MPL was recorded separately. Successful outcome was defined as one without catastrophic complication, with owner-reported full or acceptable return to function and a surgeon- and owner-assigned pain or lameness score < 3.

RESULTS 24% (7/29) of stifle joints had major complications, and 21% (6) of joints required surgical revision. Grade II to IV recurrence of MPL was identified in 21% (6) of stifle joints. One dog had a catastrophic complication requiring limb amputation. For all other dogs, owner-reported return to function was full or acceptable. Surgeon-assigned pain and lameness scores for all dogs at the final follow-up evaluation were < 2/5 (0 = pain or lameness free). Surgical correction of grade IV MPL had an overall success rate of 93% (27/29).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Surgical correction of grade IV MPL in dogs had a favorable overall success rate; however, owners should be counseled regarding the high rate of complications associated with surgery.
Treatment of intrathoracic grass awn migration with video-assisted thoracic surgery in two dogs
Authors: Shamir Shelly , Mayhew Philipp D. , Zwingenberger Allison , Johnson Lynelle R.
Published: July 2016

CASE DESCRIPTION A 17-month-old sexually intact male Vizsla and a 2-year-old spayed female mixed-breed dog were examined because of suspected intrathoracic grass awn migration.

CLINICAL FINDINGS Thoracic CT revealed focal areas of pulmonary infiltration in the right caudal lung lobe in one dog and in the left caudal lung lobe in the other. In 1 patient, bronchoscopy revealed 2 grass awns in the bronchi. Results of thoracic radiography and bronchoscopy were unremarkable in the second patient; however, a grass awn was recovered from the tonsillar crypt during oropharyngeal examination.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME In both dogs, grass awns were successfully retrieved from the pleural cavity by means of video-assisted thoracic surgery during 1-lung ventilation. In one patient, a grass awn was recovered bronchoscopically from the left caudal lung lobe bronchus and another was visualized distally in an accessory lung lobe bronchus but could not be retrieved. This dog underwent accessory lung lobectomy. The second dog underwent left caudal lung lobectomy. Both patients recovered uneventfully from surgery, were discharged from the hospital, and had no apparent recurrence of clinical signs at telephone follow-up 31 months and 18 months after surgery.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE With careful case selection, successful management of intrathoracic grass awn migration in dogs can be achieved by means of video-assisted thoracic surgery. Comprehensive preoperative evaluation including both computed tomography and bronchoscopy is suggested. Further investigation is necessary to evaluate whether treatment of this condition with video-assisted thoracic surgery is as effective as with traditional open thoracotomy.
Nonlinear Parametric Vibration Characteristics of Stay Cable Due to Strong Bridge Deck Vibration
Authors: Lu Qin , Sun Zhi
Published: July 2016

The vibration of deck may result in parametric vibration of stay cable in cable-stayed bridge system. Aiming at investigating the nonlinear parametric vibration characteristics of long stay cable, a mathematical model is setup in which the cable is considered as a geometric nonlinearity string element The spatial problem is solved by using Galerkin’s method to simplify the governing equations to a set of ordinary differential equations and only the first mode of the cable is considered. Then the multiple time scales method is applied to derive the first-order solutions with numerically computed amplitude-frequency. The results show good agreement between the analytical and numerical solutions.
Multi-scale Finite Element Based Durability and Reliability Analysis of
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Yi , Pearce Chris J. , Gosling Peter D. , Kaczmarczyk Łukasz , Ullah Zahur
Published: July 2016

Fibre reinforced polymer composite structures are expected to experience a range of hygro-thermal environmental conditions during their service life. Since the presence of moisture and temperate can cause plasticization of the polymer matrix, alter the stress state, and degrade the fibre/matrix interface, an understanding of moisture diffusion and heat transfer is essential for predicting structural performance. In this paper, the durability of fibre reinforced polymer composite plate is investigated using reliability analysis. A multi-scale finite element based reliability method is adopted to consider both micro-scale and macro-scale random variables. To investigate the degradation in material properties induced by temperature and moisture, and simulate the structure serving in hot/wet environment, computational homogenization is used to solve the coupled heat conduction and moisture transport problem in heterogeneous materials. A numerical study is carried out to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method, and the evolution in time of the probability of failure is computed.
Comparison Among Different Structural System Identification Methods
Authors: Nogal Maria , Lozano Jose Antonio , Turmo José
Published: July 2016

The observability techniques have been proposed to deal with structural system identification under static loading tests. Up to now, this method has only been analyzed from a symbolical point of view. Despite the elegance of this approach, this mathematic analysis is far from being applicable in actual structures. To fill this gap, this paper presents a new observability procedure that combines both a symbolical and a numerical approach. To illustrate the potential of the proposed method, the observability technique is compared with two alternative methods presented in the literature. This comparison shows that, unlike to other analyzed methods, no information from the undamaged structure is required. Furthermore, the number of measurements required to be measured for damage detection is significantly reduced.
An XFEM Based Parametric Study on Crack Growth Rate in Welded Joints with Defects
Authors: Wang Benjin , De Backer Hans , Chen Airong
Published: July 2016

Welded joints are the most fatigue-prone parts of the steel structures, especially for the long-span bridges with orthotropic steel decks(OSDs). One of the most important internal causes might be the defects introduced by welding processes, which may significantly affect the crack growth rate(CGR). Assuming that the welded joints have randomly distributed defects, i.e. inclusions and pores, representative volume elements (RVEs) were generated and studied based on extended Finite Element Method (XFEM).A coefficient that modifies the Paris constant C was introduced, and a parametric study on this coefficient was conducted to present the effects on CGR. The analysis showed that the location of defects is so significant on this issue that the incapability of taking account to it using volume fractions may lead to inaccurate or scattered results.
The New Proposed Method to Evaluate the Shear Capacity of Tapered RC Beams without Stirrups
Authors: Hou Chenwei , Nakamura Takuro , Iwanaga Takayuki , Niwa Junichiro
Published: July 2016

This paper presents the evaluation method for shear capacity of tapered RC beams without stirrups. The nonlinear FEM analysis was found to be appropriate to simulate the shear behavior of tapered RC beams without stirrups. The simple relationship between the slope of taper and the inclination of the compressive strut was also proposed through FEM simulations. By determining the location of the critical section, the shear capacity of tapered RC beams without stirrups can be calculated. The calculated value showed good correspondence with the experimental results.
Quality Specifications for Highway Bridges: Standardization and Homogenization at the European Level (COST TU-1406)
Authors: Casas Joan R. , Campos e Matos José A.
Published: July 2016

José A. Campos e Matos Associate Professor University of Minho Guimarães, Portugal Jmatos@civil.uminho.pt
Jose C. Matos, born 1979, received his PhD degree in civil engineering at University of Minho, where he is professor of engineering structures. Chair of COST Action TU 1406.

Roadway bridges, being one of the most critical road infrastructures components, require regular maintenance actions. Therefore, it becomes important to define strategies to maximize societal benefits, derived from the investment made in these assets. Consequently, this investment should be planned, effectively managed and technically supported by appropriate management systems. For this purpose, authorities need to produce an asset management plan which should, not only define the goals to be achieved by exploiting the roadway bridge network, but also identify the investment needs and priorities based on a life cycle cost criteria. Additionally, a proper condition assessment based on pre-defined performance indicators of these assets must be conducted to support the decision-making process regarding their preservation. It is obvious that there is a large disparity in Europe regarding the way these indicators are quantified and how their goals are specified. Therefore, due to the considerable number of methodologies, arises COST Action “TU1406: Quality specifications for roadway bridges, standardization at a European level (BridgeSpec)” which aims to bring together, for the first time, both research and practicing community in order to accelerate the establishment of a European guideline and homogenization in this subject through Europe. This paper gives an overview of COST Action TU 1406, namely, its objectives, methodology and main deliverables.
Clinical Significance of Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Measurements: Direct Versus Indirect Method
Authors: Sharma Manushri , Batra HS , Banerjee Mithu , Bhattarai Arabinda Mohan , Agarwal Deeptika
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Estimation of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is crucial in management of coronary artery disease patients. The management of dyslipidemia is largely based on the concentration of LDL-C. The objective of this study was to compare direct measurement of LDL-C determined by a homogenous method with LDL-C estimation done by Friedewald formula (FF) in heterogeneous populations. Methods: In this cross sectional study, we measured LDL-C by homogenous method (D-LDL-C) in 1,000 fasting samples & compared with FF (F–LDL-C) used for calculation of LDL-C. The measurements of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were performed using traditional enzymatic methods. The measurements of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and LDL-C were performed using direct methods with precipitation, and the estimation of the LDL-C fraction was calculated using the FF. Results: Correlation analysis shows that the two methods had significant correlation (p<0.0001). However the FF had positive bias in regard to direct method with TG levels ≤150 mg/dL. No bias was observed between the methods for TG levels from 151-200 mg/dL & from 201-300 mg/dL. Whereas, TG levels from 301-400 mg/dL shows negative bias by FF. Conclusion: The Friedewald’s formula does not shows homogenous performance for estimating LDL-C levels in samples with different TG levels as compared with that of direct method.
An Experimental Study to Evaluate the Effects of Adenosine on Intraocular Pressure in Conscious Albino Rabbits
Authors: Shrestha Rashmi , Khadka Anjan , Singh Nishith
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Glaucoma is a common problem globally which can lead to irreversible blindness. It is characterized by progressive optic nerve damage. Though its definition doesn’t include elevated intraocular pressure but it is known that elevated intraocular pressure is the main culprit behind development of glaucoma. There are various medical and surgical treatment for glaucoma but none are without risk. None of the existing modalities leads to desired control of intraocular pressure and combined approach is needed for the treatment. The study is aimed to evaluate the activity of adenosine, a vasoactive agent, on intraocular pressure in rabbits as the search of newer agents for treatment and prevention of glaucoma.Methods:  The study was carried out in albino rabbits using two experimental models viz. water loading model (acute) and steroid induced model (chronic) to induce glaucoma. Intraocular pressure lowering effects of adenosine was studied in both models.  IOP was measured with Schiotz tonometer.  The intraocular pressure measurement was converted in to mm of Hg by using a IOP conversion chart.Results: Adenosine significantly prevented the acute rise in intraocular pressure in water loading acute model of glaucoma and significantly reduced intraocular pressure in chronic dexamethasone induced glaucoma model. The maximum mean difference in IOP between control and adenosine treated eyes were 15.29% in intragastric tap water loading model. The maximum IOP reduction was 33.52% in chronic model induced by dexamethasone (0.1%).Conclusion: Adenosine reduces the intraocular pressure in rabbits with experimentally induced glaucoma. This activity of adenosine needs to be confirmed and validated through further experimental and clinical studies.
Effect of Glycopyrolate on Nausea, Vomiting and Neonatal Outcome During Spinal Anaesthesia for Elective Caesarean Section
Authors: Amatya Bishwo Ram , Acharya Binita , Pradhan Bishwas , Marhattha Modh Nath
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Glycopyrrolate has better antisialagogue effect and does not cross placental barrier; thereby when given immediately before subarachnoid block for elective caesarean section might reduce incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting without affecting neonatal outcome. Methods: In a prospective randomized double blind placebo controlled study, sixty ASA PS I and II patients undergoing elective caesarean section at term were assigned to receive 1 ml of Inj Normal Saline IV or 1 ml (0.2 mg) of Inj Glycopyrrolate. After subarachnoid block, nausea score was assessed every 5 min during intraoperative period (before and after cord clamping), every 30 min for initial 4 hour and every 6 hour till 24 hr after surgery. Vomiting was assessed as mild (<2 episodes) and severe (>2 episodes). Apgar scores were recorded 1 min and 5 min after birth. Results:The severity of nausea was less in glycopyrrolate group than in normal saline group during intraoperative period (p value ≤ 0.001) and postoperative period (p value 0.31). During intraoperative and postoperative period, the severity of vomiting was mild in normal saline group where as in glycopyrrolate group there was no vomiting. The incidence of nausea was low in the parturient who received IV glycopyrrolate than those who received normal saline 3.33% vs. 60% (p value <0.001) during intraoperative period particularly after cord clamping 0 vs. 53.33% (p value <0.001). There was also reduced incidence of vomiting 0 vs. 13.33% (p value 0.03) during intraoperative period after cord clamping. All neonates born to the mother participating in the study had satisfactory Apgar score. Conclusions: Injection Glycopyrrolate when given as an IV premedication during spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean section could reduce both the severity and incidence of nausea and vomiting during intraoperative period particularly after cord clamping without affecting neonatal outcome and causing side effects.
Effect of Educational Intervention on Knowledge Regarding HIV/AIDS among Nursing Assistant Students of Shree Birendra Hospital, Nepal
Authors: Rai Padma , Adhikari Anita , Bajracharya Manjari
Published: July 2016

Introduction: HIV/AIDS is a serious health problem all across the world. The modes of HIV transmission are unprotected sex with infected individual, injection or transfusion of HIV infected blood or blood products, donations of infected semen, organ transplants taken from an infected person and sharing of unsterilized injection equipment. The alarmingly increasing rate of prevalence of HIV among the youths due to engagement in high risk behaviors show that there is a desperate need for assessments to be conducted to ascertain the existing knowledge, attitudes and sexual practices of youths. Methods: One group pre and post-test experimental research design was adopted for the study. The pretest study was conducted on 4 December, 2012; followed by post- test study after two weeks. The study group was provided with course on HIV/AIDS between the tests. The study was carried out in 121 students of nursing assistants of Shree Birendra Hospital. Results:  The findings show that the level of knowledge after educational intervention increases significantly. Conclusion: Educational intervention is likely to be significant in increasing awareness about HIV/AIDS.
La discipline, dimension oubliée de l’action en contexte extrême ?
Authors: Dietrich Anne , Riberot Jérôme , Weppe Xavier
Published: July 2016

Cet article rend compte d’une étude empirique approfondie de la gestion des incendies au sein d’une unité militaire d’élite : la brigade des sapeurs-pompiers de Paris. Il souligne l’intérêt d’une lecture croisant les littératures sur les situations extrêmes et sur les organisations à haute fiabilité pour mettre en évidence le rôle des règles dans la lutte contre le feu et la capacité de l’organisation à apprendre des situations imprévues vécues par les sapeurs-pompiers. Puis il montre le rôle de la discipline telle que l’appréhende Foucault pour comprendre comment fiabilité et flexibilité s’articulent.
La durée d’existence des coentreprises internationales
Authors: Mayrhofer Ulrike , Prévot Frédéric , Triki Dora
Published: July 2016

Les coentreprises (joint ventures) constituent l’une des principales formes d’internationalisation, mais elles sont instables et risquées. L’objectif de cet article est de contribuer à une meilleure connaissance de la durée d’existence de ces organisations. Les auteurs examinent quinze études empiriques publiées dans les principales revues de management international afin d’expliquer les mesures utilisées pour analyser l’instabilité, la survie et la longévité des coentreprises internationales. Les résultats permettent de donner un panorama de la recherche sur cette thématique.
«Migros-Wald» oder Märchenwald? (Essay)
Authors: Thees Oliver
Published: July 2016

Fairytale forests must face reality (essay)

Swiss forest enterprises are finding it increasingly difficult to fulfill the demands on the forest economically. The problem is complex. To address it, we analyzed this situation from the points of view of production, industrial and new institutional economics. Swiss forest enterprises are multi-product firms. They are usually publicly owned and aim to provide crucial ecosystem services for the economy in the form of private and public goods that are mostly closely connected with the production of wood. Providing these goods can be made more efficient, especially by adopting organizational measures involving cooperation and information technologies. Another more difficult but necessary measure is to ensure the required public goods are paid for. No incentives, market-like structures or tools for this have yet been introduced. This paper is a plea for providing public goods under private-sector conditions, changing management structures accordingly, even reducing the demands on the forest and developing market-based mechanisms for paying for the public goods.
Structures pour la gestion forestière: experiences d'un service forestier cantonal (essai)
Authors: Eschmann Patrice , Kohler Pascal
Published: July 2016

Structures for forest management: experience of a cantonal forest service (essay)

Over the last ten years, forestry structures in the Canton of Jura have evolved. The management units cover the whole area of the Canton and make it possible for the State and the forest owners to have professional staff at their disposition in the field. However, these structures are small, inflexible, focused on public tasks and not open to change. Various factors, including mergers of communes, or the economic situation, set off a process of restructuring. Change must originate with the owner, while the cantonal authorities should contribute to developing the structures by financial help, advice and exchange of experience. Ideally, public forest owners should combine their forces in management units large and flexible enough, disposing of planning and management rights, and bringing together the various (public) owners. Each unit should have one or more professionals responsible for management and for the tasks delegated by the State.
Reliability and sensitivity of the 6 and 30 second Wingate tests in physically active males and females
Authors: Kavaliauskas Mykolas , Phillips Shaun M.
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND:

Despite widespread use of 6 and 30 second Wingate anaerobic tests (WAnT), performance reliability of these protocols over repeated trials in active males and females has not been determined.

OBJECTIVE:

This study assessed the performance reliability and test sensitivity of the 6 s and 30 s WAnT.

METHODS:

Twenty physically active participants (10 males and 10 females) completed a 6 s and 30 s WAnT against 7.5% body mass resistance on four occasions.

RESULTS:

Peak power output (PPO) and mean power output (MPO) did not differ across trials for either gender. Male PPO in both sprint durations demonstrated random variation (standard error of measurement (SEM)) ≤ 3.9% in all between-trials comparisons. For MPO, SEM was ≤ 2.9% in all comparisons. For females, random variation in PPO in both sprint durations was lower in trial 3-4 than earlier pairs of trials. MPO between trials in the 6 s sprint was variable, with the smallest variation between trials 1-2. For the 30 s sprint, MPO was more stable across trials. Across all four trials, only MPO in the 30 s test for males displayed good test sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS:

In conclusion, familiarisation may not be required to establish consistent performance in physically active males or females during the 6 and 30 s WAnT. Furthermore, general marginal test sensitivity in both tests and genders suggests that results of WAnT in physically active participants should not be used to investigate the genuine effect of an intervention.
On the v-Representabilty Problem in Density Functional Theory: Application to Non-Interacting Systems
Authors: Däne Markus , Gonis Antonios
Published: July 2016

Based on a computational procedure for determining the functional derivative with respect to the density of any antisymmetric N-particle wave function for a non-interacting system that leads to the density, we devise a test as to whether or not a wave function known to lead to a given density corresponds to a solution of a Schrödinger equation for some potential. We examine explicitly the case of non-interacting systems described by Slater determinants. Numerical examples for the cases of a one-dimensional square-well potential with infinite walls and the harmonic oscillator potential illustrate the formalism.
Dislocation Nucleation on Grain Boundaries: Low Angle Twist and Asymmetric Tilt Boundaries
Authors: Guleryuz Erman , Mesarovic Sinisa
Published: July 2016

We investigate the mechanisms of incipient plasticity at low angle twist and asymmetric tilt boundaries in fcc metals. To observe plasticity of grain boundaries independently of the bulk plasticity, we simulate nanoindentation of bicrystals. On the low angle twist boundaries, the intrinsic grain boundary (GB) dislocation network deforms under load until a dislocation segment compatible with glide on a lattice slip plane is created. The half loops are then emitted into the bulk of the crystal. Asymmetric twist boundaries considered here did not produce bulk dislocations under load. Instead, the boundary with a low excess volume nucleated a mobile GB dislocation and additional GB defects. The GB sliding proceeded by motion of the mobile GB dislocation. The boundary with a high excess volume sheared elastically, while bulk-nucleated dislocations produced plastic relaxation.
Thermoeconomic Coherence: A Methodology for the Analysis and Optimisation of Thermal Systems
Authors: Rovira Antonio , Martínez-Val José , Valdés Manuel
Published: July 2016

In the field of thermal systems, different approaches and methodologies have been proposed to merge thermodynamics and economics. They are usually referred as thermoeconomic methodologies and their objective is to find the optimum design of the thermal system given a specific objective function. Some thermoeconomic analyses go beyond that objective and attempt to find whether every component of the system is correctly designed or to quantify the inefficiencies of the components in economic terms. This paper takes another step in that direction and presents a new methodology to measure the thermoeconomic coherence of thermal systems, as well as the contribution of each parameter of the system to that coherence. It is based on the equality of marginal costs in the optimum. The methodology establishes a criterion to design coherently the system. Additionally, it may be used to evaluate how much a specific design is far from the optimum, which components are undersized or oversized and to measure the strength of the restrictions of the system. Finally, it may be extended to the analysis of uncertainties of the design process, providing a coherent design and sizing of the components with high uncertainties.
Investigation of a Novel Mechanical to Thermal Energy Converter Based on the Inverse Problem of Electric Machines
Authors: Chen Lei , Pei Yulong , Chai Feng , Cheng Shukang
Published: July 2016

A novel converter that can directly transform electrical, wind, hydraulic and other types of mechanical energy into thermal energy is presented in this study. First, the thermal energy of the converter is classified and then calculated by a finite element method. The eddy current distribution in the stator of the converter is also discussed. Second, the temperature field of the converter is calculated using a boundary element method. Subsequently, a thermal power–temperature coupled calculation method is presented to calculate the actual thermal power and temperature of the converter. The characteristic curves of the actual thermal power and the increase in water flow temperature are then presented based on the calculation results. Lastly, an experimental system is built, the thermal power and temperature of the converter are measured and the experimental results and the analytical calculations are compared.
Numerical Simulation of the Propagation of Hydraulic and Natural Fracture Using Dijkstra’s Algorithm
Authors: Wu Yanfang , Li Xiao
Published: July 2016

Utilization of hydraulic-fracturing technology is dramatically increasing in exploitation of natural gas extraction. However the prediction of the configuration of propagated hydraulic fracture is extremely challenging. This paper presents a numerical method of obtaining the configuration of the propagated hydraulic fracture into discrete natural fracture network system. The method is developed on the basis of weighted fracture which is derived in combination of Dijkstra’s algorithm energy theory and vector method. Numerical results along with experimental data demonstrated that proposed method is capable of predicting the propagated hydraulic fracture configuration reasonably with high computation efficiency. Sensitivity analysis reveals a number of interesting observation results: the shortest path weight value decreases with increasing of fracture density and length, and increases with increasing of the angle between fractures to the maximum principal stress direction. Our method is helpful for evaluating the complexity of the discrete fracture network, to obtain the extension direction of the fracture.