bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macroeconomic, Sectoral and Distributional Impact of Gas Monetization Policy in Nigeria: A CGE Application
Authors: Agiaye Emmanuel
Published: July 2019

The Nigerian gas market experienced growth in recent years due to the gas development policies of the government such as the Nigerian gas master plan. Nevertheless, the gas supply and utilization per capita has barely changed while policy objectives are largely unfulfilled. A new national gas policy 2017 recognized a full-blown energy crises in Nigeria in spite of its abundant gas resources. It thereby aims to increase gas utilization with more contribution to GDP, grow key sectors of the economy and reduce gas flaring to 2 percent. A policy of the magnitude of gas monetization policy a posteriori would have significant positive or negative impacts on macroeconomic, sectoral and distributional indicators. Is gas monetization policy good for all all? Employing the comparative static CGE model, this study carries out evaluation of increased gas supply on the Nigeria economy from 80 percent flare gas reduction and 30 percent reduction in direct tax rate on production. Results show that increased gas supply from flareout have positive influences on economic growth but slowed down with application of production tax incentives. The GDP, real investments, government revenues and sectors experienced growths except agriculture and transport sectors. The drop in average consumer prices encouraged household consumption as well as increased welfare. The study established causal relationship between increased gas utilization and economic growth. Efforts in driving the gas flaredown of monetization policy should be facilitated. The government shall exercise caution to ensure protection of the economy to guarantee proportionate health of the sectors that were negatively impacted such as agriculture and transport.
Successful Application of Capacitance Resistance Modeling to Understand Reservoir Dynamics in Brown Field Waterflood – A Niger Delta Swamp Field Case Study
Authors: Nwogu Ikemefula Cyril , Ayo Asaolu , Asemota Osamuedemen , Ajibade Ozzy
Published: July 2019

Capacitance Resistance Model (CRM) is an analytical tool for estimating reservoir properties and connectivity between producer-injector pairs in an established waterflooded oil reservoir system. The analysis incorporates historical production data, injection rates and available bottom hole pressures. In Swamp Field B (Niger Delta Nigeria), there were concerns of connectivity between producer and injector pairs in the K2 reservoir. CRM analysis was applied to resolve the uncertainty in producer-injector connectivity and provide better understanding of the reservoir flow dynamics.

Understanding the connectivity between existing injectors and producers, to ensure adequate water injection distribution for reservoir voidage balance and pressure maintenance necessitated a geologic and engineering review of existing data.

The results of the study revealed strong inter-well connectivity between active producers and two idle injectors in the reservoir for the period analyzed, corroborating a revised geologic interpretation of the reservoir. The idle injectors were previously left shut-in due to a geologic interpretation of the presence of shale impacting connectivity and performance.

Upon implementing recommendations from the study, an immediate pressure and production response was observed within three months of restoring the two idle injectors. The reactivation of the idle injectors also resulted in $20 MM savings by averting further work on a proposed new water injector.

This paper discusses the application of CRM in understanding producer-injector connectivity and emphasizes the use of digital analytic tools to better understand waterflood performance and address challenges with balancing voidage and maintaining reservoir pressure. It demonstrates the value of CRM technique in brown fields and the multidisciplinary approach adopted. Further application of similar techniques in other waterflood reservoirs within Chevron Nigeria is currently ongoing.
Successful Coiled Tubing Catenary Cement Packer and SAS Installation in a Horizontal Well for Developing Bypassed Reserves: Offshore Niger Delta
Authors: Songa Yannick N. , Ude Henry , Uzodinma Chioma , Enyioko Chigoziem , Ighavini Emmanuel , Haruna Onuh , Ndukauba Godian
Published: July 2019

Rigless coiled tubing (CT) operations with CT operated from a floating anchored vessel are deployed for well intervention operations where crane limitations and deck loading constraint present multiple challenges for accessing the marginal/bypassed pay in offshore locations. This operation involves operating the CT unit with the reel located on the floating vessel and the injector head positioned on the offshore platform. The CT catenary design was successfully deployed for developing behind casing reserves through efficient zonal isolation, cement packer installation, perforations, and sand control.

This paper presents the use of 1.75-in. CT on a 125K unit catenary system in a highly deviated horizontal well (>85°) to develop the shallower reservoir. The well is located on a platform with insufficient deck space and load bearing capacity to accommodate the intervention spread. The through-tubing CT operations involve installation of mechanical isolation plugs, cement retainer (CR)/stinger; tubing punch, cement packer installation, perforation, and stand-alone-screen (SAS) installation. The depleted reservoir interval presents challenges with declining production amidst gas lift support and intermittent production attributed to liquid loading. 152 bbl (2,420 ft) of 15.9-lbm/gal cement packer was installed through CT in the 4 1/2- and 9 5/8-in. casing annulus and 656 ft of cement plug on the CR in the 4 1/2-in. tubing.

The use of 1.75-in. OD CT and catenary system effectively overcame the deck space and load bearing constraint of the platform while the 125K unit was used for improved CT reach and higher injector snub/pull capacity. Post-job shut-in tubing and casing pressures, quantity of cement slurry pumped, and extended flow test have proven the success of the design and procedure implemented. The operation was executed successfully using CT compared to the more expensive option of workover rig options for field redevelopment.
Evaluation of Interfacial Friction Models in Stratified Flow: Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flow
Authors: Abegunde Mobolaji , Briggs Tobinson , Abam Fidelis , Awolola Tayo
Published: July 2019

This research entails evaluation of existing interfacial friction factor, gas-wall shear stress, and liquid wall shear stress correlations for the prediction of liquid holdup in pipelines. In addition, a statistical analysis was conducted on the predicted and measured flow parameters. Stratified horizontal two-phase flow equation was used in deriving an equation that solves for liquid holdup that is dependent on the interfacial shear stress. The model was implemented in a MATLAB integrated development environment to observe the effect of interfacial friction factors obtained from existing correlations. The results obtained from the comparative study of selected friction factors indicate that some of the correlations show high deviation from experimentally determined values. The largest deviation was observed in the model proposed by Sinai which was because of the condition for which it was originally developed is not suited for horizontal stratified two-phase gas-liquid flow. It was also observed that the correlation of Petalas and Aziz gave the best result and least deviation from the measured values. The performance of each correlation was observed to vary with the assumed values of liquid height. All the correlations gave good predictions at 30% liquid height but performed poorly at 40% liquid height.
Unconventional Approach to Managing Kick During Gas Well Drilling
Authors: Hannah Kpone-Tonwe , Gbenga Maku , Micheal Ike , Khalid Olagunju , Olaniyi Ojo , James Omeke
Published: July 2019

Interruption in drilling operation occurs when drilling bit penetrates permeable gas sand with formation pressure greater than the pressure exerted by the drilling fluid in use. Consequently, due to pressure imbalance, there is an extraneous influx of gas into the wellbore, which would bring the drilling progress to a stop as it is necessary to restore pressure/fluid equilibrium throughout the system to contain the kick.

This study presents a case study where a gas kick was unconventionally managed.

While drilling 8 ½" hole at 11,682 ft, a mud gush shooting up through the rotary table to the stabbing board was observed. In attempt to shut-in the well, an accidental shear of the pipe at the surface occurred with the top of fish at 51 ft and with no means of circulating out the influx from the bottom of the well. Due to the well control issue, the cut pipe could not be reached to mill the top of the fish, prior to engaging same. The well was therefore put under control employing Lubricate and Bleed (LB) approach, which is a well control procedure applied in peculiar cases or situation, this is a method or procedure of removing gas in hole when there is no possible way of circulation. The sheared pipe located at about 52 ft below rotary, the Top Of fish was dressed from 51ft to 52ft and the string was eventually severed at 11460 ft, the rest 222 ft of fish was recovered using Overshot, Burn Shoe and Wash-Over assembly.

With the effective application of the LB approach, the well was restored, and fish recovered within a relatively short period of time such that values weren't eroded.

The approach employed in this study could be applied in a case of accidental shearing of the pipe such that the whole drilling progress is not brought to a total stop. The consequence of not exploring this approach is an additional cost of drilling a sidetrack well or totally abandoning the well. This paper can be used as a training tool to sharpen and build confidence in tackling well control using volumetric bleeding method. As this method is rare, and not simulated for during most well control certification exercises, it will be beneficial to a practicing engineer and can reduce some of the errors that could occur in a rare case of sheared pipe / well control.
A Case Study of Sustained Annulus Pressure Diagnosis in a Newly Drilled High-Pressure Gas Well in SPDC
Authors: Adebayo Adejoke , Daodu Olugbenga , Ezenobi Eric , David Olayinka , Laoye Abiodun , Komolafe Gbenga , Dennar Linda , Nwandu Somtochi , Chidiebere Christabel , Ahmed Suleiman , Uyouko Ime
Published: July 2019

Well integrity is a key focus area in any oil and gas development. There have been several cases of well integrity issues which have resulted in scenarios of blowout, loss of lives, assets, and reputation, including costs spent for clean-up and environmental remediation, amongst others. These and more have made the energy industry put a keen focus to making sure all hydrocarbon production and processing facilities are integral, with newer technologies still being developed to aid the diagnosis of well integrity problems.

Well integrity considerations cut across the entire life cycle of the well, from well conceptualization/planning through to drilling, completion, production and abandonment. This case study presents a high-pressure, high temperature gas well with sustained annulus pressure in the early production phase of the well.

Well X is a gas well completed in an elevated pressure and temperature reservoir on a land terrain. The reservoir is about 13000ftss deep, with a temperature of 219°F and a reservoir pressure of 9300psi. The well was completed, cleaned up and brought to production about a year ago and annular pressures were observed.

This paper details the different approaches used in diagnosing the sustained annular pressures – separating thermal effect from sustained pressure due to leak. It shows the different scenarios of leak paths identified and how these were streamlined.

The paper also highlights the integration of data acquired during the investigation. Some of the data acquired include well annuli pressures, high precision temperature logs, spectral noise logs and electromagnetic corrosion logs.
Egina Deep Water Development Completion Success: One Team Working Together Setting New Performance Standards
Authors: Okpalla C. , Chaloupka V. , Djenani R. , Okengwu V. , Akinniyi T. , Orluwosu B. , Johnson K.
Published: July 2019

A service company was challenged to deliver best-in-class upper and lower completions by leveraging deep water completion experiences throughout West Africa with the operator and service company's global best practices and lessons learned. An operator reduced lower completion times, standalone screens, and openhole gravel packs by 60% between the 1st and 24th well while reducing upper completion times by 40% for the same wells. Well construction durations, including drilling and completion, currently averages 24 days per well, with lower and upper completion operating efficiencies and run reliabilities exceeding 97%.
Machine Learning Application to Permeability Prediction Using Log & Core Measurements: A Realistic Workflow Application for Reservoir Characterization
Authors: Eriavbe Francis E. , Okene Uzoamaka O.
Published: July 2019

The use of Artificial Intelligence continues to grow in popularity within the geosciences in view of ever-growing complexity and magnitude of available subsurface data. This is equally evident by the need for faster and accurate interpretations required to find hydrocarbons in ever more challenging and increasingly complex basins. This drive is made necessary in a continuously evolving and cost conscious petroleum industry business environment.

Advances in computing architecture now easily allows for more common application of machine learning techniques in day to day geoscience workflows. The use of machine learning in permeability prediction is becoming ever more common place as more specialists adopt this technique for modelling and prediction purposes. Typical machine learning techniques include Fuzzy Logic, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Self Organizing Maps (SOM) amongst others which are run both in supervised and unsupervised modes. The described workflow in this paper was carried out using an available commercial standard petrophysical package with ANN built in modules. This paper describes a typical workflow for predicting reservoir permeability based on an integrated workflow utilizing core measurements integrated with available log data.

Permeability is a key rock parameter for understanding fluid flow dynamics and flow rates and its modelling usually poses some unique challenges. Traditionally and statistically, this can be done at a fairly coarse level in cored wells by utilizing Poro-Perm correlations that usually do not capture fine scale variability observed at core scale measurement. These Poro-Perm transforms are subsequently applied on uncored wells to predict permeability. This paper analyses a workflow that aims to utilize a depth-normalized log and core data set trained using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) module, blind tested on few key cored wells and subsequently used to predict permeability in uncored wells. In conclusion, the recommended workflow will ensure much more realistic and better matching permeability predictions.
Production Enhancement Using Microemulsion Technology in Rona Field
Authors: Akinnurun Yomi , Dagogo-Jack Cyrusba , Okogbue Innocent , Ogweda Mutana , Afoaku Anthony , Dinyelu Tochukwu
Published: July 2019

Productivity impairment has been a reoccurring issue within the life cycle of wells globally. This is consequent on various factors which include near wellbore damage. The cause and extent of near wellbore damage for suspected wells, can be understood by evaluating the inflow performance, alongside a systemic understanding of the asset and identification of exceptions from expected trends. Some of the major deterrents to the remediation of near wellbore damage include, poor selection of candidate wells and improper selection/deployment of the remediation technology. Microemulsion fluids have been successfully deployed to effectively manage the persistent problem of near-wellbore damage in Rona Field. This technical paper describes the steps taken to implement a successful rigless microemulsion stimulation job (matrix stimulation) on two wells in Rona Field, which resulted in total production gain of about 1400 BOPD.

In the course of this work, a structured candidate screening exercise was carried out on the wells and reservoirs in Rona Field, by leveraging embedded analytics in SEPAL well, reservoir and facility management (WRFM) tool to identify wells with impaired productivity due to formation damage. Thereafter, a carefully designed Microemulsion treatment system having an ultra-low interfacial tension, high solvency and compatibility with the formation fluids was formulated and deployed.

The Microemulsion stimulation treatment resulted in approximately 411% and 30% increment in oil rates for RONA-07S and RONA-12S respectively. The lessons learnt, best practices adopted on the execution of the job, together with the operational challenges encountered and how they were resolved will be discussed in this paper.
Developing Deep Learning Continuous Risk Models for Early Adverse Event Prediction in Electronic Health Records: an AKI Case Study
Authors: Tomašev Nenad , Glorot Xavier , Rae Jack W. , Zielinski Michal , Askham Harry , Saraiva Andre , Mottram Anne , Meyer Clemens , Ravuri Suman , Protsyuk Ivan , Connell Alistair , Hughes Cían O. , Karthikesalingam Alan , Cornebise Julien , Montgomery Hugh , Rees Geraint , Laing Chris , Baker Clifton R. , Peterson Kelly , Reeves Ruth , Hassabis Demis , King Dominic , Suleyman Mustafa , Back Trevor , Nielson Christopher , Ledsam Joseph R. , Mohamed Shakir
Published: July 2019

Early detection of patient deterioration is key to unlocking the potential for targeted preventative care and improving patient outcomes. This protocol describes a workflow for developing deep learning continuous risk models for early prediction of future acute adverse events from electronic health records (EHR), taking the prediction of the risk of future acute kidney injury (AKI) as an exemplar. The protocol consists of 34 steps grouped into the following stages: formal problem definition, data processing, model architecture selection, risk calibration and uncertainty, and evaluating model generalisability. For the protocol to be applicable to modelling the future risk of a particular condition, the problem formulation should be clinically and physiologically plausible and there needs to be sufficient associated predictive signal in routinely collected EHR data. Prospective validation is key in evaluating whether retrospective models developed by following the proposed protocol are clinically applicable and useful.
No one accelerometer-based physical activity data collection protocol can fit all research questions
Authors: Bergman Patrick , Hagströmer Maria
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND Measuring physical activity and sedentary behavior accurately remains a challenge. When describing the uncertainty of mean values or when making group comparisons, minimising Standard Error of the Mean (SEM) is important. The sample size and the number of repeated observations within each subject influence the size of the SEM. In this study we have investigated how different combinations of sample sizes and repeated observations influence the magnitude of the SEM.
METHODS A convenience sample were asked to wear an accelerometer for 28 consecutive days. Based on the within and between subject variances the SEM for the different combinations of sample sizes and number of monitored days was calculated.
RESULTS Fifty subjects (67% women, mean±SD age 41±19 years) were included. The analyses showed, independent of which intensity level of physical activity or how measurement protocol was designed, that the largest reductions in SEM was seen as the sample size were increased. The same magnitude in reductions to SEM was not seen for increasing the number of repeated measurement days within each subject.
CONCLUSION The most effective way of reducing the SEM is to have a large sample size rather than a long observation period within each individual. Even though the importance of reducing the SEM to increase the power of detecting differences between groups is well-known it is seldom considered when developing appropriate protocols for accelerometer based research. Therefore the results presented herein serves to highlight this fact and have the potential to stimulate debate and challenge current best practice recommendations of accelerometer based physical activity research.
Epidemiology of Dermatophytes and Non Dermatophyte Molds among Patients Attending Rank Higher Specialized Dermatology Clinic, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Araya Shambel , Tesfaye Betelhem , Fente Desalegn
Published: July 2019

Background

Dermatophytes are keratinophilic fungi that infect keratinized tissuescausing diseases known as dermatophytosis. Dermatophytosis is common worldwide and continues to increase.

Objective

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of dermatophytes and the spectrum of fungal agents in patients attending Rank higher clinic.

Methods

a cross sectional study has been conducted, in which 318 Samples from 318 suspected patient was collected from hair, nail and skin. A portion of each sample was examined microscopically and the remaining portion of each sample was cultured onto plates of Sabouraud’s dextrose agar containing chloramphenicol with and without cycloheximide. Dermatophyte isolates were identified by studying macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of their colonies.

Result

Of 318 samples, fungi were detected in 133 (54.4%) by direct wet mount while 148/315(46.5%) of them were culture positive. From these 72/148(46.8%) were dermatophytes. Among dermatophyte isolates T. tonsurans 29/72(40.2%) was the most common cause of infection. Tinea capitis was the predominant clinical manifestation accounting for 170/315(53.4%) of the cases. Patients with age group 1-14 years were more affected.T. tonsurans was the most common pathogen in tinea capitis, whereas T. mentagrophytes was the most common pathogen in tinea corporis.

Conclusion

In this study the prevalence of dermatophytes were higher in tinea capitis 46/72(63.8%) and T.tonsurans29/72(40%) was the dominant isolated dermatophyte. Recovery of large number of dermatophytes and non-dermatophyte fungi in our study showed that Non-dermatophyte fungi are emerging as important causes of dermatophytosis warranting further intensive epidemiological studies which have public health significance are needed.
Effects of insulin on the reversal of myocardial contractility after bupivacaine-induced cardiac asystole in vitro
Authors: Kim Hyun Joo , Jung Ja Rang , III Carl Lynch , Park Wyun Kon
Published: July 2019

Background: Insulin-glucose treatment effectively reverses severe bupivacaine (BPV)-induced myocardial depression or cardiovascular collapse in in vivo. However, the mechanisms for the recovery are poorly defined.
Methods: Using the guinea pig myocardium, cumulative concentration-responses on contractile forces for insulin or insulin combined with 33 mM glucose (insulin/glucose) were measured. After achieving asystole by 500 µM BPV, different concentrations of insulin or insulin/glucose were applied to determine the recovery of stimulated contractile responses and contractions in either recirculating or non-recirculating (washout) condition. Because we did not observe any recovery from asystole with insulin treatment in the recirculating condition, further experiments were performed whether intermittent contractile responses (conduction block) could be reversed by insulin. In the washout condition, after achieving asystole, the muscles were washed with the Tyrode solution containing insulin or insulin/glucose for 60 minutes. After achieving asystole, BPV concentrations in the Tyrode solution in the presence or absence of insulin for 60 minutes were measured.
Results: There were similar concentration-dependent decreases in contractility in both the insulin and insulin/glucose groups. Neither insulin nor insulin/glucose restored the stimulated contractile responses from conduction disturbance or asystole induced by BPV in the continued presence of BPV. In the BPV-washout condition, while superfusion with a control (plain Tyrode) solution for 60 minutes after achieving asystole by BPV restored contractility to approximately 60% of the baseline, time-dependent complete recovery was observed in the insulin- and insulin/glucose-treated groups. At each time period from asystole to 60 minutes, the BPV concentrations in the insulin-treated group were slightly lower than those in the control group.
Conclusions: Neither insulin nor insulin/glucose treatment does not rescue Na+ channel function to reverse BPV-induced cardiac conduction block or asystole regardless of improved cardiac performance, possibly due to improved myocardial energetics in isolated in vitro animal myocardium model. These findings suggest that treatment with insulin or insulin/glucose is desirable for metabolic energy supply to the myocardium in cases of BPV-induced cardiac collapse. However, considering the importance of decreased BPV concentrations in cardiac tissues, insulin or insulin/glucose may not achieve satisfactory outcomes.
Host genetic factors associated with hepatitis B virus infection and progression to chronic disease: A systematic review and Meta analysis
Authors: Kafeero Hussein Mukasa , Ndagire Dorothy Ndagire , Nanyingi Hasifah Nanyingi , Sendagire Hakim Sendagire
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Back ground
Contradicting results from many laboratories on the role of genetic factors in the susceptibility/resistance to hepatitis B infection have been reported. In this review we examined 27 published full research articles and assessed the role of Th1/Th2 cytokine promoter and vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms. We summarized the available data on the relationship between the gene polymorphisms and susceptibility/resistance to hepatitis B virus infection together with likely disease evolution to come up with candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms implicated in the disease state with the population.
Method
The study was done in tandem with the PRISMA standards and the Cochran’s Q test, I2 statistics for heterogeneity and the Odds ratio were calculated using a commercially available soft ware called MedCalcs (http://www.medcalc.org). A random effects model was used to pool the odds ratio for heterogeneities ≥50% or else a fixed effects model was used. All analyses were done at 95% Confidence Interval and a P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
We found that IL-10-592C/A genotype AA (P=0.017, OR=0.752, 95%CI=0.595 to 0.950) and TNF-α-238G/A genotype AA+ AG (P<0.001, OR=0.407, 95%CI=0.005 to 30.1) were significantly associated with reduced risk of hepatitis B infection by the random effects model. TNF-α-238G/A genotype GG had the risk of chronic infection (OR=3.587, 95% CI= 0.127 to 101.176) under the random effect model. Most of the other SNPs had borderline risk of HBV infection (OR 0.6 to 1.12) with a few cases of high risk, IL-10-1082A/G genotype AA (OR=1.608, 95%CI=0.861 to 3.003) and reduced risk, IL-10-1082A/G genotype AG (OR=0.485, 95% CI=0.232 to 1.014)
Conclusion
We found that IL-10-592C/A genotype AA and TNF-α-238G/A genotype AA+ AG were significantly associated with reduced risk of hepatitis B infection.
Prediction of Preventive Behaviors of Hepatitis B among Nurses; Insights from the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Mirzaei-Alavijeh Mehdi , Jalilian Fatemeh , Jalilian Farzad
Published: July 2019

Background

Hepatitis B is the cause of the majority of acute and chronic infections, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer in the world. The purpose of current research was to investigation the hepatitis B (HB) preventive behaviors in nurses in west of Iran by using the theory of planned behavior (TPB).

Methods

This cross-sectional research was conducted on 330 nurses from five teaching and treatment hospitals in Kermanshah who were randomly selected. Data were collected by self-report questionnaire. Data were analyzed in the SPSS-16 software by using bivariate correlation, t-test, ANOVA, and linear regression statistical tests.

Results

The mean score for the prevention behaviors of HB was 3.14± 1.45, and the participants achieved 62.8% of the maximum obtainable score for the prevention behaviors of HB. TPB constructs were accounted for 22% of the variation in prevention behaviors of HB, F= 42.351, P< 0.001 and among the TPB constructs, attitude and perceived behavior control were the most influential predictors of doing prevention behaviors of HB.

Conclusions

This research provides a foundation for planning health promotion program to increase the prevention behaviors of HB. It seems our findings are useful in planning health promotion programs aimed at increasing attitude and perceived behavior control to increase the prevention behaviors of HB.
The Effect of Local Government Characteristics on Performance of Local Government Administration
Authors: Utama Fikri Rizki , Evana Einde , Gamayuni Rindu Rika
Published: July 2019

This study aimed to obtain empirical evidence of the level of regional  wealth, the level of dependence to the central government, capital  expenditure contribution and legislature size on the performance of local  government administration. This research used a purposive sampling  method. The study sample consisted of 293 LKPD provinces, districts,  municipalities in Indonesia in 2015 which have been audited by the  Supreme Audit Board. The result of the research shown that the variables  of legislative size had a positive and significant effect on the performance  of local government administration while the level of regional wealth,  dependency level to the central government and capital expenditure  contribution had no significant effect on the performance of the local  government.
Identifying the deep groundwater recharge processes in an intermountain basin using the hydrogeochemical and water isotope characteristics
Authors: Shakya Bijay Man , Nakamura Takashi , Shrestha Suresh Das , Nishida Kei
Published: July 2019

The hydrogeochemical and stable isotopes of water (δD and δ18O) were combined to investigate the deep groundwater recharge processes in the geologically complex intermountain basin (Kathmandu Valley). Results of the stable isotopic composition of the deep groundwater compared with global and local meteoric water lines and d-excess showed the deep groundwater as a meteoric water origin which is insignificantly affected by evaporation. The analysis suggests the deep groundwater was recharged during high rainfall periods (wet season). Additionally, the control of seasonal variation was absent in the deep groundwater and in the spring water samples. The large range of isotopic composition distribution was due to the altitude affect, whereas variations are from the various geological settings of the infiltration encountered during the recharge processes. The tri-linear diagram showed Na-K-HCO3 and Ca-Mg-HCO3 as the two major water types. The distribution of water types in this intermountain basin was found to be unique compared to other basins. Ionic concentration of the samples was found to be higher in the central part than in the periphery due to the ion exchange processes. This study determines the spatial distribution of various recharge processes that depends upon the environment during rainfall and the geological settings.
Heavy metal pollution and transboundary issues in ASEAN countries
Authors: Ding Yuanzhao
Published: July 2019

The presence of heavy metals in waterways is a major threat to human health, and such metals cause stomach cancer and brain damage. There is a growing trend towards heavy metal pollution in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries due to inappropriate environmental management and the development of the region's chemical industry. In some border areas, transboundary heavy metal pollution significantly affects people's daily lives. The traditional ASEAN approach to solving heavy metal pollution has limitations due to various problems that affect the ASEAN region, such as unbalanced economic growth, a shortage of environmental technology, and a lack of regional law enforcement. As a result, more effective regional governance on heavy metal pollution and transboundary issues is urgently required. In this paper, network governance theory is used to study environmental problems. This paper recommends that voluntary governance is used to supplement traditional state-centric governance.
Contraste de perspectivas y experiencias sobre compasión de enfermeras colombianas con 14 países
Authors: López-Díaz Lucero , Florisa Velasquez Vilma , Rodríguez Villerland , Papadopoulos Irena
Published: July 2019

Se exploraron puntos de vista y experiencias sobre compasión en la práctica de enfermeras colombianas y contrasta con los otros 14 países participantes del estudio internacional online. El estudio transversal exploratorio con survey internacional online con 10 preguntas (abiertas y cerradas), contó con 1323 enfermeras, 103 fueron de Colombia. Datos cuantitativos colombianos fueron analizados en Excel y los cualitativos en el programa Nvivo con análisis temático y consenso entre investigadores. La muestra colombiana contó con 83,5% docentes y eligieron la definición de compasión como la “conciencia profunda de sufrimiento de los otros y el deseo de aliviar ese sufrimiento” (84,3%). Piensan que la compasión puede ser enseñada (64,1%) pero no es impartida (45,1%) y es influenciada por la experiencia personal (38,2%) y los valores culturales (37,3%).  Los relatos de Colombia revelan barreras sociopolíticos, organizacionales y educativos para la atención compasiva. Perciben compasión de sus pacientes (84,7%), escasa compasión entre colegas (14,3%) y casi nula compasión por parte de los gerentes (1%). Sin embargo, emerge la naturaleza consciente e intencional de la compasión y el esfuerzo de enfermería por desarrollarla en cinco componentes: particularizar, invertir tiempo, estar presente, ir más allá y la defensa/abogacia. Se hacen evidentes algunas variaciones culturales de la compasión y formas de promoverla en un ejercicio profesional cada vez más transcultural.
Variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca: evaluación del entrenamiento deportivo. Revisión de tema
Authors: Porras-Alvarez Javier , Bernal-Calderón María Olinda
Published: July 2019

La variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca es un método no invasivo para evaluar la respuesta del sistema nervioso autónomo sobre el sistema cardiovascular, evalúa la capacidad de recuperación del sistema cardiovascular como respuesta al ejercicio físico. El análisis de los índices de la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca refleja la respuesta autonómica cardiovascular a las diferentes cargas de entrenamiento. Esta revisión temática muestra las conclusiones y los protocolos de evaluación utilizados para controlar y evaluar el entrenamiento en atletas. La variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca fue analizada por los métodos de dominio tiempo y frecuencia. La búsqueda se realizó en las bases de datos de SCOPUS, PubMed y el motor de búsqueda google académico, utilizando las palabras clave “heart rate variability” “athletes”, “cardiac autonomic modulations”. Los artículos seleccionados tuvieron como población objeto de estudio atletas de nivel competitivo de diferentes deportes. En conclusión, La evaluación de la Variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca permite determinar la adaptación o inadaptación a las cargas de entrenamiento, programar el volumen y la intensidad adecuada de la carga de entrenamiento, supervisar el rendimiento a lo largo de los periodos de entrenamiento y monitorear el estado de forma deportiva durante los campeonatos en todos los deportes.
Trastornos por consumo de sustancias: entre las inequidades y el estigma
Authors: Cassiani-Miranda Carlos Arturo , Campo-Arias Adalberto , Herazo Edwin
Published: July 2019

Las personas que reúnen criterios para trastornos por consumo de sustancias (TCS) con frecuencia son víctimas del complejo estigma-discriminación (CED), no sólo por parte de la sociedad general, sino también por profesionales de la salud y la presencia de autoestigma. No obstante, la relación de los TCS con factores biológicos predisponentes y condiciones sociales adversas se considera que estos son ‘autoinducidos’. Asimismo, se conoce que en los TCS se presentan cambios biológicos, psicológicos o del desarrollo que menoscaban la decisión de abandono y la persistencia en el consumo, a pesar de las consecuencias negativas físicas, emocionales y sociales. El CED relacionado con el TCS es un estresor que deteriora aún más la calidad de vida de las personas consumidoras y, al mismo tiempo, se configura como una barrera de acceso a servicios de salud. Es necesario diseñar e investigar la efectividad de estrategias para reducir el CED relacionado con TCS en diferentes poblaciones y contextos.
Autosomal Recessive Non-syndromic Keratoconus: Homozygous Frameshift Variant in the Candidate Novel Gene GALNT14
Authors: Froukh Tawfiq , Hawwari Ammar
Published: July 2019

Background:

Keratoconus (KC) is usually bilateral, noninflammatory
progressive corneal ectasia in which the cornea becomes progressively thin and conical.
Despite the strong evidence of genetic contribution in KC, the etiology of KC is not
understood in most cases.

Methods:

In this study, we used whole-exome sequencing to identify the genetic cause
of KC in two sibs in a consanguineous family. The Homozygous frameshift variant
NM_001253826.1:c.60delC;p.Leu21Cysfs*6 was identified in the gene Nacetylgalactosaminyltransferase
14 (GALNT14). The variant does not exist in all public
databases neither in our internal exome database. Moreover, no database harbours
homozygous loss of function variants in the candidate gene.

Result:

GALNT14 catalyses the initial reaction in O-linked oligosaccharide biosynthesis,
the transfer of an N-acetyl-D- galactosamine residue to a serine or threonine residue on
target proteins especially Mucins.

Conclusion:

As alterations of mucin’s glycosylation are linked to a number of eye
diseases, we demonstrate in this study an association between the truncated protein
GALNT14 and KC.
Effect of taxation modernization on tax compliance
Authors: Sentanu I Nyoman Wirya , Budiartha Ketut
Published: July 2019

This study aims to examine the effect of using e-filing, the use of e-billing and administrative fines on individual taxpayer compliance in Badung Regency. Non-compliance with taxpayers can lead to reduced tax potential that can be netted. The transition to a technology-based tax reporting system is expected to help improve tax compliance. The method of data collection in this study is a survey method with questionnaire techniques. The population in this study was 126,477 taxpayers and the sample in this study were 100 taxpayers registered at North Badung KPP and South Badung KPP. The variable use of e-filing is measured by perceptions of usability and perceptions of ease of use. Variables for using e-billing are measured by perceptions of usability and ease of use. Administrative penalty variables are measured by four indicators, namely the function of tax sanctions, sanctions for tax violations, sanctions according to the level of violations and the application of sanctions according to regulations. The analysis technique used is multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the study show that e-filing has a positive effect on taxpayer compliance, e-billing has a positive effect on taxpayer compliance and administrative fines have a positive effect on taxpayer compliance.
Fall in the Indian population after the arrival of the Spaniards. Diseases or exploitation?
Authors: Moreno Okuno Alejandro Tatsuo , Ventosa-Santalària Daniel
Published: July 2019

In 1492, the same year that Christopher Columbus discovered America, the last Muslim stronghold in Spain was taken. Spain emerged then as the most important defender of the catholic faith in the world. At the same time, because of the continuous military campaigns, the Spanish Crown had an immense economic deficit (Díaz López 1994:25). In these circumstances, the discovery, conquest and colonization of America helped to attain a double goal, to fight for the Catholic religion and to obtain new financial resources.
La teoría de la segmentación del mercado de trabajo: enfoques, situación actual y perspectivas de futuro
Authors: Fernández-Huerga Eduardo
Published: July 2019

Con el nombre de teoría de la segmentación del mercado de trabajo (en adelante, TSMT) se suele englobar un conjunto de enfoques, bastante diverso en cuanto a sus orígenes y contenidos, que comenzaron a surgir a finales de los años sesenta impulsados por el descontento hacia la explicación neoclásica del mercado de trabajo. La economía ortodoxa, desde su óptica del equilibrio, encontraba dificultades para explicar fenómenos como la persistencia de la pobreza, el desempleo, la discriminación y, sobre todo, las desigualdades salariales entre individuos semejantes. En particular, para la teoría del capital humano las diferencias salariales deberían reflejar diferencias en la productividad (y, en último término, en las cualificaciones); a corto plazo podría haber desigualdades transitorias o fenómenos como el desempleo involuntario, pero a largo plazo la búsqueda de la maximización del beneficio y de la utilidad, en un contexto de información y movilidad perfectas, debería conducir al vaciado del mercado y a la desaparición de las desigualdades.
Sobre el papel del saldo presupuestario en las decisiones del Banco Central Europeo
Authors: García-Iglesias Jesús M. , Pateiro-Rodríguez Carlos , Venancio Salcines J.
Published: July 2019

La relación entre el tipo de interés y el saldo presupuestario ha sido objeto de estudio desde hace largo tiempo, y desde diferentes perspectivas. Tales perspectivas suelen girar en torno a la repercusión de las decisiones fiscales en el ahorro, los tipos de interés, el saldo de la balanza por cuenta corriente y la inversión. La trascendencia del resultado de este tipo de análisis está lejos de toda duda, pues de fondo nos estamos preguntando hasta qué punto están resultando condicionadas las decisiones del sector privado, por ejemplo, como consecuencia de la hipotética influencia del saldo presupuestario en los tipos de interés.
QUANTITATIVE EASING: A KEYNESIAN CRITIQUE
Authors: Palley Thomas I.
Published: July 2019

Keynesian economists have generally supported quantitative easing (QE) on groundsit increases aggregate demand and anything that increases demand at this time of demand shortage is welcome. This paper argues that response may be misplaced. QE may back fire with respect to demand stimulus, create potentially significant future dangers, and is supportive of a plutocratic political economy based on “asset market trickle-down” that obstructs needed policy change.
ESTANCAMIENTO ECONÓMICO EN MÉXICO, MANUFACTURAS Y RENDIMIENTOS CRECIENTES: UN ENFOQUE KALDORIANO
Authors: Sánchez Juárez Isaac Leobardo
Published: July 2019

En este artículo se investiga a nivel macroeconómico y regional la naturaleza y condiciones del estancamiento económico existente en México desde 1982, con especial énfasis en el periodo 1993-2010. Utilizando la teoría kaldoriana como marco de referencia, se supone que las manufacturas representan el motor del crecimiento económico. Los resultados econométricos permiten confirmar esta hipótesis. De esta forma, la insuficiencia dinámica del sector manufacturero es la causa principal que subyace a las bajas tasas de crecimiento económico y empleo en México. Con base en los hallazgos, el artículo sugiere diseñar una nueva política industrial para la competitividad, cuyo objetivo básico sea aumentar la tasa de crecimiento de este sector para contribuir a un mejor desempeño de la economía mexicana y sus regiones.
NATURAL RESOURCE DEPENDENCE IN RURAL MEXICO
Authors: López-Feldman Alejandro , Taylor J. Edward , Yúnez-Nau Antonio
Published: July 2019

The relationship between poverty and natural resources is complex and the empirical evidence to date, mostly from studies of forest activities and poverty, is inconclusive. The main purpose of this paper is to identify empirically the effects of household characteristics and of inequality at the village level on natural resource extraction and dependence. We use data from the Mexico National Rural Household Survey (ENHRUM). Our results show that in rural Mexico natural resource extraction is predominantly an activity carried out by poor households. The same is true for dependence. There are important differences across Mexico in terms of both participation and dependence on resource income. These differences are most evident when one compares the south and north of the country. When relatively rich households participate in resource extraction their natural resource income is considerably higher than that of the poor.
REAL BUSINESS CYCLES IN EMERGING ECONOMIES: THE ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL GROWTH AND INTEREST RATE
Authors: Venegas-Martínez Francisco , Fernández Raúl O. , Vera-Valdés J. Eduardo
Published: July 2019

This paper is aimed at developing a business-cycle model for a small open emerging economy (SOEE). The model is parameterized, calibrated, and simulated to rationalize two important stylized facts in a SOEE. The first one is that when the international interest rate increases, the growth rate of a soee is reduced. Secondly, when industrialized countries are in recession, a soee suffers an even larger reduction in their growth rate. The obtained results show that if exports respond negatively to the international interest rate or exports are reduced due to an international recession, the aggregated consumption of the domestic economy is substantially more volatile than an economy where exports do not react. Moreover, this paper provides a possible explanation to the puzzle that developing countries suffer a recession not only when industrialized countries are in recession, but also when they are growing too fast.
TWO CRITICS OF MARGINALIST THEORY: PIERO SRAFFA AND JOHN MAYNARD KEYNES
Authors: Kurz Heinz D.
Published: July 2019

The paper discusses the contributions of two major critics of marginalist theory: John Maynard Keynes and Piero Sraffa. While Keynes and his followers directed their attention and energy first and foremost to a criticism of Say’s law, Sraffa and his followers did so with respect to marginal productivity theory. However, as the paper shows, Sraffa’s criticism implies also a rejection of Say’s law. The main focus of the paper is the route by means of which Sraffa arrived at his analysis and to what extent it is compatible with or contradicts Keynes’s.