bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Best Practices for Frac Pack on High Permeability/Unconsolidated Reservoirs: Experience from Offshore Brazil Operations
Authors: Colbert F. C. , Garcia F. M. , Costa A.. , Gachet R.. , Mattos H.. , Junior A..
Published: October 2018

The Campos basin is a sedimentary basin located in offshore Brazil, between the north coast of Rio de Janeiro State and the south coast of Espírito Santo State. Most of the reservoirs on the post-salt layers are high permeability sandstones (2,000 mD up to 6,000 mD), containing low API gravity oil. In addition to the high permeability, these sandstones are unconsolidated, which demands a sand control method to make oil and gas production feasible.

In the original field development, conventional gravel packs were used as a sand control method, but post job analysis indicated high skins after the treatment, even using the best completion and placement techniques. This study offers an insight of the best practices and lessons learned from the design and pumping of more than 130 packs over more than two decades in offshore Brazil (water depths from 33 up to ~1800m). The main aspects discussed include frac pack design considerations, typical procedures, fracturing equipment overview, pressure management strategies and the need for a high quality fluid system and proppant.

Frac pack completions were introduced in the end of the 90's and became a usual completion method for the Campos basin. Post job analysis indicates that this type of treatment provided better results than the convention gravel pack including lower skins after treatment. Due to the challenging reservoir characteristics, the strategy for frac pack design was to create a highly conductivity fracture, aiming to reduce the skin as much as possible, by using aggressive Tip Screen Out (TSO) designs.

The TSO provides a short but wide and very conductive fracture, which is essential for high permeability wells. This technique bypasses the near wellbore damage caused by the previous drilling and completion practices such as drilling fluids, perforating debris and completion fluids invasion. This method can improve the effectiveness of the production, enhancing the oil recovery.
Correlations Between the Economic Value Added and Reservoir and Frac Properties in the Dutch Hydraulic Fracture Portfolio
Authors: Huijskes T. D. , Godderij R. R. , Leo T..
Published: October 2018

Since the first frac in 1954, around 250 of the 3000 exploration and production wells in the Netherlands have been hydraulically fractured. This study focusses on about 50 of the more recent fracs, of which sufficient production data, reservoir information and hydraulic fracture properties could be obtained for economic and data analysis.

For each well, the production history has been analyzed with a commercial rate transient analysis software package. About half of the wells have a pre-frac production history while the other half have been hydraulically fractured immediately after drilling. For wells with pre- and post-frac production data two history matched analytical models were made. Those models were subsequently used to create two production forecasts, to determine the incremental production profile and to calculate the economic value added by each frac. For wells without pre-frac production data the history matched post-frac model was used two create two production forecasts, one with and one without a hydraulic fracture in place.

The calculated economic values have been combined with reservoir properties (permeability, GIIP, stratigraphy, etc.) and frac data (proppant type, amount of fluid used, amount of proppant pumped, etc.), to form a dataset which was analyzed using a commercial data analysis tool to investigate perceived correlations.

The results show that practically all analyzed fracs resulted in a production improvement, and most of the fracs resulted in positive economic value added. However, some resulted in an economic grey area (below EUR 5 million incremental discounted cash flow), and one frac even resulted in a negative value.

Many reasons can be given for the distinction between economic and uneconomic projects. This paper shows that although multiple attributes influence the calculated economic value, some generic observations can be made. There is apparently no correlation between PI improvement, skin or kh and economic value. Remaining GIP is definitely important for economic value, but no generic correlation for reservoir pressure can be made. It was shown that wells often see more connected GIIP after fraccing. The results show that fracs in reservoirs with 80% depletion can still result in very economically beneficial projects, especially if the fracs increase the connected GIIP. Frac properties might very well be important for the determination of the economic value of fractures. However, no clear correlation between economic value and frac half length or proppant size could be found. On the other hand, the results show that larger amounts of (any) proppant pumped seem to lead to higher economic value. Last but not least, a relation between PI improvement and pre-frac skin was found.

The study presented is the first portfolio analysis of fracced conventional gas wells in The Netherlands. Input and methods have been checked and results have been shared with several experts outside our organization.
Guidelines for Optimizing Acid Fracture Design Using an Integrated Acid Fracture and Productivity Model
Authors: Aljawad Murtada Saleh , Schwalbert Mateus Palharini , Zhu Ding , Hill Alfred Daniel
Published: October 2018

The performance of acid fractured wells depends on the conductivity distribution along the acid penetration length, which is a function of reservoir properties, treatment design and execution. The previously published models for fractured well performance assume constant fracture conductivity, which cannot be achieved in acid fracturing operations. This work proposes a design optimization method where acid fracture and reservoir models are integrated. Fracture conductivity distribution along the fracture surface is considered in the optimization process.

In the new integrated model, the acid transport and reaction is joined to the fracture propagation and heat transfer models. The dissolution patterns along fracture surfaces are generated, and that is converted to a conductivity distribution. To predict the fractured well productivity, the reservoir model is built using the input reservoir properties as well as the calculated acid fracture geometry and conductivity distribution. The acid fracturing parameters that lead to the optimum fracture productivity are determined with this integrated model.

This method shows that there is an optimum productivity that can be obtained for a given acid treatment volume and reservoir properties. Design parameters such as flow rate, viscosity, acid concentration, acid treatment volume, pad, and overflush volumes, can be selected to achieve the optimum well performance. Reservoir permeability has an important impact on how acid fracture jobs should be designed. At low reservoir permeability, a more evenly distributed conductivity and long acid penetration length is preferred. This can be accomplished by injecting a retarded acid system at moderate to high flow rate. However, excessive fracture height growth should be prevented by carefully designing the injection rate and viscosity. For high permeability reservoirs, higher conductivity along a shorter acid penetration length is targeted. This can be obtained by selecting a more reactive acid system such as straight acid and injecting at moderate rates, or lowering injection rate of retarded acids. Minimum amount of pad should be used in this case. Still, the flow rate should be high enough to keep the fracture open during acid injection. This paper also shows how acid concentration and fluid stages can be designed to optimize productivity, and presents a procedure for selecting the acid treatment volume.

A theoretical model which integrates acid fracturing and reservoir flow is used to implement the guidelines on optimizing acid fracture design parameters. This paper provides a scientific approach to determine acid treatment volume that yields the optimal outcomes of acid fracturing.
Polyelectrolyte Complex Stabilized CO2 Foam Systems for Improved Fracture Conductivity and Reduced Fluid Loss
Authors: Anandan Rudhra , Barati Reza , Johnson Stephen
Published: October 2018

The objective of this work was to develop a supercritical CO2 foam with a liquid phase composed of a polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticle system interacting with a viscoelastic surfactant solution. This is intended to be used as a fracturing fluid to reduce fluid loss and increase post-fracture clean-up efficiency for improved productivity in unconventional reservoirs. In a previous study, we optimized the polycation/polyanion ratio and polyelectrolyte pH using zeta potential and phase-angle light scattering. Rheological and foam stability tests were used to further optimize surfactant/polyelectrolyte ratio. In this work, dynamic fluid loss tests were performed on supercritical CO2 foam generated using the optimized ratio of surfactant/PECNP to investigate the effect of PECNP addition to the surfactant solution on the fluid loss. The same foam systems were used to investigate post fracture clean up using sand pack tests. Interfacial tension was measured on both air-(surfactant/PECNP) and supercritical CO2-(surfactant/PECNP) systems to understand the effect of PECNP on IFT. Fluid loss to the formation during hydraulic fracturing causes water blockage, formation damage and capillary pressure shift, lowering the conductivity of the reservoir, and impeding the flow of oil and gas. Supercritical CO2 foam generated by surfactant solution exhibited low fluid loss, thus lower values of fluid loss coefficient compared to unfoamed surfactant systems. However, addition of polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles further reduced the total fluid loss and fluid loss coefficient. Foam fracturing fluids break in the presence of crude oil because the oil penetrates the foam lamellae causing drainage and lamellar rupture; this results in effective post fracture clean up using supercritical CO2 foam as fracturing fluid. Foam systems generated by surfactant showed promising clean up results, and the addition of PECNP further increased clean up efficiency. From IFT test results we concluded that the addition of PECNP decreased interfacial tension of both air-(surfactant/PECNP) and supercritical CO2-(surfactant/PECNP) systems. The addition of optimized polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles to surfactant in a supercritical CO2 foam fracturing fluid can reduce interfacial tension and fluid loss, which will reduce formation damage, resulting in better hydrocarbon flow. PECNP stabilized surfactant-supercritical CO2 foam drains rapidly in the presence of crude oil, leading to good clean-up, which will result in better flow back and higher productivity.
Collapse Failure Analysis of Production String in Hydraulically Fractured Wells
Authors: Mazhar Y.. , Ighalo S..
Published: October 2018

High-rate, multistage hydraulic fracturing in unconventional wells results in high internal burst loads, which are normally considered during production string design; yet, recent production casing failures exhibit casing collapse after several stages of a fracturing operation. Post-analyses of presented case studies demonstrate that production strings can be exposed to high-fracturing collapse loads caused by inadequate cement bonds around the casing.

In this study, a fracturing operation was initially simulated to obtain an actual thermal profile for casing-stress analysis with a thermal wellbore simulator. Based on available data, bottomhole treating pressure (BHTP) was calculated to match the actual field data. A load case was run to check the collapse integrity of production casing with the assumption that a casing section below the top of cement (TOC) is fully exposed to the simulated BHTP because of channels created in the casing annulus. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was performed to identify the threshold BHTP limit that can start collapse failure. Another scenario was simulated by assuming a good cement bond for comparison with previous simulations.

Two case studies are presented wherein production casing collapse failures occurred during multistage fracturing operations. Both wells had horizontal trajectories and planned for 20 and 28 frac stages, respectively. Results based on actual field data demonstrate that the collapse safety factors were less than the design factors all the way from TOC to the casing shoe depth in case of exposure to BHTP in the casing annulus. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis highlighted that the casing collapse rating can be exceeded if exposed to even lesser BHTP than simulated and actual BHTPs. Simulations without any pressure communication to the annulus also confirmed that the potential of collapse failure becomes minimal with adequate cement bond under multistage-fracturing operations. Based on these findings, it was derived that casing collapse failures in both wells were the result of BHTP transfer into the annulus while fracturing operations. Such failures could be avoided in the future with additional design considerations during the planning phase of such wells.

This work shows the importance of additional collapse loads for production strings to improve the integrity of unconventional wellbores that are designed for multistage hydraulic fracturing operations. It is possible to ignore this load analysis if all potential operational risks are addressed with appropriate contingency designs.
Twenty Years, One Fracture and the Future of a North Sea Asset
Authors: Hoq A.. , Wishart P.. , Findlay M.. , Roy A.. , Stanley R.. , Giraud C.. , Abbott J.. , Norris M..
Published: October 2018

The Andrew asset is a strategic hub for BP in the Central North Sea and has been producing from the Palaeocene oil reservoir for the past twenty-two years through a small fixed platform. In addition to the conventional Palaeocene oil reserves, there is an underlying Lower Cretaceous gas-condensate reservoir. The A11z well was drilled as an appraisal well within this low permeability formation and the original completion in 1998 was designed with the intent of performing a future hydraulic fracture. Extended well tests however, identified that gas production facilities were required for production and these were not provided until platform redevelopment in 2015. The stimulation operation has been delayed since due to the highly complex interfaces on an ageing asset and prioritisation of plant reliability work scopes and other simpler intervention work scopes.

Due to the increasing strategic importance of a new black start gas well for the asset hub, the alignment of priorities between the different functions was addressed and the hydraulic fracture operations were executed in June 2018. A multi-disciplinary project team has been established with a remit to manage and simplify the work scopes, enabling an efficient stimulation operation and a safe flowback with minimal impact to the platform reliability. The optimal design for a reliable proppant hydraulic fracture treatment has been crucial to deliver this Regional objective.

The stimulation execution was one of the largest single stage proppant placements for the basin in recent history. The implementation of single mesh proppant for the entire job is a unique deployment for the Region and a novel movement in the global stimulation industry in general, as was the first application of fibres in the North Sea. In addition to the unconventional job design, the Andrew A11z stimulation has become the first proppant fracturing treatment to be executed by BP UK North Sea in twenty-two years.

The successful execution and results of this complex project demonstrates how innovative stimulation design, when combined with effective multi-disciplinary team management and guided by aligned priorities adds significant long-term value but can also extend the life of mature offshore assets and instil confidence to pursue many more similar opportunities in such environments that are all too often discarded due to perceived complexity.
Getting More Out of Your Multistage Fracturing Openhole Completion
Authors: Bartko Kirk , Muhammad Syed , Oparin Maksim , Tineo Roberto , Al-Makarem Fadhel Abu , Desai Ankur , Ulaiw Jasim Al
Published: October 2018

Saudi Aramco Unconventional Production Engineering Division currently performs multistage propped fracturing operations using cemented plug and perf completions, to target tight gas reservoirs requiring stimulation. To improve operational efficiency, eliminate wireline intervention and coil tubing milling operations, the decision was made to test an openhole multistage fracture system (OH MSF). This came with the challenge of ensuring adequate reservoir contact, comparable to the cemented plug and perf operations, where 21 perforation clusters, in average, are targeted.

The OH MSF technology chosen consists of multiple frac ports per stage with high pressure mechanical packers to isolate each stage and slip-on oil swell packers, to isolate the individual frac port within a stage. This new method of diversion within the compartment itself helps to ensure that small variances in pressure between nozzle ports are isolated preventing the fracture operation within a stage from consolidating to a single-entry point. Like standard ball drop sleeve systems, the OH multiple entry frac sleeve system uses progressively increasing diameter balls to open each stage. One single ball will open all the ports in one stage simulating multiple clusters per stage. This allows for an increase in reservoir contact when stimulating large openhole lengths.

Case Study Well-A was completed with six multi-entry stages, three entry points per stage, and one toe stage utilizing a hydraulic port resulting in a total of seven stages and 19 frac sleeves. The isolation plan for this well consisted of mechanical packers between the main nine stages and slip-on constrictors between the individual ports within each stage. Each fracture port was engineered with three jets of 0.563 in. hole diameter as part of the limited entry design. All the fracture stages were performed as per design. The initial production response was better than offset wells completed with plug and perf technique. A production log suggests contribution from 75% of each individual jet, indicating the proper diversion was achieved. Using a seven-stage openhole system yielded to 17 effective fractures contributing to production. By utilizing OH Multiple Entry MSF system technology for limited entry fracturing, Saudi Aramco has improved reservoir productivity and operation efficiency.

This is the first time an openhole multistage fracturing system combining mechanical and constrictor swell packers has been deployed to promote limited entry diversion. This qualified and field-tested novel completion methodology ensures proper fracturing diversion between frac-ports located within the same stage. The benefits of this technology include improved reservoir contact, operation efficiency, cost reduction and placement improvement.
Foamed Acid Fracturing Enables Efficient Stimulation of Low-Pressure Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Rahim Zillur , Al-Kanaan Adnan A. , Waheed Arshad , Kayumov Rifat , Al-Jalal Ziad
Published: October 2018

Ordinary acid fracturing treatments cannot deliver consistent production results in low-pressure carbonate reservoirs. The reservoir pressure is not sufficient to flow back the large volume of treating fluids from the formation after the treatment, thus minimizing the benefits of performed acid fracturing. The use of foamed acid fracturing fluids will provide additional energy that will help to enhance flowback and push treating fluids out from the reservoir during post-fracturing flowback operation. There are two types of gaseous phase that are commonly used to foam the fluids for stimulation treatments: nitrogen (N2) and carbon dioxide (CO2). N2 is an inert gas; it is widely available and therefore the most frequently used. CO2 is more soluble in water than N2; therefore, more CO2 is required to saturate the liquid and create the foam. CO2 has more expansion during flowback, which aids in total fluid recovery. Additionally, the solubilized portion of CO2 reduces the interfacial tension of the fracturing fluid.

A deep high-temperature carbonate reservoir typically requires acid fracturing treatment to produce at economic gas rates. When reservoir pressure declines over time, foamed acid fracturing treatment becomes the preferred stimulation option. Both types of the gaseous phase show good success. The multiple case studies suggest that foamed acid fracturing resulted in easier flowback initiation and better well productivity compared to regular acid fracturing. Moreover, CO2-based foams provided better results compared to N2 foams, especially in horizontal wells completed with multiple acid fracturing stages within the same reservoir. The specific fracturing fluid was deployed to use CO2 foam in the wells with high bottomhole temperatures up to 300°F. The innovative CO2 foam chemistry enables formulating non-crosslinked gels that deliver viscosity equal to or better than the industry-standard foams of low-pH guar crosslinked fracturing fluids. This fluid delivers those results at significantly lower polymer loadings and with a reduced number of additives, thus improving the operational aspect and increasing well productivity. Another noticed benefit of foamed acid fracturing with CO2 is the easier achievement of higher foam quality at bottomhole conditions. N2 is pumped in its gaseous phase and requires specific pumping units with limited pressure and rate capacity. In contrast, CO2 is pumped in its liquid phase through the common fracturing pumping units; therefore, a significantly higher pumping rate of the gaseous phase can be achieved with minimum additional equipment.
ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF BIOMODELING FOR FUNCTIONAL FOOD PRODUCTS EFFECTIVENESS RESEARCH
Authors: Fedulova Liliya V. , Vasilevskaya Ekaterina R. , Kotenkova Elena A. , Kashinova Elta B.
Published: October 2018

The article describes in vitro methods basic principles, authors analyzed cell and tissue cultures used to assess toxicity and specific biological activity, including metabolic processes, include antihypertensive and cytoprotective properties analysis, antioxidant activity (in vitro and ex vivo) used to study ingredients functional properties based on animal origin raw materials, as well as meat products.
Optimum Soybean Seeding Rates by Yield Environment in Southern Brazil
Authors: Corassa Geomar M. , Amado Telmo J. C. , Strieder Mércio L. , Schwalbert Rai , Pires João L. F. , Carter Paul R. , Ciampitti Ignacio A.
Published: October 2018

Core Ideas

Soybean yield response to seeding rate was dependent on yield environment.

Optimum seeding rate increased as yield environments were reduced.

Seeding rate could be reduced by 18% for high‐yielding relative to low‐yielding environments, without penalizing yields.

Planting date interacts with seed yield response to seeding rate, optimum seeding rates increase with late planting.

For high‐yielding environment, late planting time decreased yields regardless of the seeding rate.

Optimizing seed inputs while increasing farming profit is the main purpose of variable rate seeding (VRS) technology adoption. Previous studies in corn (Zea mays L.) suggested that optimal seeding rates increase as yield productivity level increased. For soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], optimal yield‐to‐seeding rate by yield level has not been fully investigated, representing a scientific knowledge gap. Therefore, a dataset was collected from 109 replicated field trials from Southern Brazil (2180 experimental units) presenting the following objectives: (i) identify the optimum seeding rate at varying yield levels (herein termed as yield environments), and (ii) explore the contribution of management factors (i.e., seeding rate, planting date, row spacing, maturity groups, growing season, yield environment, and ecological region) on soybean seed yield. Hierarchical modeling and Bayesian statistical inference were used to predict optimum seeding rate at varying yield environments, while conditional inference tree analysis was explored to identify and rank factors contributing to yield variation. The main results were: (i) soybean seeding rate increased from high‐ to low‐yielding environments; (ii) seeding rate could be reduced by 18% in high‐yielding (>5 Mg ha−1) relative to the low‐yielding (<4 Mg ha−1) environments, without penalizing yields. For improving site‐specific soybean seeding rate prescriptions, future studies should focus on the physiological mechanisms underpinning yield formation and on understanding the main factors (soil × plant × weather) contributing to the differential optimum seeding rate response.
Evaporation Study for Real Soils Based on HYPROP Hydraulic Functions and Micro‐CT‐Measured Pore‐Size Distribution
Authors: Geistlinger Helmut , Leuther Frederic
Published: October 2018

Core Ideas

We studied Stage 1 and Stage 2 evaporation for real soils.

For hydraulic functions, HYPROP data and for pore‐size distribution micro‐CT data were used.

An IPE model describes for Stage 1 evaporation, desorption theory for Stage 2 evaporation

We present an analytical solution of the 2D steady‐state diffusion equation.

Evaporation—a key process for water exchange between soil and atmosphere—is controlled by convective and diffusive surface fluxes that determine the functional time dependence of the evaporation rate e(t). Recent studies demonstrated that only a pore‐scale surface flux model can capture the correct e(t) curve. These studies also showed that a realistic estimate of the hydraulically connected region (HCR) of the pore‐size distribution (PSD) is crucial for coupling surface flux to internal water flux. Since previous studies were often based on natural sands and glass beads, the main focus of our study was to test these conclusions for real soils. Therefore, we investigated the evaporation process within undisturbed soil columns of a sandy soil and loamy sand and measured the hydraulic functions via HYPROP experiments (a system to measure hydraulic properties using the evaporation method). Based on the isolated pore evaporation (IPE) model using a discretized form of the PSD, we developed a continuous IPE model and applied it to our experiments. Because the PSD plays a central role in the IPE model, we determined the PSD of the loamy sand soil via X‐ray microtomography (μCT) for pores >19 μm. The consistency of the experimental data, i.e., (i) the retention curve for deriving the HCR of the pore size distribution, (ii) the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity for calculating the characteristic lengths of the evaporation process, and (iii) the high accuracy of the mass loss data strongly support the HYPROP method for this kind of complex evaporation experiment. The continuous IPE model describes the characteristic Stage 1 behavior well (functional form of the evaporation rate and length of Stage 1) for both soil types if a realistic HCR estimate is used that (i) is derived from a characteristic length analysis estimating the lower boundary of the HCR and (ii) the upper range of the HCR is based on the true PSD derived from μCT data.
Octurnal heartburn: there is a solution
Authors: Simanenko V. I. , Tikhonov S. V. , Lishchuk N. B.
Published: October 2018

This article describes a problem of sleep disorders, nighttime heartburn, the peculiarities of etiopathogenesis of night gastroesophageal reflux, the possibility of diagnosis and rational therapy of nighttime heartburn.
Different types of hyperammonemia in clinical practice
Authors: Plotnikova E. Yu. , Sukhikh A. S.
Published: October 2018

Hyperammonemia is a metabolic disorder, which is caused as a result of high levels of ammonia present in the blood. Hyperammonemia is related to severe liver diseases, primarily to cirrhosis in 90% of cases. Non-cirrhotic causes should be considered in the remaining 10%. The article describes various causes and clinical features of hyperammonemia related to the pre-cirrhotic stages of liver disease, especially to non-alcoholic fatty dystrophy. The authors also provide other etiologies that cause hyperammonemia of varying severity, from minimal to very severe, leading to fatal outcome. The paper provides an analysis of the efficacy of L-ornithine-L-aspartate in hyperammonemia, and the results of own original author’s pharmaceutical equivalence study of the original and generic drug L-ornithine-L-aspartate.
Probiotics: a new or an old concept?
Authors: Zakharenko S. M.
Published: October 2018

Probiotics are an agent renewable from the outside that is capable of delivering active factors (metabolites, regulatory molecules, etc.) to target points of the gastrointestinal tract, and ensure the formation of a regulatory impact source for extraintestinal effects (target points). The uniqueness of probiotics lies in the fact that the microbial cell is simultaneously a proper transport container, a delivery system with a specific distribution in the gastrointestinal tract and a factory for reproduction of effector molecules.

The modern Probiotics 2.0 concept implies not only the development of bioengineering strains, but the use of probiotics for the maximally proven indications. Conducting research in the most promising areas of probiotics usage, on the one hand, and the development of evidence base for a particular strain in a relatively narrow spectrum of clinically significant effects, on the other hand, significantly reduces the financial and time costs to bring new products to market. An example is a strain of Bifidobacterium longum longum 35624® that was authorized for the treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome. However, the “old” probiotics are no less important, especially if the original strain compliance with the “10 golden rules for probiotic therapy” is high.
African swine fever (ASF) in wild boar
Authors: PEJSAK ZYGMUNT , TRUSZCZYŃSKI MARIAN , TARASIUK KAZIMIERZ
Published: October 2018

This paper contains main points of the scientific opinion prepared by EFSA in 2018 on the request of the European Commission on the ASF epidemic in wild boar in Eastern – Central Europe, which started in 2014 and is existing and increasing until the present time. The first point is providing an estimate of the wild boar density in the European Union (EU). The next item is presenting the opinion on the latest epidemiological data to identify thresholds in wild boar density that do not allow sustaining the disease in different settings. The third question and answer concerns wild boar and feral pigs depopulation methods or population reduction methods. The fourth chapter is reviewing fencing methods demonstrating to temporarily protect crops from damage, caused by wild boar or feral swine. Currently there is no evidence , that large –scale fences have been effective for the containment of wild boar or feral pigs. The answer to the fifth question on surveillance strategy contains information on sample size, frequency of sampling and identification of possible risk groups for early detection of ASFV in naïve wild boar population. Passive surveillance is according to the opinion of EFSA the most effective and efficient method of surveillance for early detection of ASF in wild boar. For early detection through passive surveillance , the aim is to test as many “found dead” animals as possible. Based on current knowledge and experiences for an intervention to be successful, there is a need to detect an ASF incursion while it is spatially contained. The sixth topic of the EFSA scientific opinion requests to review successful methodologies used in the past, as for example the mentioned passive surveillance. It is recommended that this should be done in discussion among specialists from the UE countries. Good collaborations with hunters is recommended.
As Olimpíadas de 2016 no Rio de Janeiro: uma discussão sobre o legado deixado à Vila Autódromo após os jogos
Authors: Sousa Colantuono Aline Correia de , Campos Gustavo Henrique De Lima
Published: October 2018

Este artigo tem o objetivo de tratar não só o conceito de legado, como também o que foi deixado pelos Jogos Olímpicos à população carioca, especialmente, após a mudança de postura do COI (Comitê Olímpico Internacional) e a transformação do megaevento em mercadoria na sociedade do espetáculo. Também se pretende discutir o impacto da realização das Olimpíadas, no Rio de Janeiro em 2016, para a comunidade da Vila Autódromo, que sofreu com processos de remoção para a realização dos Jogos. Para tanto, além da introdução e das considerações finais, o trabalho será dividido em quatro seções: na primeira, será apresentado o simbolismo das Olimpíadas e a transformação do lócus dos jogos, ou seja, a cidade, em mercadoria, especialmente, a partir do momento em que o COI mudou de postura e passou a gerir o megaevento como um negócio. Na segunda, serão tratadas as contradições observadas no conceito de legado, notadamente, após a edição de Sidney, em que se observaram as estratégias de marketing urbano e de máquina de crescimento urbano. Na terceira, será mostrado como esse processo ocorreu para a candidatura do Rio de Janeiro às Olimpíadas de 2016. Finalmente, na quarta seção, será apresentado o legado do megaevento para a comunidade da Vila Autódromo na cidade do Rio de Janeiro.
A Formação de Redes como Alternativa para o Desenvolvimento Regional
Authors: Lunedo Andrea Carla Bordignon , Piccini Ruberlan Alex Bilha , De Souza Alexandre , Carvalho Carlos Eduardo , Junior Silvio Santos
Published: October 2018

A formação de redes como estrutura organizacional, entre empresas, governo, instituições financeiras e de ensino, além da sociedade em geral contribuem para o desenvolvimento regional. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar a formação de redes, como alternativa de desenvolvimento regional e as relações entre os atores envolvidos no processo, tendo como objeto de estudo a Agência de Desenvolvimento Regional (ADR) de Quilombo – Santa Catarina. Com base em análise documental e entrevistas foi possível evidenciar que a ADR de Quilombo possui papel relevante no que tange a obtenção e encaminhamento das necessidades dos municípios, atuando como elo entre as prefeituras e o governo do estado, porém quanto a interação entre o governo e as empresas ou as entidades empresariais ela é baixa. Com base no exposto fica evidente a necessidade de uma maior atuação da ADR principalmente a criação de redes e desenvolvimento da região com maior interação entre todos os atores, sejam públicos, privados ou a sociedade.
Fatores Facilitadores e Restritivos à Cooperação Universidade e Empresa: o caso Udesc
Authors: Cardoso Marcelo Gomes , Amboni Nério , Lagemann Gerson Volney , Andrade Rui Otávio Bernardes de
Published: October 2018

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar os principais fatores facilitadores e restritivos no desenvolvimento de projetos de pesquisa da Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (Udesc) em cooperação com empresas, segundo o olhar de 10 líderes de grupos de pesquisa e de 14 gestores de empresas. A base teórica do estudo compreende a discussão dos argumentos de autores nacionais e internacionais acerca da cooperação universidade-empresa (U-E). A pesquisa é descritiva com abordagem qualitativa. As técnicas de coleta de dados utilizadas foram a pesquisa bibliográfica, análise documental e o questionário, sendo tratados de modo descritivo. Os fatores “recursos financeiros adicionais” e “acesso a pesquisadores qualificados” foram considerados como os fatores mais facilitadores segundo os líderes de grupos de pesquisa e gestores de empresas, respectivamente; e o “excesso de burocracia” como o fator mais restritivo à cooperação universidade-empresa, tanto para os líderes de grupos de pesquisa como para os gestores de empresas. Os achados são corroborados por estudos teóricos e empíricos nacionais e internacionais, reforçando os avanços da literatura e das questões metodológicas utilizadas.  Conclui-se que a universidade deverá aperfeiçoar as práticas de cooperação com as empresas, estabelecendo políticas institucionais que possibilitem a redução da burocracia e dos prazos de tramitação dos processos, a fim de minimizar as barreiras identificadas na interação e possibilitar o desenvolvimento de mais pesquisas aplicadas entre os envolvidos na cooperação. O estudo tem como limitações a volatilidade das percepções dos pesquisados, a área geográfica de Santa Catarina e três Centros de Ensino da Udesc.
Desenvolvimento Municipal das Microrregiões do Estado do Tocantins: uma análise a partir do índice Firjan de desenvolvimento municipal
Authors: Medeiros Ana Lucia , Dos Santos Luana Borges , Andre Claudomiro Moura Gomes
Published: October 2018

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar o desenvolvimento municipal das microrregiões do Estado do Tocantins, tomando como marco temporal o período de 2000 e 2010, partindo, para tanto, do Índice FIRJAN de Desenvolvimento Municipal – IFDM. A base teórica leva em conta o pensamento de Amartya Sen, que apresenta um novo olhar sobre o vocábulo desenvolvimento, entendendo-o como um processo de expansão das liberdades reais que as pessoas desfrutam com vistas ao atendimento daquilo que desejam. Posto isso, buscamos analisar os dados relativos ao PIB per capita, os gastos públicos nas funções saúde e educação e o índice FIRJAN de desenvolvimento municipal e, partindo, da tabulação dos dados, foi possível cartografar o desenvolvimento municipal das microrregiões do Estado do Tocantins. Algumas das conclusões a que pudemos chegar é que o Estado do Tocantins apresentou, no período em análise, desenvolvimento municipal em todas as suas microrregiões, bem como também crescimento econômico.
Não-alinhamento, cooperação internacional e desenvolvimento no contexto da Guerra Fria: o caso egípcio (1955-1967)
Authors: Fleury Curado Pedro Rocha
Published: October 2018

O objetivo deste artigo é discutir o papel funcional da política externa do não-alinhamento para as políticas de desenvolvimento econômico e militar de países periféricos durante a Guerra Fria. Para tanto, propõe-se um estudo de caso sobre a política externa do governo egípcio de Gamal Abdel Nasser (1954-1970). Ao longo do texto, argumenta-se que a política externa “não alinhada” aos principais blocos da Guerra Fria representou um poderoso instrumento de barganha internacional por parte do governo egípcio entre os anos de 1955e de 1967. Para respaldar essa afirmação, o texto evidencia a relação existente entre, por um lado, as melhores condições externas para a viabilização dos programas internos de desenvolvimento e, por outro, as relações ambíguas cultivadas pelo governo Nasser com Estados Unidos e União Soviética. Tais relações, por sua vez, somente foram possíveis graças a um permanente jogo de compensações de ordem geopolítica que envolvia a capacidade do governo egípcio de intervir nos interesses regionais das duas superpotências.
Role of Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 (FABP4) in Kidney Disease
Authors: Shi Min , Ma Liang , Fu Ping
Published: October 2018

Accumulating evidences indicated that obesity and metabolic syndrome were independent risk factors for the development and progression of kidney diseases. Apart from inflammation, lipotoxicity, and hemodynamic factors, adipokines have been proposed to play crucial roles in the relationship between kidney diseases and metabolic disorders. As one of the key adipokines, fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), which is mainly expressed in adipocytes and macrophages, has recently been shown to be associated with renal dysfunction and kidney damage. Both clinical and experimental studies have proposed circulating FABP4 as a novel predictor for renal injuries, and it might also be a predictor for cardiovascular events in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). FABP4 has also been detected in the glomerular cells and epithelial tubular cells in mouse and human kidneys, and the expression of FABP4 in these cells has been involved in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases. In addition, experimental studies suggested that inhibition of FABP4 had protective effects on renal damage. Here, we reviewed current knowledge regarding the role of FABP4 in pathophysiological insights as well as its potential function as a predictor and therapeutic target for kidney diseases.
New Horizons in the Pathogenesis, Pathophysiology and Treatment of Familial Hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Viigimaa Margus , Heinsar Silver , Lovic Dragan , Katsimardou Alexandra , Piperidou Alexia , Duishvili Davit
Published: October 2018

Background:

Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is an autosomal-dominant genetic disease and
represents the most common genetic disorder: heterozygous 1/250 births, homozygous 1/300, 000 births. FH is
characterized by high to very high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), which is the main cause of increased
incidence of premature atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) or aortic stenosis.

Objective:

The aim of the review was to investigate the pathogenesis and the pathophysiology of FH.

Results:

The most common (60-80%) FH cause is mutations of the LDL Receptor (LDLR) protein (6 classes with
a different number of receptors and functionality). Moreover, mutations in apolipoprotein B (APOB) (<5%) and
gain-of-function mutations of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 genes (PCSK9) (<1%) contribute to its
pathogenesis. An Autosomal Recessive Hypercholesterolaemia (ARH) is another cause, very rare (1/2.500
births), mainly in Sardinia. The remaining patients with a clinical diagnosis of monogenic hypercholesterolaemia
do not present any known genetic cause. Since FH is a significant public health problem, early diagnosis and
treatment are of utmost importance. Recent studies demonstrated the influence of the LDLR mutation type in the
FH phenotype, associating a more severe clinical phenotype and worse advanced CVD in patients with null mutation
than those with receptor-defective mutations. This analysis completes the adequate clinical diagnosis.

Conclusion:

Both homozygous and heterozygous FH are related to mutations of LDLR (mainly), APOB, PCSK9,
while other rare forms exist. All aberrations lead to the impaired removal of LDL-C from the blood leading to its
accumulation and subsequent CVD earlier than in the general population.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Activity of Releasable m-THPC-PEGfolate Conjugate Using a Disulfide-containing Linker
Authors: Xi Li Peng , Hong Li Dong , Chuan Wan , Shou Chen Ben
Published: October 2018

The present study reported the preparation of a novel mutual prodrug containing meso-tetra
(m-hydroxy phenyl) chlorin (m-THPC), PEG and folate. The folate receptor (FR) targeting compound
is a water-soluble chemical incorporating a hydrophilic PEG spacer unit and a reducible selfimmolative
disulfide-based linker system between the FR-targeting ligand and the chlorin. The m-
THPC-s-s-PEG-Folate was proved to release the parent drug and exhibited significant targeting effects
on HeLa cells. In addition, the redox-responsive folate targeting photosensitizer m-THPC-s-s-PEG-Folate
showed slightly higher phototoxicity than m-THPC-PEG-Folate for HeLa cells.
Identification of Mislabeling Some Meat Products Sold on the Iran Market Using PCR-RFLP
Authors: Farshidi Maryam , Mohammadi Reza , Sehatkhah Mohammad Reza , Ebrahimi Behzad
Published: October 2018

Background:

Mislabeling of meat products due to their high market values is a food
fraud, which can result in economic deception. Currently, a little information on mislabeling is available
in Iran. Therefore, the aim of this study was to carry out a market survey on a variety of meat
products sold in Iran to investigate mislabeling.

Methods:

A total of 31 meat product samples were purchased from local retailers including supermarkets
and local butchers. These samples included salami (n = 6), hamburger (n = 15) and minced
meat (n = 10). Labels claimed that the products only contained beef. DNA was extracted from samples
and tested using PCR-RFLP for the presence of chicken traces.

Results:

Of the 31 meat products, 23 included mislabeling, which substituted low-cost chicken for
costly beef. Results showed that six of six salami (100%), nine of 15 hamburger (60%) and eight of
ten minced meat (80%) contained chicken meat not listed in ingredient labels.

Conclusion:

Overall, results from the current study greatly warn consumers on potential economic
deception occurring in meat products in Iran. This study helps meat industries to address potentially
fraudulent activities and improve sanitary techniques during meat processes.
Effects of Pulmonary Hypertension and Right Ventricular Function in Short and Long-Term Kidney Function
Authors: Naranjo Mario , Lo Kevin Bryan , Mezue Kenechukwu , Rangaswami Janani
Published: October 2018

Background:

Pulmonary hypertension is not uncommon in patients with renal disease
and vice versa; therefore, it influences treatments and outcomes. There is a large body of literature
on pulmonary hypertension in patients with kidney disease, its prognostic implications, economic
burden, and management strategies. However, the converse, namely the hemodynamic effects of
pulmonary hypertension on kidney function (acute and chronic kidney injury) is less studied and
described. There is also increasing interest in the effects of pulmonary hypertension on kidney
transplant outcomes.

The relationship is a complex phenomenon and multiple body systems and mechanisms are involved
in its pathophysiology. Although the definition of pulmonary hypertension has evolved over
time with the understanding of multiple interplays between the heart, lungs, kidneys, etc; there is
limited evidence to provide a specific treatment strategy when kidneys and lungs are affected at the
same time. Nevertheless, available evidence appears to support new therapeutics and highlights the
importance of individualized approach.

There is sufficient research showing that the morbidity and mortality from PH are driven by the influence
of the pulmonary hemodynamic dysfunction on the kidneys.

Conclusion:

This concise review focuses on the effects of pulmonary hypertension on the kidneys,
including, the patho-physiological effects of pulmonary hypertension on acute kidney injury, progression
of CKD, effects on kidney transplant outcomes, progression of kidney disease in situations
such as post LVAD implantation and novel diagnostic indices. We believe a review of this nature
will fill in an important gap in understanding the prognostic implication of pulmonary hypertension
on renal disease, and help highlight this important component of the cardio-reno-pulmonary axis.
Fluoxetine Inhibits Respiratory Growth of Candida glabrata and has Cytocidal Activity
Authors: Spencer-Bakes Kayla , Macreadie Ian
Published: October 2018

Background:

Fluoxetine is a widely prescribed antidepressant that has associated antifungal activity.

Methods:

This study examined the growth inhibitory and cytotoxic effects of fluoxetine on Candida glabrata.

Result:

Fluoxetine inhibited growth of C. glabrata on media containing glucose as a carbon source: the inhibition was much greater when ethanol was the carbon source. In hypoosmotic conditions fluoxetine caused death of C. glabrata in one hour.

Conclusion:

Fluoxetine inhibits fermentative and mitochondrial function of C. glabrata. It rapidly kills C. glabrata in hypoosmotic conditions.