bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Galvanising Stakeholder Support for Carbon Capture and Storage
Authors: Maas Wilfried , Lee Danmi , Horan Denise , Wiwchar Tim
Published: November 2016

Our lives depend on reliable energy; if we are to prosper and tackle climate change, society must transition its economies and energy system to meet growing demand and emit less CO2.

Shell believes carbon capture and storage (CCS) is critical. CCS fitted to power plants could be a real game-changer, removing up to 90% of carbon dioxide emissions from power generation.

Engagement and cooperation with different stakeholder groups is key to maturing CCS projects. Shell has worked with stakeholders to help build a strong foundation for some of our CCS projects and this paper will share the approaches applied.

Collaboration is critical to achieving recognition of the scope and value of CCS and achieving acceptance for a specific project. It is important to create engaging outreach and educational initiatives that are targeted to the needs of the stakeholders, demonstrate commitment to local communities, address the points of challenge and clarification, make use of best practice and international project experiences and help bring CCS, energy and climate change to life.

QUEST

Shell began its community consultation program for its Quest Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project in 2008 — three years ahead of filing a project application. A large part of our early consultation efforts were focused on explaining what CCS is, and why the technology is important. Consultation efforts focused on landowners and residents living along the proposed pipeline route and in close proximity to the proposed injection wells, along with the local municipal governments. A community advisory panel has been set up to review data from the Measurement, Monitoring and Verification (MMV) program. The program itself has been reviewed by an independent external expert.

PETERHEAD

The funding for the Peterhead CCS project has been withdrawn, but we are proud of the relationships established in the early phases of the project's development. The team carried out extensive consultations with the public to keep everybody up to date with plans as they progressed. We proactively sought and received feedback which we then endeavoured to build into our plans.

In addition, strong relationships were built with local, regional and international organisations to develop education-based initiatives around CCS and to build an effective approach to local content on the project, both with the aim of creating best practice learnings for the future.

At Shell, we believe the world will need to find ways to deploy CCS if it is to achieve its ambition to tackle climate change. In order to set CCS projects up for success, we must explore and develop a new model of cross-sector collaboration including: Building an understanding of the local contextEngaging early - being present, responsive and inclusiveMaking communications engaging and relevant

Successful engagement, collaboration and community presence can lead to strong, trusting relationships that can be built on over the life of the project.
Floating LNG Safe by Design
Authors: Jewitt I.
Published: November 2016

This paper outlines the result of a design safety FLNG approach from research through concept development and ultimately implementation in design and engineering.

Prevention of process safety events is critical to business success. The industry has been developing and improving all aspects of its FLNG design since the 1990s. Safety has been the primary focus in FLNG design. There has been a programme of work to ensure that the FLNG has been well designed and as a result the facility incorporates a number of proven and tested technologies that have been in use in existing LNG plants for many years. However, for FLNG, comprehensive design standards have not always been available and so research and risk assessment as well as guiding safety philosophies has been essential the process safety challenges for the conceptual development and design.

In order to fully understand the risks associated with all aspects of a FLNG project and to manage the risks so that they are As Low As Reasonable Practicable (ALARP), it has been necessary to perform detailed safety studies to benchmark the safety of the facility and inform the risk mitigation in the design.

This development has identified multiple robust and proven ‘barriers’ to prevent safety incidents happening on the facility. The primary strategy for minimizing the fire, explosion and cold spill risk focused on hazard prevention. Whilst this strategy reduced the probability of an uncontrolled loss of containment, there remained a risk, which required control and mitigation. The barriers have been embedded in our FLNG safety philosophies and implemented in the design.

The industry is conscious that the prevention of process safety incidents is both critical to keeping people safe and also to ensuring continued business success. The extensive research that has been applied to this FLNG design provides confidence that the FLNG facilities will be as safe and reliable as other modern offshore production facilities currently in operation.
An Integrated Evaluation Workflow in Volcanic Reservoir with Comprehensive New Logging Data Sets A Case Study from Junggar Basin Xinjiang Oilfield China
Authors: Xinjun Mao , Weidong Huang , Youguo Sun , Yingbo Yang , Wei Wang , Lei Yang , Jichao Chen , Guo Wei
Published: November 2016

This paper is to show a case study from Junggar Basin in North West China, which integrates a variety of logging data acquired by latest wireline measurements to analyze and evaluate lithology, pore types, fluid types and geomechanics properties of volcanic reservoir.

Interpretation of volcanic reservoir has always been a great challenge. Recently, a lot more advanced data sets are available from the new wireline tools and measurements in Xinjiang Oilfield, such as SonicScanner, LithoScanner, Images logs, and latest 3D Saturn Radial probe forvolcanicformation sampling. The new data provide a better view for avolcanic reservoir. An integrated evaluation workflow that combines multiple latest wirelinetechnologies has been set, which can provide a good solution to the evaluation of volcanic reservoir in this area. Calibrating high precision and high-resolution lithology data to core data can accurately describe the complex lithology of volcanic reservoir. Meanwhile, apart from fractures identification, we are not only be able to categorize rock type with help of structure analysis provided by image data, but also can analyze the volcanic eruptible period by comparing images of adjacent wells. In addition, by acquiring, processing and interpreting advanced sonic scanner data; we can evaluate formation anisotropy, fracture effectiveness, identify gas zones and calculate geomechanics parameters, which will be used later during stimulation. In the end, utilizing the 3D Radial probes, the formation tester can confirm the fluid type by the downhole analyzer and actual fluid samples, this greatly reduce the uncertainly for evaluation and later stimulation.

In this example, Well A from XinJiang oilfield, JinLong Block, is a typical volcanic formation which is characterized by highly developed natural fractures with various attitudes, complex lithology, which mainly contains andesitic volcanic breccia, breccia andesite, basalt, andesite, tuff and volcanic sedimentary rock, and quite low matrix permeability. Thus, SonicScanner, LithoScanner and FMI data have been acquired, and the favorable lithology, well-developed fracture zones, and high matrix porosity zones have been identified, the "sweet spot" have been located. In the end, the actual gas sample has been obtained for the first time by formation testers using 3D radial probe in volcanic reservoir in CHINA.

This case study is a good example of volcanic reservoir evaluation. A workflow that is applicable to this area has been formed, which can be used as guidance for evaluation of other similar wells in the future.
Stay in the Pay: Steering for Black Gold - Multilayer Bed Boundary Detection Reducing Structural Uncertainty for Advanced Well Placement
Authors: Platt Chris , Carter David , Slamet Remy , Doogue J. , Nguyen Thanh P. , Santoso G. , Abbasgholipour A.
Published: November 2016

The Wassana field is located in the G10/48 block in the Gulf of Thailand, operated by Kris Energy. Wassana recently commenced production following a successful development campaign, including very challenging horizontal productions wells with significant uncertainly of reservoir structure and thickness. The Seismic data was used for field development and several horizontal wells were planned to penetrate thin sand reservoirs. However, the challenges is significant variations of structure and thickness amongst the tilted fault blocks. To guarantee for the success of drilling horizontal wells, geosteering technology can be used to reduce structural uncertainty and achieve high net-to-gross in the reservoir for superior production.

The Wassana field is comprised of tilted fault blocks, with a mixture of Oligo-Miocene intra-formational shale stratigraphic traps and structural traps. The execution of horizontal wells presented significant challenges, as the objective was to maximize reservoir exposure, taking into account high structural uncertainty with lateral variation in formation dips and sand development uncertainty both in distribution and connectivity. Based on the planned well paths, pre-job modelling of the horizontal wells with a Resistivity Inversion indicated a lot of geosteering difficulties and challenges. All the decisions made in real-time would be very critical and important to ensure well success.

With challenging horizontal well placement, a number of techniques and technologies were employed. A High Build Rate Hybrid Rotary Steerable Tool with near bit GR was used to help optimize the well landing in the 8.5in sections, in order to land high in the sand, whilst maintaining high ROP and wellbore quality. Near Bit Triple Combo LWD was used to confirm landing in high quality sands in order to prevent any loss of horizontal footage and maximize the effectiveness of the horizontal section. A new geo-steering tool was selected for geo-steering utilizing a new Stochastic Resistivity Inversion, which would be able to map multilayer bed boundaries, to illuminate the reservoir structure in real-time, thus significantly improving geosteering decisions to remain in the oil bearing sand.
Drilling Performance Improvement with Rotary Steerable System RSS for Shallow Soft Formation in the Gulf of Thailand
Authors: Thaiprasert N. , Pensook T. , Tangcharoen N. , Pattanapong K.
Published: November 2016

In the past, the Rotary Steerable System (RSS) had rarely been utilized in PTTEP's Gulf of Thailand well drilling due to poor economic justifications. As the technology becomes mature and thanks to competitive market condition, the risks and the cost to run the system has come down to the level that its benefits and saving can now be reconsidered.

With RSS ability to directionally drill while maintaining full string rotation, it is obvious that the target wells to apply this system are those where significant amount of time is required to drill with the mud motor, i.e. deep section where weight transfer becomes problematic.

The trials of RSS with Push-the-bit type and Point-the-bit type for performance-drilling had been conducted by starting from the wells and sections that there was significant difference between sliding and rotating rate of penetration (ROP). The application of RSS was then expanded to a more challenging environment in the shallower and softer section. In this paper, the evaluation of RSS performance in fast-drilling environment along with observations of design limitations as well as operational learning curve were discussed. Each RSS type has different restrictions for specific application but through a continuous improvement process, the RSS has proven to be an alternative fit-for-purpose drilling technology for PTTEP to deliver the safest and most economical well.
Planning, Analysis and Integration of Wireline Formation Testing Mini-DST for Shallow Tight Gas Reservoir in Open Hole Well in Offshore Malaysia: A Case Study
Authors: Motaei Eghbal , Johari Azlan Shah B , Hussain Husmidi B
Published: November 2016

A mini drillstem test (DST) with a Wireline Formation Tester (WFT) tool was performed in a low-perm, unconsolidated gas reservoir in a shallow well in offshore Malaysia to obtain high quality gas samples and to determine main reservoir properties. Single probe WFT attempts were unsuccessful in the offset well because of tightness attributed to high silt content. Consequently, the mini-DST was run in open hole, rather than the normal full-bore DST, which was an option for reservoir characterization.

This paper describes a successful reservoir characterization using a mini-DST in an open hole in a shallow low permeability reservoir; it provides background information about the wireline formation tester jobs conducted in an offset well. The paper also addresses the design criteria for performing the mini-DST and delves into the factors that were considered for job planning and proper job performance.

The unconsolidated sand posed some challenges, including a significant risk of sand failure during pumpout. Conversely, the low permeability requires more drawdown to flow the tested interval. The paper also includes the steps undertaken to minimize this risk by analyzing real-time data.

Despite low permeability, a good radial flow was obtained and used to estimate reservoir properties by creating proper drawdown. The high mobility of the low pressure gas in the reservoir compensated for the reservoir tightness. Although the radius of investigation in a relatively short buildup is not sufficiently high, it can still assist in reservoir characterization for development purposes with the integration of core, petrophysical, and DST data.

The paper also demonstrates the contribution of proper job planning and real-time monitoring to overcome operational problems expected while performing mini DSTs in low permeability and unconsolidated reservoirs, and describes methods for addressing those problems.
Production Measurement Correction for ESP Wells Using Modified Connection Set-Up and Procedures on Flow Measurement Units
Authors: Chong Mizan Omar , Ghlom Ahmad , Al-Mufarej Mishal , Al-Sulaili Mousa
Published: November 2016

North Kuwait is in the need of new methodology and procedure for well testing on packer-less Electrical Submersible Pump completion. With the current practice, the inaccuracy of the data will cause problems in well performance analysis, reservoir performance analysis, hydrocarbon back allocation/accounting etc. All of these issues will definitely affect the future development strategy of North Kuwait.

North Kuwait main reservoirs are under water injection for pressure maintenance to arrest the pressure decline and to improve recovery. Most of the production wells in North Kuwait converted from natural flow completion to Electrical Submersible Pump completion to improve the lifting performance of the well. These new Electrical Submersible Pump completion is packer-less to allow the separated gas to be bled off through the casing line while majority of the fluid to be produced with Electrical Submersible Pump through the tubing, this casing line is comingled along with tubing line at the surface after the production choke. The current well testing practice is focusing on tubing flow which is suitable only for packer completion and no longer relevant for these new packer-less Electrical Submersible Pump completion. This is because different well has different behaviors i.e. fluid flow from both tubing and casing due to water injection support or undersize pump; high gas flow from casing due to well producing below bubble points etc.

A new well testing methodology is critical to ensure the data given will represent the actual well behavior. The overall existing well testing procedure been discussed and several options have been developed to include the measurement of casing flow. The main challenge is to have the new methodology ready with minimum cost and as soon as possible since more wells will be equipped with Electrical Submersible Pump in North Kuwait. This paper will explain in details on the development of these options and how it has been selected based on the Kuwait Oil Company technical and safety criteria.

The selected new methodology involved modified connection set-up on all Well Testing Unit working in North Kuwait and it is representing the exact setup of the wellhead. This new methodology tested in three different wells as a pilot test in the field, a special briefing were coordinated among well testing vendors in the field prior to the implementation. The results of the pilot testing show significant improvement on the data reliability and link between well and reservoir behavior. The pilot results comparison will be discussed in detail throughout this paper. This new methodology proved to provide add value to Kuwait Oil Company.
Seismic Driven Lithofacies Integration for Geological Model Infilling in a Deep Offshore Turbiditic Field Case Study
Authors: Da Silva Victoriano , Ronot Cyril , Cadoret Thierry , Brechet Emmanuelle
Published: November 2016

This paper describes a workflow implemented for the geological model infilling of turbiditic channel complexes driven by lithoseismic Pseudo-VClay (PVClay) to constrain the facies modeling. The key challenge is to conciliate seismic resolution and required geological resolution to represent heterogeneities that allow an accurate prediction of fluid flows. For this purpose, facies modelling has been achieved by using two successive steps. The first one is based on a geostatistical proprietary method named Truncated Geophysical Estimation (TGE) using the PVClay attribute to guide the initial Lithofacies Associated Facies (LAF) positioning. The second step of the facies modelling sequence corresponds to a Truncated Gaussian Simulation (TGS). It distributes AF in a stochastic way within each LAF defined at the previous step. Thanks to this second step of facies modelling it becomes possible to introduce geological heterogeneities at the fine scale required by the vertical resolution of the reservoir model.

The advantage of this workflow is that the geological model infilling is conditioned by seismic data and accurately ties the well information. In addition, it can be updated easily in order to integrate new well data. It is also interesting to point-out that the preliminary dynamic simulation delivered by this model allows obtaining a good match with early production data.
Cost Reduction on Onshore Rig Operation with Offline Stand Building System
Authors: Ugasciny A. , Chang B. T. , Hampson A.
Published: November 2016

The oil industry today faces a strong surge on costs as it strives to meet global and national regulatory challenges on safety compliances. Continuous efforts on reducing drilling costs have since been a focus at every level of oil production and in particularly the "flat time" associated with casing running operations.

Running doubles of casing takes tubular running to a new level and evidently offers significant cost benefits. This paper will outline the case study of Offline Standing Building System (OSBS) project initiated at an onshore rig in Brunei. The new approach is based on automated pipe facility concepts, where fully mechanized hands-free pipe feeding and make up systems were deployed to save time and eliminate handling risks. This installation brings a breakthrough in tubular running services as it improves run rates by at least 30%, saving over 100 hours of rig time and associated costs, at an onshore rig in Brunei.

It is the first hands free system deployed in Asia Pacific and now has a proven track record on its success rate. Real time results are gathered and compared with previous run rates on drill floor, and presented in this paper.

It also discusses on the advantages, limitations, challenges encountered and future improvements for the system. The approach is particularly suited for offline operations, which then contributes directly to the drilling operational cost and time. The novelty of the new OSBS is in the integration of pipe feeding system with existing bucking equipment, with reasonable cost reduction by reducing run rates on drill floor.

Mechanization of drilling equipment is in the limelight and is quickly replacing conventional tools. Running doubles of casing is one of such solution brought into Asia Pacific which enhances efficiency and profitability for both operator and contractor.
Extending Field Life for Gas Reservoirs Through Facilities Optimization
Authors: Mion F. S. , Schaapveld M. , Zou S. , Mahra A. , Groote G. A. , Moeleker P.
Published: November 2016

Objectives/Scope

One of the main objectives of the wells, reservoir and facilities management (WRFM) is to reduce production decline caused by falling reservoir pressure and water breakthrough. Traditional WRFM efforts focus on well interventions; however, facilities optimization can also help to maintain production levels, as has been demonstrated in Shell's Sarawak gas asset in Malaysia, where various measures have led to a total of over 50 Bscf of additional gas production over a period of several years for investments less than $1 million per year.

Methods, Procedures, Process

The Sarawak asset is a complex production network of 14 producing gas fields with 3 manned offshore gas-processing hubs, 7 unmanned platforms and 3 subsea installations. The gas network is producing below its plateau production level. The below capacity production leads to slugging in pipeline-riser systems and wells and creates large liquid hold-ups in pipelines. Water production from wells is increasing. To maximize current production and extend production further into the future, a structured exercise to optimize the upstream facilities was started. Unnecessary pressure drops were eliminated, pigging procedures optimized, and slug and water control methodologies implemented.

Results, Observations, Conclusions

Any location where a pressure drop occurs in the process is a potential opportunity for optimization. Opportunities were found in inlet separators, at the compressor suction sides, water handling capacity and platform export locations.

A novel implementation led to a floating pipeline export pressure matching the pipeline operating pressure to maximize production.

Pigging with large liquid hold ups often incur production deferment by cutting production before pig launch or closing the slugcatcher inlet when the liquid comes in. Bypass pigging has been deployed in 7 production lines to fully eliminate deferment.

Shell Sarawak Berhad (SSB) has been making effective use of Shell's proprietary Smart Choke slug control technology to allow pipeline-riser systems to operate far below their minimum turndown rate. It has now become the first company to adopt the technology directly on a well head to lower the impact of slugging from a well.

Dynamic models of multiphase flow pipelines have been built to extend the production cut-off date by lowering the minimum operational flow rate through a combination of operational changes and novel technologies validated by field tests.

Novel/Additive Information

This paper demonstrates the production gains which can be achieved by doing a relatively small investment. The focus lies on facility optimization (part of WRFM) through a process of continuous improvement of proven technologies. A good example is increasing the operating envelope for Shell's Smart Choke slug control system from pipeline-riser systems to wells applications.
Integrated Asset Modeling – Coupling to a Dynamic Well and Network Flow Simulator for Improved Flow Assurance in Field Development Planning and Production Forecasting
Authors: Marmier R. , Branchflower M. , Foucault H.
Published: November 2016

Integrated Asset Modeling is a cross-functional simulation, monitoring and decision support tool which captures the interactions from the Reservoir to the Surface Facilities for the life of field. This paper describes the innovative breakthrough of coupling a dynamic well and network flow simulator to steady-state Reservoir to Surface Integrated Asset Models for improved flow assurance, field development planning and production forecasting. It is now possible to couple a dynamic well and network flow simulator within a steady-state Integrated Asset Model, thanks to a fruitful collaborative partnership between two software vendors. At any point in time, the steady-state simulation can be paused and the required data is automatically transferred to the dynamic well and network flow simulator. The transient simulation is run and the results can then be used further into the steady-state Integrated Asset Model.

Three cases are described in this paper. The first one relates to a generic and public case elaborated for the purpose of the development and is followed by two field cases applications, highlighting the importance of integrating a dynamic well and network flow simulator within an Integrated Asset Model. The second case relates to the dynamic liquid loading assessment of an offshore gas condensate field comprising of several gas reservoirs whose high condensate content, aquifer support and poor reservoir petrophysics expose development wells to severe liquid loading. Using some steady-state assessments such as the Turner Criteria or negative friction gradient may not be enough to assess the severity of the liquid loading. It was therefore decided to use this innovative capability and launch dynamic well flow simulations through the production profile and track the associated tubing liquid volume evolution. The third case relates to the ability of wells to restart in a producing subsea oil field. The current decline of the static pressure is responsible for shortfalls due to well restart issues even though the subsea loop offers the possibility to route the producers from one branch to the other. Steady-state indicators of the ability of the well to restart from steady-state nodal analysis are complemented by dynamic restart simulations in the dynamic well and network flow simulator to accurately predict restart issues and to plan short to mid-term remedial actions.
Clinical course of untreated thalamic cavernous malformations: hemorrhage risk and neurological outcomes
Authors: Tian Kai-Bing , Zheng Jing-Jie , Ma Jun-Peng , Hao Shu-Yu , Wang Liang , Zhang Li-Wei , Wu Zhen , Zhang Jun-Ting , Li Da
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE

The natural history of cerebral cavernous malformations (CMs) has been widely studied, but the clinical course of untreated thalamic CMs is largely unknown. Hemorrhage of these lesions can be devastating. The authors undertook this study to obtain a prospective hemorrhage rate and provide a better understanding of the prognosis of untreated thalamic CMs.

METHODS

This longitudinal cohort study included patients with thalamic CMs who were diagnosed between 2000 and 2015. Clinical data were recorded, radiological studies were extensively reviewed, and follow-up evaluations were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 121 patients were included in the study (56.2% female), with a mean follow-up duration of 3.6 years. The overall annual hemorrhage rate (subsequent to the initial presentation) was calculated to be 9.7% based on the occurrence of 42 hemorrhages over 433.1 patient-years. This rate was highest in patients (n = 87) who initially presented with hemorrhage and focal neurological deficits (FNDs) (14.1%) (χ2 = 15.358, p < 0.001), followed by patients (n = 19) with hemorrhage but without FND (4.5%) and patients (n = 15) without hemorrhage regardless of symptoms (1.2%). The initial patient presentations of hemorrhage with FND (hazard ratio [HR] 2.767, 95% CI 1.336–5.731, p = 0.006) and associated developmental venous anomaly (DVA) (HR 2.510, 95% CI 1.275–4.942, p = 0.008) were identified as independent hemorrhage risk factors. The annual hemorrhage rate was significantly higher in patients with hemorrhagic pres entation at diagnosis (11.7%, p = 0.004) or DVA (15.7%, p = 0.002). Compared with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at diagnosis (mean 2.2), the final mRS score (mean 2.0) was improved in 37 patients (30.6%), stable in 59 patients (48.8%), and worse in 25 patients (20.7%). Lesion size (odds ratio [OR] per 0.1 cm increase 3.410, 95% CI 1.272–9.146, p = 0.015) and mRS score at diagnosis (OR per 1 point increase 3.548, 95% CI 1.815–6.937, p < 0.001) were independent adverse risk factors for poor neurological outcome (mRS score ≥ 2). Patients experiencing hemorrhage after the initial ictus (OR per 1 ictus increase 6.923, 95% CI 3.023–15.855, p < 0.001) had a greater chance of worsened neurological status.

CONCLUSIONS

This study verified the adverse predictors for hemorrhage and functional outcomes of thalamic CMs and demonstrated an overall annual symptomatic hemorrhage rate of 9.7% after the initial presentation. These findings and the mode of initial presentation are useful for clinicians and patients when selecting an appropriate treatment, although the tertiary referral bias of the series should be taken into account.
The Role of miRNAs in Common Inflammatory Arthropathies: Osteoarthritis and Gouty Arthritis
Authors: Papanagnou Panagiota , Stivarou Theodora , Tsironi Maria
Published: November 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA species that are highly evolutionarily conserved, from higher invertebrates to man. Up to 1000 miRNAs have been identified in human cells thus far, where they are key regulators of the expression of numerous targets at the post-transcriptional level. They are implicated in various processes, including cell differentiation, metabolism, and inflammation. An expanding list of miRNAs is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of common, non-autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Interestingly, osteoarthritis (OA) is now being conceptualized as a metabolic disease, as there is a correlation among hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Experimental evidence suggests that metabolic deregulation is a commonality between these different pathological entities, and that miRNAs are key players in the modulation of metabolic routes. In light of these findings, this review discusses the role of miRNAs in OA and gouty arthritis, as well as the possible therapeutic targetability of miRNAs in these diseases.
Application of a Method for Intelligent Multi-Criteria Analysis of the Environmental Impact of Tailing Ponds in Northern Kosovo and Metohija
Authors: Milentijević Gordana , Nedeljković Blagoje , Lekić Milena , Nikić Zoran , Ristović Ivica , Djokić Jelena
Published: November 2016

The technological process of exploitation of mineral resources and processing of mined ores to cater to the market results, among other things, in a large amount of tailings deposed on tailing ponds. Because of the chemical composition of the material, the increasing amount of waste, and the mismanagement of recovery and reclamation of ponds, these ponds have become a significant element of negative impact on the surrounding ecosystem. Economics was behind the discharging of this material, resulting in tailing ponds created in inappropriate areas. There is an ongoing process of depositing tailings on old tailing ponds, although no special attention has been paid to the subsequent effect on the environment. Application of intelligent multi-criteria analysis AHP and PROMETHEE has been performed in this paper for the purpose of ranking the degree of negative impact on the environment of tailing ponds. Analysis is performed for five tailing ponds of MMCC (Mining Metallurgy Chemical Combine) “Trepča”, whereby two of the ponds are active and three inactive. The ponds are in relatively close proximity to the municipalities of Zvečan and Kosovska Mitrovica, to the north of Kosovo and Metohija, Republic of Serbia. In order to achieve the most objective results, the AHP and PROMETHEE methods were applied. By using these methods for calculations, the following ranking for the flotation tailing waste deposits was obtained, regarding their environmental impact: Žitkovac, Tvrđanski Do, Bostanište, Gornje Polje and Žarkov Potok. This result can contribute to the decision-making process of a prioritizing strategy for rehabilitation and remediation of these five flotation tailings. The analysis illustrates that application of intelligent multi-criteria analysis is a useful environmental management tool to be included in the decision-making process.
Perturb and Observe Control for an Embedded Point Pivoted Absorber
Authors: Brando Gianluca , Coiro Domenico , Coppola Marino , Dannier Adolfo , Del Pizzo Andrea , Spina Ivan
Published: November 2016

Marine energy sources represent an attractive and inexhaustible reservoir able to contribute to the fulfillment of the world energy demand in accordance with climate/energy regulatory frameworks. Wave energy converter (WEC) integration into the main grid requires both the maximization of the harvested energy and the proper management of the generation variability. The present paper focuses on both these mentioned issues. More specifically, it presents an embedded point pivoted absorber (PPA) and its related control strategy aimed at maximizing the harvested energy. Experimental and numerical investigations have been carried out in a wave/towing tank facility in order to derive the design characteristics of the full-scale model and demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Travel Mode Detection Based on GPS Raw Data Collected by Smartphones: A Systematic Review of the Existing Methodologies
Authors: Wu Linlin , Yang Biao , Jing Peng
Published: November 2016

Over the past couple of decades, global positioning system (GPS) technology has been utilized to collect large-scale data from travel surveys. As the precise spatiotemporal characteristics of travel could be provided by GPS devices, the issues of traditional travel survey, such as misreporting and non-response, could be addressed. Considering the defects of dedicated GPS devices (e.g., the need for a large sum of money to buy devices, forgetfulness in the taking of devices to collect data, limiting of the sample size because of the number of devices, etc.), and the fact that the smartphone is becoming one of the necessities of life, there is an opportunity for smartphones to replace dedicated GPS devices. Although several general reviews of GPS travel survey and GPS data-processing methods have been written, a systematic review of smartphone-based GPS data collection and travel mode detection has not be made.. The studies were collected from six databases. The purpose of this review is to critically evaluate the current literature on the existing methodologies of travel mode detection based on GPS raw data collected by smartphones. Meanwhile, according to a systematic comparison of the different methods of data preprocessing for travel mode detection, this paper details the strengths and weaknesses of the existing methods. Furthermore, it is a very important step towards developing methodologies and applications for GPS raw data collected by smartphones.
Short-Term Projects versus Adaptive Governance: Conflicting Demands in the Management of Ecological Restoration
Authors: Hodge Ian , Adams William
Published: November 2016

Drawing on a survey of large-scale ecological restoration initiatives, we find that managers face contradictory demands. On the one hand, they have to raise funds from a variety of sources through competitive procedures for individual projects. These projects require the specification of deliverable outputs within a relatively short project period. On the other hand, ecologists argue that the complexity of ecosystem processes means that it is not possible to know how to deliver predetermined outcomes and that governance should be adaptive, long-term and implemented through networks of stakeholders. This debate parallels a debate in public administration between New Public Management and more recent proposals for a new approach, sometimes termed Public Value Management. Both of these approaches have strengths. Projectification provides control and accountability to funders. Adaptive governance recognises complexity and provides for long-term learning, building networks and adaptive responses. We suggest an institutional architecture that aims to capture the major benefits of each approach based on public support dedicated to ecological restoration and long-term funding programmes.
Anti-Complementary Components of Helicteres angustifolia
Authors: Yin Xiang , Lu Yan , Cheng Zhi-Hong , Chen Dao-Feng
Published: November 2016

A first phenalenon derivative with an acetyl side chain at C-8, 8-acetyl-9-hydroxy-3-methoxy-7-methyl-1-phenalenon (compound 1), and a pair of new sesquilignan epimers at C-7″ of hedyotol C and hedyotol D analogs, hedyotol C 7″-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (compound 2) and hedyotol D 7″-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (compound 3) were isolated from the aerial parts of Helicteres angustifolia together with nine known compounds (4–12). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods, including mass spectroscopy, and 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance. Eleven isolates exhibited anti-complementary activity. In particular, compounds 4 and 5 exhibited potent anti-complementary activities against the classical and alternative pathways with CH50 values of 0.040 ± 0.009 and 0.009 ± 0.002 mM, and AP50 values of 0.105 ± 0.015 and 0.021 ± 0.003 mM, respectively. The targets of compounds 4 and 5 in the complement activation cascade were also identified. In conclusion, the anti-complementary components of H. angustifolia possessed chemical diversity and consisted mostly of flavonoids and lignans in this study.
TTF1, in the Form of Nanoparticles, Inhibits Angiogenesis, Cell Migration and Cell Invasion In Vitro and In Vivo in Human Hepatoma through STAT3 Regulation
Authors: Xiao Bin , Lin Dongjing , Zhang Xuan , Zhang Meilan , Zhang Xuewu
Published: November 2016

TTF1-NP (5,2′,4′-trihydroxy-6,7,5′-trimethoxyflavone nanoparticles), derived from the traditional Changbai Mountain medicinal plant Sorbaria sorbifolia (SS), has been showed its anti-cancer effect in various liver cancer cell types and tissues. The present study was designed to evaluate the antitumor mechanism of the TTF1-NP against HepG2 hepatoma cells and HepG2 cells-induced hepatocarcinoma (HCC) in nude mouse model. Here we demonstrated that TTF1-NP inhibits tube formation of HUVECs and HepG2 cell migration and invasion, and inhibits tumor growth in nude mice implanted with HepG2 cells through the downregulation of STAT3 protein and activation, along with VEGF, KDR, bFGF, MMP2 and MMP9 levels. We further revealed that TTF1-NP decreased the DNA-binding capacity of STAT3. Together our results provide a mechanism by which TTF1-NP suppresses cancer cell migration, invasion and angiogenesis through the action of STAT3 and suggests TTF1-NP as a potential therapy for hepatocellular cancer treatment.
Older Swedish Adults with High Self-Perceived Health Show Optimal 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels Whereas Vitamin D Status Is Low in Patients with High Disease Burden
Authors: Carlsson Martin , Wanby Pär , Brudin Lars , Lexne Erik , Mathold Karin , Nobin Rebecca , Ericson Lisa , Nordqvist Ola , Petersson Göran
Published: November 2016

Controversy pervades the definition of adequate and optimal vitamin D status. The Institutes of Medicine have recommended serum 25(OH)D levels above 50 nmol/L based upon evidence related to bone health, but some experts, including the Endocrine Society and International Osteoporosis Foundation, suggest a minimum serum 25(OH)D level of 75 nmol/L to reduce the risk of falls and fractures in older adults. In a cross-sectional study, we compared vitamin D status in people ≥75 years selected from four groups with a frailty phenotype, combined with a control group free from serious illness, and who considered themselves completely healthy. Only 13% of the 169 controls were vitamin D deficient (S-25(OH)D) < 50 nmol/L), in contrast with 49% of orthopedic patients with hip fractures (n = 133), 31% of stroke patients (n = 122), 39% of patients visiting the hospital’s emergency department ≥4 times a year (n = 81), and 75% of homebound adult residents in long-term care nursing homes (n = 51). The mean vitamin D concentration of the healthy control group (74 nmol/L) was similar to a suggested optimal level based on physiological data and mortality studies, and much higher than that of many officially recommended cut-off levels for vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L). The present study provides a basis for planning and implementing public guidelines for the screening of vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D treatment for frail elderly patients.
Synthesis of Novel Temperature- and pH-Sensitive ABA Triblock Copolymers P(DEAEMA-co-MEO2MA-co-OEGMA)-b-PEG-b-P(DEAEMA-co-MEO2MA-co-OEGMA): Micellization, Sol–Gel Transitions, and Sustained BSA Release
Authors: Han Yanan , Liu Shouxin , Mao Hongguang , Tian Lei , Ning Wenyan
Published: November 2016

Novel temperature- and pH-responsive ABA-type triblock copolymers, P(DEAEMA-co-MEO2MA-co-OEGMA)-b-PEG-b-P(DEAEMA-co-MEO2MA-co-OEGMA), composed of a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) middle block and temperature- and pH-sensitive outer blocks, were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The composition and structure of the copolymer were characterized by 1H NMR and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The temperature- and pH-sensitivity, micellization, and the sol–gel transitions of the triblock copolymers in aqueous solutions were studied using transmittance measurements, surface tension, viscosity, fluorescence probe technique, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta-potential measurements, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the triblock copolymer, which contains a small amount of a weak base group, (N,N-diethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA), can be tuned precisely and reversibly by changing the solution pH. When the copolymer concentration was sufficiently high, increasing temperature resulted in the free-flowing solution transformation into a micellar gel. The sol-to-gel transition temperature (Tsol–gel) in aqueous solution will continue to decrease as solution concentration increases.
Miniaturized and Wireless Optical Neurotransmitter Sensor for Real-Time Monitoring of Dopamine in the Brain
Authors: Kim Min , Yoon Hargsoon , Choi Sang , Zhao Fei , Kim Jongsung , Song Kyo , Lee Uhn
Published: November 2016

Real-time monitoring of extracellular neurotransmitter concentration offers great benefits for diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders and diseases. This paper presents the study design and results of a miniaturized and wireless optical neurotransmitter sensor (MWONS) for real-time monitoring of brain dopamine concentration. MWONS is based on fluorescent sensing principles and comprises a microspectrometer unit, a microcontroller for data acquisition, and a Bluetooth wireless network for real-time monitoring. MWONS has a custom-designed application software that controls the operation parameters for excitation light sources, data acquisition, and signal processing. MWONS successfully demonstrated a measurement capability with a limit of detection down to a 100 nanomole dopamine concentration, and high selectivity to ascorbic acid (90:1) and uric acid (36:1).
Achieving Successful River Restoration in Dense Urban Areas: Lessons from Taiwan
Authors: Chou Rung-Jiun
Published: November 2016

A paradigm shift in river management practice is underway, from a hard engineering-dominated emphasis that endeavours to control water, to a multi-functionality-framed approach that strives to restore a river’s ecology, scenery and ecosystem services. In Taiwan, the Laojie River in Taoyuan City, where a channelized and piped urban river was recently transformed into an accessible, linear green infrastructure feature, is widely regarded as the first extensive and successful river restoration project in Taiwan’s densely-urbanized, flood-prone areas, yet its actual performance is rarely examined in any depth. Through in-depth interviews, fieldwork and a review of government documents, this paper presents findings on the practical factors involved in the practice of river restoration and their implications for urban river management. First, local people support river restoration with de-culverting, but potential flooding is a concern that results from different flood-risk perceptions and ineffective flood-risk communication between the government and public. Second, a mix of hard and soft edges to the watercourse improves the riverside landscapes in a densely-urban, flood-prone area. Third, due to a lack of basin-wide supporting sanitary sewer systems, a combination of on-site gravel contact oxidation treatment systems and riverside sewage-intercepting facilities still fails to improve the river water quality. Fourth, people’s positive attitudes towards river restoration are largely associated with landscape aesthetics and recreational value, rather than water quality and biodiversity. It is revealed that using the Cheonggyecheon Stream in South Korea as a frame for river restoration seems effective in providing local people with an example of successful river restoration, based mainly on flood prevention and recreational and aesthetic improvement. Moreover, the effective flood-risk communication is mainly reliant on an intelligible presentation of related information to the general public. Practical, continuous and extensive public participation, with various types of involvement and resources along with a solid system of social objectives by which to assess the outcome, is central to the social aspect of river restoration.
Fluctuating Asymmetry in Two Common Freshwater Fishes as a Biological Indicator of Urbanization and Environmental Stress within the Middle Chattahoochee Watershed
Authors: Lutterschmidt William , Martin Samantha , Schaefer Jacob
Published: November 2016

Deviations in bilateral symmetry or fluctuating asymmetry of an organism may result under environmental stressors that reduce developmental homeostasis and stability. Anthropogenic stressors such as increased urbanization can negatively impact environmental quality of aquatic ecosystems. Researchers have stressed the value in finding easy, accurate and inexpensive methods for assessing potential stress within ecosystems. Here we use fluctuating asymmetry (FA) as a useful quantitative tool in assessing the environmental quality and potential urban-based stressors within eight creeks of the Bull and Upatoi Creeks Watershed within the larger watershed of the Middle Chattahoochee. Using Geographic Information System (GIS), we characterize land-use patterns and a decreasing urbanization gradient as related to each creek’s eastward position from Columbus, Georgia. We collected two common fishes (redbreast sunfish; Lepomis auritus and bluegill; Lepomis macrochirus), measured both metric and meristic traits and investigated if the degree of FA in these two common fishes correlated with the urbanization gradient across creeks. We found significant differences in FA among creeks with one of the highest FA measures for the most urban creek. Principal component analysis (PCA) scores of urbanization and water chemistry were regressed against FA scores. We found no significant relationship between urbanization and FA nor environmental water chemistry and FA among creeks. We comment on the use of FA as a potential response variable and biological indicator of environmental stress within this watershed.